Cuba entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. The process is entirely online, and you must have your visa approved before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Austrian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply online at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bring a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host (carta de invitación). Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) for your stay — credit cards from Austrian banks often do not work in Cuba due to US sanctions. ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Budget at least 50–100 EUR per day. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Cuba does not offer visa on arrival for Austrian passport holders. You must have your eVisa approved before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in. Without it, you won't be allowed to board.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from European banks rarely work in Cuba due to US sanctions. Bring enough euros in cash for your entire stay. You can exchange at the airport or at official CADECA exchange offices.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (around €30-€50 depending on processing speed). Submit the application.
2
Wait for Approval
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Before you leave, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket confirmation, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them all in your carry-on.
4
Arrival at Havana Airport
At José Martí International Airport (HAV), follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport. Then collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$85 USD (€78)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (€138)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD (€92)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€184)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (€92)
For enrolled students at Cuban institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residencia Temporal por Inversión)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (€460)
For those investing in Cuban businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Required for Austrian passport holders; apply online before travel. | ~$85 USD (€78) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (€138) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | ~$50 USD per day (€46), max $500 USD (€460) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cuba
No transit visa needed
Austria passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV) · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU)
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ZikaLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Havana
Dirección de Inmigración y Extranjería
Calle 22 No. 105, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office, may have shorter hours.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalHavana
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyCuban Peso (CUP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 24 CUP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTwo flat parallel pins (Type A) or two flat pins with a round grounding pin (Type B), same as US/Canada.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. There is no express option. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. The eVisa is for a single entry of up to 30 days and cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged, your photo doesn't meet requirements, or you have a criminal record. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but you'll pay the fee again.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you need the eVisa. Check with your airline for transit rules.
No. Cuban immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted but at poor exchange rates. Bring euros in cash — you'll get a better rate than using cards. ATMs are unreliable.
It's not required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care for tourists is expensive and basic. A hospital stay can cost €100-€200 per day. Travel insurance covers this.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.