Cuba entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. You apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes a few days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your 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 proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host (with their address and phone number) ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
Bulgarian passport holders cannot enter Cuba without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply online before you fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Cuba, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa as a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in for your flight to Cuba and again at immigration in Havana or Varadero.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you head to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive in Cuba and go through immigration
At Havana's José Martí International Airport or Varadero Airport, follow signs to 'Extranjería' (Foreigners). Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask where you're staying — have your hotel address ready. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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€25 (~$27 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply online or at Cuban embassy.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€40 (~$43 USD)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay Visa (business/cultural)
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€80 (~$86 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity; for work or study.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$108 USD) per year
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of business and local registration. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Estudiante Extranjero (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable
~€50 (~$54 USD) per year
For enrolled students at Cuban universities or institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Inversionista (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$540 USD) initial fee
For investors in Cuban businesses or real estate. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD required. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cuba eVisa (Tourist Card)Single entry, valid for 30 days. Must be obtained online before travel. | ~$50 USD (€46) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions up to 30 days possible at immigration offices. | ~$25 USD per 30 days |
| Overstay finePayable at airport upon departure. | ~$10 USD per day, max $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a tourist visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU), Santiago de Cuba
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions. Risk is low but present.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk is higher in rural areas of eastern provinces (e.g., Guantánamo).
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. 107, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; expect longer wait times. Best to arrive early.
Practical information for BG 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can be as fast as 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The official eVisa fee is around €30–€50 depending on the processing platform. Check the official Cuban eVisa website for the exact current fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, Cuba does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Bulgaria. No specific vaccines are mandatory for entry.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cuban immigration. Always have a confirmed onward ticket.
No, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Cuba. Get one from the Bulgarian Automobile Club before you go.
Yes, Cuba is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can happen in crowded areas, so keep valuables out of sight. The biggest risk is medical — travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.