Cuba entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply online before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 3 weeks ahead of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal linked below. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until you have the approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Bahrain 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 Proof of departure | Cuban immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cuba. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash ready to show you can support yourself. No fixed amount is published, but around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Cuban immigration enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport now and renew if needed.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit cards from US banks won't work. Bring euros or Canadian dollars in cash — avoid US dollars due to a 10% penalty. Exchange at official CADECA offices for the best rates.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee (typically around $30–$50 USD) with a credit card. Processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks, so apply early.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them in a folder on your phone or in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Havana Airport (HAV) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Answer questions clearly — they're routine. After stamping, you'll proceed to baggage claim.
4
Activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM
If you have an eSIM, it activates automatically on landing. Otherwise, buy a SIM card at the airport kiosk (ETECSA) — bring cash (CUP or EUR) as cards may not work.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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$50 USD (approx. 19 BHD)
Standard option for tourism. Apply at Cuban embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 30 BHD)
For frequent travellers. Must show itinerary.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) processing fee
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 annually
~$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD) processing fee
For enrollment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residencia Temporal por Inversión)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 188 BHD) processing fee
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Cuban business. Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Required for Bahrain passport holders. Apply online before travel. | $50 USD (approx. 19 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $25 USD per day (approx. 9.5 BHD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 24 hours, you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy season (May–November).
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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, entre 1ra y 3ra, Miramar, Playa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, eVisa printout, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; limited services. Best for simple extensions.
Practical information for BH 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
Processing time varies — typically 3–10 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe. The fee is around $30–$50 USD, paid online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Cuba before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Cuban immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date, not your departure date.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to Bahrain or a ticket to another country. A one-way ticket without onward proof will likely get you denied entry.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cuba can be high — a hospital stay can run hundreds of dollars per day. Some airlines may require proof of insurance before boarding.
Most US-based cards don't work in Cuba due to sanctions. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) from non-US banks may work at some hotels and ATMs, but cash is king. Bring euros or Canadian dollars in cash — avoid US dollars due to exchange penalties.
An eSIM from providers like Airalo activates on landing and gives you data without visiting a shop. Alternatively, buy a SIM card at the ETECSA kiosk at Havana Airport — bring cash (CUP or EUR). Public Wi-Fi is available at some hotels and parks but is slow and unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.