Cuba visa requirements
The Cuba visa is subject to a number of requirements. You may only travel to Cuba with this type of visa if you meet all the requirements listed on this page. You can easily apply for an electronic visa on this website.
Is my nationality eligible to apply for a visa for Cuba?
If you want to travel to Cuba on an electronic visa, your passport must meet a number of requirements. Firstly, your nationality must be eligible to apply for the e-visa. Nationals of European countries can always apply for an e-visa.
Nationals of certain countries, such as China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, may stay in Cuba for a limited period of time without a visa. There are also a number of nationalities that are not eligible for the electronic visa (for example, India, the Philippines and Nigeria). However, these nationalities can obtain a visa in the traditional way, i.e. by contacting a visa agency or the Cuban embassy in their country of origin.
If you have are a Cuban national, you must travel to Cuba with your Cuban passport, even you if you no longer live in Cuba. If you do not have a Cuban passport, you must provide official documentation to prove that you no longer hold Cuban nationality.
What requirements must my passport meet?
If you want to apply for a Cuban visa, your passport must be valid for at least six more months on the day you leave Cuba. If your passport is due to expire soon, it is best to renew it in good time so that you can travel to Cuba with peace of mind. Minors also need their own passport and visa to travel to Cuba.
Travelling to the United States after visiting Cuba
Please note that if you travel to Cuba, you will no longer be able to travel to the United States on an ESTA. If you have been to Cuba after January 12, 2021, you will need to apply for a regular visa to visit the United States. Please bear this in mind when planning your holiday.
Your reason for travel to Cuba
You may only travel to Cuba on an electronic visa if you are travelling as a tourist and staying at an accommodation recognised by the Cuban authorities. If you are travelling to Cuba as a tourist but wish to stay with friends or family, you cannot apply for an electronic visa; you must apply for a different type of visa. If your parents or spouse are Cuban nationals, you may apply for a family visa. You cannot apply for a family visa on this website.
If you are not travelling to Cuba for tourism, but for business or studies, you will need to apply for a visa through the embassy.
You can only apply for an e-visa if you are visiting Cuba as a tourist. For any other travel reason, you must apply for a visa through the embassy.
Requirements regarding validity
The tourist visa for Cuba generally allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. You can extend your visa once, for a further 90 days. This allows you to stay in the country for a total of 180 days. If you exceed the visa validity period you may face a fine or deportation.
Arrival in Cuba
Upon arrival in Cuba, you must present the following:
- Your passport
- Your visa
- Proof of health insurance (in principle, your health insurance card is enough).
Having all the necessary documents does not guarantee your entry in Cuba. Ultimately, it is always the customs officer who decides whether you will be allowed to enter the country. If there are reasons to think that you pose a threat to public security in Cuba, you may be refused entry. However, this happens on very rare occasions.
Once you have been admitted, your biometric data will be taken, including fingerprints and identity photos. Please remember to carry your passport and visa with you for the rest of your journey so that you can show them if asked.
Fill in the D’Viajeros form
Before travelling to Cuba, you must fill in the D’Viajeros immigration form. Please complete it on the Cuban authorities’ website. You can do this up to 7 days before your arrival in Cuba. You will need to provide, among other data, your expected date of arrival, the address of your accommodation and a series of passport details. Once you have completed the form, a PDF document with a QR code will appear. Print it out and carry it with you during your trip to Cuba. Upon arrival in Cuba, you must show this QR code to immigration officials.
