Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Mandatory Health Insurance
All travelers to Cuba must have health insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies, verifiable at the airport upon arrival. Policies can be purchased online in advance for as little as $25 for a standard trip, ensuring compliance without delays at immigration.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cuba, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is strictly enforced at Havana's José Martí International Airport and other ports of entry.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, as Cuba does not accept passports with less than six months validity, potentially leading to denied boarding.
Tourist Card (Visa)
Most nationalities, including US, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens, require a Tourist Card for stays up to 30 days, which acts as a simple visa and is often included in round-trip flight tickets from airlines like Copa or Air Canada.
If not included, purchase it from Cuban embassies, travel agencies, or at the airport for around $20-50 USD; it's valid for single entry and must be surrendered upon departure.
Visa Applications & Extensions
For extensions beyond 30 days (up to 90 days total), apply at a local immigration office in Cuba with your Tourist Card, passport, and proof of onward travel; fees are approximately 25-50 CUP (about $1 USD) per month.
Processing takes 5-7 days, so plan ahead if extending your stay for deeper exploration of regions like Viñales or Trinidad.
Border Crossings & Arrival
Entry is primarily via international airports like Havana, Varadero, or Holguín, where you'll receive a stamp and health declaration form; land borders from Haiti or Jamaica are limited and require advance permissions.
US citizens must comply with OFAC regulations, selecting a 'support for the Cuban people' category, and all visitors should prepare for thorough customs checks on electronics and medications.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Cuba mandates proof of health insurance and recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies for rural areas; no COVID-19 requirements as of 2026, but check for updates.
A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from endemic countries; carry all documents digitally and in print to avoid issues at health checkpoints.
Customs Declarations
Declare all cash over $5,000 USD, electronics, and medications upon arrival using the online customs form; undeclared items can result in fines or confiscation at Cuban ports.
Prohibited items include drones without permits, certain meats, and political materials; always check the latest list from Cuban customs authorities for smooth entry.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP), with a unified currency system since 2021. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Havana by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for direct flights from Europe or Canada avoiding US routing complexities.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at private paladares or street vendors for affordable meals under $10, skipping resort buffets to save up to 60% on food costs while enjoying authentic Cuban flavors like ropa vieja.
Local markets in Havana or Santiago offer fresh fruits, coffee, and snacks at fraction of tourist prices, supporting small vendors directly.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for Viazul buses for intercity travel at $20-50 per leg, or colectivos (shared taxis) for flexibility; avoid official taxis to cut costs by 70%.
Train passes for longer routes like Havana to Santiago cost around $60, including scenic stops and reducing the need for multiple bookings.
Free Attractions
Explore Havana's Malecón seawall, free salsa dancing in plazas, and natural parks like Viñales Valley trails, which are cost-free and immerse you in Cuban culture.
Many colonial sites in Trinidad and Cienfuegos offer free walking access, with optional guided add-ons; visit during off-peak hours to avoid minor entry fees.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king in Cuba—bring Euros or CAD for best exchange rates at casas; cards work in tourist areas but ATMs are unreliable and charge high fees.
Avoid USD due to 10% penalty; exchange at official CADECA houses or trusted casas for rates around 24 CUP per USD, far better than airports.
Combo Tickets & Discounts
Purchase multi-site passes for Havana's museums and fortresses at $20-30, covering 5-7 attractions and paying off quickly for history buffs.
Student or senior discounts (with ID) reduce entry fees by 50% at sites like the Bay of Pigs museum; inquire locally for unadvertised deals.
Smart Packing for Cuba
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including quick-dry shirts, shorts, and swimsuits for beaches in Varadero or Cayo Coco.
Include modest long-sleeved options for visiting churches in Havana or cooler evenings in the mountains; avoid overly revealing attire in rural areas to respect local customs.
Electronics
Bring dual voltage adapters (Type A/B plugs, 110V/220V), a portable power bank due to frequent blackouts, and a VPN app for unrestricted internet access.
Download offline maps like Maps.me and translation apps; limit gadgets as customs may scrutinize high-value electronics, so carry receipts.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance documents (mandatory), a robust first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for bumpy rides, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
Include DEET insect repellent for mosquito-prone areas like the Everglades-inspired Zapata Peninsula, plus any prescriptions with a doctor's note to pass customs.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for salsa classes or market haggling, a reusable water bottle (tap water unsafe—use filtered), and a waterproof pouch for beach days.
Bring small-denomination Euros/CAD in a money belt, plus photocopies of your Tourist Card and passport for daily use while originals stay secure.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for Havana's uneven cobblestones and long beach strolls; include water shoes for rocky shores in Playa Girón.
Hiking boots are essential for tobacco fields in Viñales or trails in Topes de Collantes; pack extra socks as laundry services may take days in remote spots.
Personal Care
Stock up on toiletries like biodegradable soap, shampoo, and feminine products (scarce locally), plus aloe vera for sunburn relief in the intense sun.
Include a compact fan or cooling towel for humid nights, and wet wipes for areas with inconsistent water supply; travel minis keep your bag light for island-hopping.
When to Visit Cuba
Dry Season (November-April)
Peak time for sunny days with temperatures of 24-28°C, low humidity, and minimal rain—ideal for exploring Havana's architecture and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
Festivals like the Havana International Jazz Festival in December draw crowds, but book early; fewer mosquitoes make it perfect for outdoor adventures in Viñales Valley.
Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October)
Milder weather at 26-30°C with occasional showers, offering fewer tourists and lower prices for casa stays and classic car tours.
Great for cultural events like the Varadero Half Marathon in May or harvest season in tobacco regions; the trade winds keep it comfortable despite building heat.
Wet Season (July-August)
Warmer and rainier at 28-32°C, but short afternoon downpours; budget-friendly for diving in María la Gorda or salsa immersion in Santiago de Cuba.
Hurricane risk is low but monitor forecasts; lush greenery post-rain enhances eco-tours, and fewer visitors mean more authentic interactions with locals.
Cooler Months (December-February)
Mildest temperatures of 22-26°C with breezy conditions, perfect for cycling through Trinidad's colonial streets or birdwatching in Ciénaga de Zapata.
High season brings lively carnivals and New Year's celebrations; pack a light jacket for evenings, and enjoy whale-watching off the coasts without summer crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP). Euros or CAD recommended for exchange; ATMs dispense CUP but are unreliable—carry cash as cards have limited acceptance.
- Language: Spanish is official; English spoken in tourist hubs like Havana and Varadero, but basic phrases help in rural areas.
- Time Zone: Cuba Standard Time (CST), UTC-5 (no daylight saving in 2026)
- Electricity: 110V/220V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (US-style flat pins); bring adapters for dual systems in older buildings.
- Emergency Number: 116 for police, 105 for fire, 103 for ambulance; tourist police at 114 for non-emergencies
- Tipping: Expected and appreciated—10-20% at paladares, $1-2 USD for guides or musicians; use small CUP or USD bills.
- Water: Tap water unsafe for drinking; buy bottled or use purification tablets—avoid ice in rural spots.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities (look for 'Farmacia' signs); stock up on meds abroad as shortages are common.