Cuba
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cuba’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Cuba set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Cuba, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
If you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist visa, also known as a tourist card, before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator. You can also apply for an electronic visa through the eVisa-Cuba site. When your application is approved, you will receive a ten-character code which should be entered as you fill in your advance passenger information on the DViajeros platform (see below). This will generate a QR code to be presented to the immigration authorities at the border. The electronic visa will be linked to the applicant’s passport.
You must also show proof of onward or return travel. See Cuba’s consular services information for details.
For more information and advice about other types of visas, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.
Overstaying your visa
The authorities take any breach of immigration rules seriously. You could be detained if you overstay your visa.
Checks at border control
You must complete an online arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal within 72 hours before entering the country. You’ll get a QR code by email. This must be shown to the authorities on arrival as an electronic or printed version. Airlines will check completion of the form at check-in.
You should download or print your completed DViajeros form as a PDF, as wifi may not be accessible to do so on arrival in Cuba.
Travelling from the USA to Cuba
US regulations do not authorise tourist travel to Cuba from the US. Travellers departing the US for Cuba are generally required to certify that their travel falls within one of the 12 categories for which the US authorities approve direct travel to Cuba.
For more information see the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba.
Travelling from Cuba to the USA
You cannot travel from Cuba to the USA without a US visa.
Vaccine requirements
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cuba guide.
Customs rules
There are rules about the types of goods you can take into and out of Cuba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Art and antiques
Some art and antiques require an export permit from the Country Heritage Office (‘Bienes Culturales’). Ask the vendor if they have the required permit for the item you are buying. At the airport, you may need to show the receipt.
Photography equipment
You may need an import licence for photography equipment, as well as the appropriate journalism visa.
Drones
You are not allowed to bring drones into Cuba. They will be confiscated on arrival and not returned until your departure. The process for getting your drone back could be lengthy.
Food items
You cannot take meat products, milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds or organic matter into Cuba, with some exceptions.
Electrical items and GPS on mobiles
Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are subject to import requirements. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but you must turn off any inbuilt GPS.
Complete a customs form if items are confiscated on your arrival so you can collect them on your departure date.
Taking money into Cuba
The Cuban national peso (CUP ‘moneda nacional’) is the official currency and cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba. Declare foreign currency you’re taking into Cuba if the value is more than 5,000 US dollars.
It is illegal to exchange money anywhere other than Cadeca exchange houses. See ‘Money’ on the Safety and security page.