Entry Requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the rules currently in place as far as we know. The authorities in Cuba are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry and can change at any time.
If youre unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, youll need to contact your embassy, high commission or consulate.
USA Travelers
Flying in via USA Travelling for tourism reasons directly from the USA to Cuba isn’t allowed under US law. The law applies to US nationals and all foreign nationals who are either resident in the USA, or travelling through the USA en route to Cuba.
Those travelling on direct flights between the UK and Cuba, or via other countries excluding the USA, are unaffected by this US legislation. Under certain conditions, travel is permitted from the USA to Cuba, including on the direct flights which now operate between the 2 countries.
Everybody travelling on these routes (both US citizens and foreign nationals) will need to comply with US law and travel for one of 12 permitted reasons/categories of travel. Tourism isn’t one of these 12 permitted reasons/categories.
For more information see the US Department of the Treasury website and the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Cuba.
As well as tourist visas, there are other visa categories for different types of travellers. If youre entering Cuba as a tourist, youll need to get a tourist card before you travel. If youre a dual national, you should contact the Cuban Embassy for advice on entry requirements before you travel.
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required although we would advise you have at least 6 months just to be sure.
Health Screening at Entry Ports
The Cuban authorities have strengthened their health screening at entry ports. If you show symptoms of a temperature or infectious disease like Zika; or have come in contact with a suspected carrier of the disease, you may be subjected to a medical examination. In some cases you may be referred for medical observation for up to 10 days.
Airport Tax
There’s a mandatory airport tax of 25 Cuban convertible pesos (CUCs). This fee should be included in the cost of your airline ticket. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Customs Regulations
Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated.
Confiscated items are normally returned on departure.
Mobile telephones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but any inbuilt GPS should be disconnected or disabled. For more information on Cuban customs regulations, including a list of prohibited and regulated items, visit the Cuban Customs Administration website.