Foreign travel advice

Cuba

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.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Cuba.

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.

Visa requirements

If you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist card before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator.

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 the arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal at least 72 hours before you arrive. You’ll get a QR code to show to the authorities on arrival.

Travelling from the USA to Cuba      

Under US law, you are not allowed to travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism.

There are 12 reasons or categories for which the USA authorities will approve direct travel from the USA to Cuba. For more information see the US Department of the Treasury website, the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba and the Code of Federal Regulations.

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 strict rules about 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.

You must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else. See Money.