Cuba
Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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.