Cuba visa requirements

Travellers visiting Cuba may need a tourist visa or electronic visa before departure, depending on their nationality, travel route and purpose of visit. In addition, visitors must meet Cuba’s passport and entry requirements and complete the D’Viajeros traveller form before arrival.

Cuba’s entry rules can change, so check the requirements that apply to your passport before booking non-refundable travel. Moreover, people travelling from the United States, or those subject to US jurisdiction, must consider separate US travel restrictions in addition to Cuba’s immigration rules.

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Cuba entry requirements at a glance

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. However, many leisure travellers should prepare the following before travelling to Cuba:

• Passport: Carry a valid passport that meets the requirements for your nationality and planned stay.
• Tourist visa or eVisa: Obtain the appropriate Cuban visa before travel if your nationality requires one.
• D’Viajeros form: Complete Cuba’s online traveller information form within 72 hours before entry.
• QR code: Save the QR code generated after completing D’Viajeros and keep it accessible at check-in and on arrival.
• Return or onward travel: Be ready to show evidence of your planned departure if requested.
• Medical insurance: Carry proof of suitable travel medical insurance for Cuba.

Requirements can differ according to your passport, departure country and type of journey. Therefore, confirm the rules before travelling rather than relying only on previous trips to Cuba.

Do you need a visa for Cuba?

Whether you need a visa for Cuba depends mainly on your nationality and reason for travel. Many tourists need a Cuban tourist visa or eVisa, while some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry under specific conditions.

Business trips, study, employment, journalism and other non-tourist visits can involve different permission. Consequently, use the visa category that matches the actual purpose of your trip.

If you are unsure which permission applies, check with a Cuban embassy or consulate or use official Cuban consular information before travelling.

Cuba tourist visa and eVisa

Cuba operates an electronic tourist visa system. The official Cuban eVisa service links the electronic visa to the passport used for the application and sends the visa details to the applicant by email.

To apply through the official service, you need a valid passport and an email address. Furthermore, Cuba’s official eVisa portal states that applicants should normally receive a response within 72 business hours, although you should allow extra time for delays or additional checks.

Apply for or check a Cuba eVisa on the official Cuban Foreign Ministry website.

How the Cuba eVisa works

After approval, you receive an electronic visa code linked to your passport. You then use the relevant visa information when completing the D’Viajeros traveller form before entering Cuba.

Make sure the passport details in your application are accurate. If you replace your passport after obtaining the eVisa, check whether you need a new visa before travelling because the electronic permission is linked to the passport used for the application.

How long can you stay in Cuba?

The permitted stay depends on the visa or entry permission issued to you and your nationality. Therefore, check the conditions attached to your visa rather than assuming that every tourist receives the same length of stay.

If you want to remain in Cuba beyond the period initially granted, contact the Cuban immigration authorities before your permission expires.

Visa-free entry to Cuba

Some passport holders can visit Cuba without obtaining a tourist visa for certain short stays. However, visa-free entry does not remove the need to meet Cuba’s other immigration requirements.

For example, you may still need to complete D’Viajeros, carry suitable travel medical insurance and show evidence of your onward or return journey. In addition, the maximum visa-free stay can vary by nationality.

Check the rules for the passport you will actually use for travel, especially if you hold more than one nationality.

Cuba passport requirements

Your passport must meet Cuba’s entry rules for your nationality and remain valid for the required period. Airlines may also check passport validity before allowing you to board.

Passport rules published by national governments sometimes differ because they describe the requirements for their own citizens. Therefore, avoid applying one country’s guidance to every traveller and confirm the rule that applies to your passport.

Do not travel using a passport that has been reported lost or stolen, even if you later recovered it. Border systems may continue to record the document as invalid.

D’Viajeros arrival form

Travellers entering Cuba must complete the D’Viajeros online traveller information form before arrival. The form combines information required for immigration, customs and public health procedures.

You can complete the form within 72 hours before entering Cuba. Afterwards, the system generates a QR code that you should save on your phone or print before travelling.

Airlines may check that you have completed the form at check-in. Consequently, do not leave it until you reach Cuba, where internet access may be unreliable.

Complete the official D’Viajeros traveller form.

Do you need to print the D’Viajeros QR code?

You can generally present the QR code electronically. Nevertheless, keeping a printed copy provides a useful backup if your phone loses power, you cannot access your email or you have connectivity problems.

Travel medical insurance for Cuba

Travellers should carry proof of valid medical insurance when entering Cuba. Cuban authorities may ask to see evidence that your policy provides appropriate medical cover during your stay.

If your insurance does not satisfy the entry requirements, you may need to obtain local cover. Therefore, check your policy wording before departure and keep your insurance certificate or policy details accessible.

For vaccinations, health risks and preparing for medical care abroad, see our Cuba travel health advice.

Documents you may need to enter Cuba

Keep important travel documents together and make sure you can access copies if your phone or luggage becomes unavailable. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, border or airline staff may ask for:

• a valid passport;
• your Cuba tourist visa, eVisa or evidence of visa-free eligibility;
• your completed D’Viajeros QR code;
• proof of return or onward travel;
• details of where you will stay in Cuba; and
• proof of travel medical insurance.

Border officials can ask additional questions about your visit. As a result, make sure your answers and documents accurately reflect your travel plans.

Travelling to Cuba from the United States

Cuba’s immigration requirements and US restrictions on Cuba-related travel are separate. People subject to US jurisdiction must make sure that their Cuba travel complies with US law as well as Cuban entry requirements.

US rules do not generally authorise travel-related transactions for ordinary tourism. Instead, eligible travel must fall within an authorised category or receive other appropriate authorisation.

Authorised categories include family visits, official government business, journalistic activity, professional research and meetings, educational activities, religious activities, certain athletic competitions, support for the Cuban people, humanitarian projects and several other defined activities.

Moreover, travelling through a third country does not remove US restrictions if you remain subject to US jurisdiction. Check the current US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control guidance on Cuba before arranging travel.

Can US citizens visit Cuba for a holiday?

US regulations do not permit travel-related transactions for Cuba when the sole purpose is ordinary tourism. A traveller who relies on a general licence must meet the conditions of the relevant authorised category.

Do not assume that taking a flight through Canada, Mexico or another country changes these obligations. Instead, check whether your planned activities meet the applicable US rules.

Can visiting Cuba affect US ESTA eligibility?

Yes. A visit to Cuba can affect future travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.

In general, nationals of Visa Waiver Programme countries who travelled to or were present in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 are not eligible to use the programme and normally need to apply for a US visa instead. However, limited exceptions can apply to certain diplomatic or military travel.

This rule can matter even if you are not a US citizen and only plan to transit through the United States later. Therefore, consider future US travel before visiting Cuba and check the latest US Customs and Border Protection Visa Waiver Programme guidance.

Extending your stay in Cuba

If you want to stay in Cuba longer than your initial permission allows, contact the relevant Cuban immigration office before your authorised stay expires. The availability and length of an extension can depend on your nationality, visa type and circumstances.

Do not assume that an extension will be automatic. Moreover, leave enough time to resolve any documentation or payment requirements before your current permission ends.

Leaving and re-entering Cuba

Leaving Cuba can end the entry permission associated with a particular visit. If you plan to travel to another country and then return to Cuba, check whether your visa permits re-entry or whether you need new permission.

This is especially important for multi-country Caribbean or Central American itineraries. Therefore, confirm your re-entry requirements before leaving Cuba rather than waiting until your return flight.

FAQs: Cuba visa requirements

Check the latest Cuba entry requirements

Visa rules, airline procedures and border requirements can change at short notice. Therefore, verify the latest information before every trip, even if you have visited Cuba previously.

Use Cuba’s official eVisa service for electronic tourist visa information and the official D’Viajeros portal for the traveller arrival form. For help planning the rest of your trip, explore our Cuba travel guide, where you can find practical information about health, connectivity and local Cuban culture.