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The most important information about entering Cuba

What documents do I need to enter Cuba?

When you arrive, you should be able to provide immigration officials with the following:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of a return flight
  • Address of first accommodation
  • Health declaration D'Viajeros
  • It is always worth taking additional photos and/or photocopies of all your documents with you so that you can prove your nationality if necessary.

    Where Can I Find Updated Entry Information for Cuba?

    While we regularly update our information on Cuba's entry regulations, please be aware that changes can happen quickly. Travel warnings, quarantine measures, and health protocols may shift on short notice. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking official sources such as the U.S. State Department's travel advisory page for Cuba, as well as the Cuban Embassy in the United States.

    It’s always a good idea to double-check with the relevant authorities before your trip to stay informed of any last-minute changes that might affect your travel plans.

    Details on documents for entry

    Passport must be valid for 6 months upon departure

    To enter Cuba, U.S. travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond their departure date. Ensure your passport is up to date before you travel. Every traveler, including children, must have their own passport.

    Proof of return flight is required upon entry

    Upon arrival in Cuba, you will be required to show proof of a return or onward flight. The Cuban government mandates that all visitors provide clear evidence of an organized departure from the country. To avoid any delays at immigration, be sure to book your return flight in advance and bring a printed or digital copy of your flight confirmation.

    Cuba awaits you​

    Show address of first accommodation upon entry

    When you arrive in Cuba, you will be required to complete a form that includes your personal details, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your trip. You’ll also need to provide the address of your first accommodation. If you’ve booked with Cuba Buddy, simply present the vouchers we issue for your hotel or casa particular (private home).

    A tourist card (the Cuban visa) is required upon entry

    A tourist card, which functions as a visa, is mandatory for all travelers entering Cuba. This applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens and children. You can apply for the tourist card in advance at the Cuban Embassy, or you can order one easily through our services. For more details, check out our visa information page.

    Entering Cuba without the proper authorization is illegal and could lead to serious consequences. The tourist card allows you to stay for up to 90 days and is subject to a fee. Don’t worry, at Cuba Buddy, we’ll take care of obtaining your tourist card to make your trip hassle-free.

    You can also get tourist cards for Cuba from us

    Don’t lose your tourist card!

    Make sure you carry your tourist card with you throughout your stay in Cuba. The authorities will check you when you enter and also when you leave. Your tourist card contains two removable parts. When you arrive in Cuba, the authorities take one half and at the end of your stay, the other half. It is also advisable to take photos of all your official documents. Email these photos to yourself so that you can access your documents at any time in case you lose them.

    Further information about the conditions for entry into Cuba can be found here.

    We at Cuba Buddy recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes health insurance, trip cancellation insurance and a holiday guarantee before you travel to Cuba.

    If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant, you should consult your doctor. International health insurance is a prerequisite for entering Cuba. Make sure you bring proof in Spanish or English. You can get this from the insurance company itself upon request. If necessary, you can also take out a policy (at an excessive cost) at the airport in Havana, but it is definitely better to book a policy that suits you before you leave.

    We recommend our long-standing partner, HanseMerkur, which offers a range of policies at different prices, tailored to your personal needs.

    Online Health Declaration D'Viajeros

    Since January 5, 2022, all travelers must submit an online health declaration (D'Viajeros) before arriving in Cuba. This form must be completed a few days before your trip and covers your health status.

    For more information and to complete the form, visit the Cuban Embassy website. The form is available in multiple languages, and U.S. travelers should select the appropriate option for ease of use.

    If you need assistance filling out the form or would like to know what to expect, check out our helpful blog post on the topic.

    Corona FAQ

    Cuba is no longer considered a high-risk area by the CDC. However, it’s important to check the U.S. State Department and CDC websites for the latest updates on travel and re-entry regulations.

    The costs for treatment, hospitalization, and transportation in the event of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection are either covered by the traveler’s health insurance or paid directly out-of-pocket. However, international health insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 is mandatory for all travelers entering Cuba. Be sure to secure an appropriate insurance policy before your trip. Read our article on insurance for more information.

    When entering Cuba, U.S. travelers must have international health insurance that covers the costs of treatment for COVID-19. This is mandatory and the proof of insurance should be presented in either English or Spanish.

    You can find the latest updates and announcements on the website of the Cuban government and the U.S. Embassy in Havana. Additionally, it’s recommended to regularly check the U.S. State Department and CDC websites for any travel advisories or health updates related to Cuba. Once you are in Cuba, be sure to follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure a smooth and safe stay.

    Question 1
    What would you like to experience in Cuba?

    Customs & Baggage

    What can you bring back home and what needs to stay in Cuba? How much luggage can you take to Cuba, and what are you prohibited from bringing into the country? Find all the answers to your customs and baggage questions here.

    More information about luggage

    When traveling to Cuba, your luggage allowance can be up to 110 pounds (50 kg) per person. However, this depends on the airline you are flying with, so it’s important to check with them in advance. Usually, there’s a total weight limit that includes both checked luggage and carry-on. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve also prepared a handy packing list that you can use as a guide.

    In Cuba, the importation of GPS systems and satellite phones is prohibited. However, you can bring personal GPS devices, such as those found in mobile phones, computers, or cameras for personal use.

    Additionally, fresh food products cannot be imported into Cuba without prior authorization, and you are not allowed to bring any medications or narcotics without a valid prescription.

    Like on all international flights, you are also prohibited from bringing explosives or weapons into Cuba without prior permission.

    Travelers aged 10 and over are allowed to bring goods worth up to $1,100 into Cuba. If you are 18 or older, you can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. You are also allowed to bring up to three bottles of alcohol and up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of medication if you have a doctor’s prescription. Personal items, medicine for treating the sick or disabled, and educational materials are exempt from import duties. If you are carrying more than $5,500 in cash, you must declare it upon entry into Cuba.

    U.S. travelers are not permitted to bring Cuban cigars back into the United States. Although you are generally allowed to bring up to 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes duty-free into the U.S., Cuban cigars are prohibited.

    For other items, U.S. travelers can take home 200 cigarettes without needing a receipt. Travelers over 18 years old can bring back up to 5 bottles of alcohol, but be prepared to present your receipts to U.S. customs officials upon arrival.

    Please note that certain items related to Cuba’s national heritage, such as antiques or paintings, cannot be exported. However, if you wish to bring works of art home, simply ask the seller for a stamp that allows you to legally export these items.

    Before leaving Cuba, it’s best to check U.S. import regulations to ensure that you are compliant with the rules for bringing goods back into the United States.