Dreaming of Cuba's white-sand beaches, vintage American cars, the vibrant atmosphere of Havana, or the lush valleys of Viñales? Before you pack your bags, it's essential to understand the entry requirements for Cuba. The island, though warm and welcoming, requires visitors to have a number of documents and administrative precautions in place.

Valid Passport

To enter Cuba, you must have a valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Cuban territory, and in most cases, 6 months after your planned return date. It must remain valid throughout your entire stay. Ensure the document is in good condition. A damaged or incomplete passport can result in denial of boarding or entry to the country.

If your passport is lost while in Cuba, you must visit a Cuban immigration office to obtain a replacement, which involves fees. Minor children, regardless of age, must also have their own valid individual passport, even when traveling with their parents. Additionally, entry to Cuba requires presentation of a round-trip airline ticket, essential proof of the touristic and temporary nature of your visit.

Tourist Card or Tourist Visa

All travelers wishing to enter Cuba for a tourist stay must obtain a visa before departure. Despite its name, Cuba has never required a traditional visa for short tourist stays, but rather a tourist card that serves as entry authorization.

This card, which is paid for and valid for 1 month from entry into Cuban territory, must be presented at boarding. It can be obtained from a Cuban consulate, an authorized travel agency, or through certain airlines. The tourist card is valid for 6 months from issuance but can only be used once for a 30-day stay, extendable once while in Cuba for an equivalent duration.

However, the tourist card system was abolished as of July 1, 2025, for air arrivals and replaced by a mandatory electronic visa called the e-Visa. In other words, if you plan to arrive in Cuba by sea, you must use a specific tourist card, which can be obtained directly at the port of entry. To date, the tourist card continues to exist, but only in this particular case.

Electronic Visa or e-Visa

The e-Visa is valid for a single air entry into Cuban territory. It can be used for 1 year after issuance, but once you enter, it authorizes a maximum stay of 90 days, with the possibility of a single extension for an additional 90 days, provided you request it from the immigration services. Beyond 180 days, you must leave the country.

All international travelers, including children and infants, must now obtain this digital visa to enter Cuba. The reform reflects Cuban authorities' desire to modernize and simplify entry procedures by eliminating paper documents and generalizing the online process.

The visa costs approximately 22 euros per person. Payment cannot be made online directly on the eVisaCuba platform but must be made by bank transfer or certified check, according to procedures specific to each consulate. Once the application is submitted, the consulate handling your case processes the fee and then issues the electronic visa by email. This takes the form of a unique personal code to be used when filling out the D'Viajeros entry form.

The e-Visa application must be made at least seven days before departure. It can be initiated on the official eVisaCuba website, at a Cuban embassy, or through authorized agencies. These agencies can sometimes offer expedited processing and provide online payment options by credit card. Processing time is generally quick once payment is validated.

The D'Viajeros Digital Entry Form

Once you obtain your e-Visa, all travelers must complete the D'Viajeros digital form, accessible online on the official Cuban authorities' website at the official D'viajeros site. This free requirement must be completed within 72 hours before departure and no later than 7 days before arrival in Cuba.

The form allows you to declare passport information, travel details, and your e-Visa number. Once the declaration is submitted, a travel document is automatically generated, consolidating these elements in the form of a QR code. This document, whether printed or kept on an electronic device, must be presented at check-in and upon arrival, alongside your passport, travel insurance certificate, and return or connecting ticket.

This QR code is essential for passing through customs controls, as without it, the e-Visa is not considered valid. In parallel, travelers transiting through the United States must comply with American requirements and justify their travel under one of the twelve authorized categories. They will also need to complete specific forms required by American authorities before boarding.

Travel Insurance

Since May 1, 2010, travel insurance that includes medical coverage is mandatory for entry to Cuba. Upon arrival, immigration agents may require a personalized certificate proving that you have obtained travel insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and ideally, repatriation. Without proof, you will be required to purchase local insurance directly at the airport from a Cuban insurer.

It is therefore strongly recommended that you take precautions before departure by purchasing comprehensive insurance that also covers travel contingencies such as cancellation, baggage loss, or delays. This document may also be requested if you wish to extend your stay beyond 30 days. In that case, immigration services will systematically require valid insurance, just like other travel documents. To avoid any complications, it's best to print the certificate provided by your insurer and keep it handy.

Proof of Accommodation

Recently, Cuban authorities have become more attentive to tourists' lodging conditions. It is recommended to have a hotel reservation for your first nights or an address of lodging with a local resident (Casa Particular), duly registered and authorized to host foreign travelers. Some airlines request this proof at check-in.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry to Cuba. However, health authorities may conduct checks in the event of an international epidemic.

General recommendations include:

• Being up to date with universal vaccines (DTP/Polio, hepatitis B)
• Considering vaccines against hepatitis A or typhoid for extended stays or rural areas

Return Ticket and Proof of Exit from Territory

Cuban authorities may require proof of exit from the territory (return ticket or ticket to another destination). Even if this is not systematic, it's best to have it with you when passing through customs. For minor children traveling alone or with an adult who does not have parental authority, authorization for exit from the territory is mandatory.

Special Cases

For trips involving transit through the United States, it is essential to obtain an ESTA electronic authorization in addition to the appropriate Cuban visa. Travelers going to Cuba for non-tourist purposes, particularly journalists or those on professional missions, must submit a request for a specific visa to the competent Cuban consulate.