Cuba Entry Requirements

This Cuba Entry Requirements is the list of documents and arrangements you need to have in place in order enter Cuba without problems. Because I am from Canada, the list safely covers all Cuba Entry Requirements for Canadians. There is a 99% chance that regardless of where you are from, the entry requirements will be the same for you too. However your country could have some special arrangements (good or bad) made with Cuba so the specifics could vary for you. It is imperative that you consult with nearest Cuban embassy to learn if anything that’s not on this list is also required.

Remember – it is always your responsibility to ensure that you have everything you need to enter the country. This list of entry requirements to Cuba is a guide to help you make sure you are not missing anything. The entry requirements are subject to change anytime without notice. Always double check with Cuban embassy for most up to date requirements.

Also remember – regardless of which country you are travelling to, it is always the prerogative of that particular country to determine who is granted entry and who is not. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. Let’s take a look at entry requirements for Cuba. Here’s the list of what you need to get in:

Passport

It’s the most important and the only official and widely recognized travel document. Certificate of citizenship is not a travel document. When it comes to Cuba in particular, passport is absolutely mandatory. Every tourist MUST have a passport and your passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your intended departure from Cuba.

Tourist Card

As per Cuban government requirements, every foreigner travelling to Cuba must have valid visa. If you’re travelling to Cuba as a tourist, the Tourist Card will be your visa. Canadians tourists get the Tourist Card form their tour operator and it is included in price of the ticket.

If you’re visiting Cuba on a privately organized flight, or if you’re departing from country other than Canada, consult closes Cuban government office to purchase the Tourist Card from them. Some airports and travel agents sell Tourist Cards as well so it is possible to obtain one form them. The cost varies based on the region, but expect to pay an average of $30.

Note – Tourist Card only allows entry for tourists. It is illegal to engage in business activities when travelling on a Tourist Card. Business, Persona and Student visa are available for persons looking to undertake respective activities. Read more about it below:

Visa

Unless you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you will need to apply for visa with Cuban government office in your country of residence. Travellers who are intending to stay at a private residence in Cuba may need Personal Visa. Travellers who are intending to do business in Cuba, may need Business Visa. If you’re looking to study in Cuba, you will need Student Visa.

Unlike the Tourist Card, Visa gives you further privileges while in Cuba, but must be applied for. It is again sole prerogative of Cuban government to decide is issued visa and who is declined.

Return Air Ticket

Most tourists travelling to Cuba had purchased an all inclusive holiday. That includes a return air ticket, an accommodation and provision of food and drink for the duration of your vacation. If you had purchased an all inclusive vacation, you will likely travel on a flight carrier owned by your tour operator and they will provide you will sufficient documents to prove that you have an all inclusive vacation in Cuba paid for. In this case you may not need to prove anything further to the customs officials.

If you hadn’t purchased an all inclusive vacation, it is advisable to have a return air ticket upon entry to Cuba to avoid possible problems.

Sufficient Funds

If you’re an “air-only” traveller to Cuba, customs officials may also require you to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Cuba. That means that you must have an equivalent of at least CUC$ 50 per day of your stay.

Travellers with Children

If you’re travelling with children, you may be required to provide evidence of parental/custodial rights. If you are not the parent or legal guardian of a child you’re travelling with, the authorities (on both sides of border) may require you to provide evidence that child’s parents or legal guardians consented to child’s travel with you.

Any underage children travelling to Cuba without parents may need special letter of consent. It is absolutely essential to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in your country prior to departure to make sure you are familiar with specific requirements for this type of travel.

ONCE AGAIN: I am Canadian and I know the above listed entry requirements are applicable to bearers of Canadian passport. I am not familiar with bilateral agreements between Cuba and other countries of the world. You should always check with the foreign affairs office of your country to get yourself familiar with specific requirements relevant to your country to ensure you have what you need to get to Cuba without problems.