Cuba entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Finnish passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba in 2026. The eVisa is valid for tourism and must be obtained before travel. Processing can take 2–5 business days, so apply early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuban 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 be valid for the duration of stay | Your Finnish passport must be valid for your entire stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cuba | Immigration officers at Havana airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cuba. Officers sometimes ask for it at passport control, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you plan to pay for your trip. A daily budget of around 100 USD in cash or card is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from Finnish banks rarely work in Cuba due to US sanctions. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire stay. ATMs are unreliable and often out of order.
eSIMs work on arrival
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no airport queue needed. This is the easiest way to get mobile data in Cuba. Download and install before you leave Finland.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (or authorized portal). Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation. Pay the fee (typically €20–€30). You'll receive an approval email within 2–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder.
3
At the airport in Finland
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your eVisa and passport validity. They may also ask for your return ticket. Boarding pass issued.
4
Arrival at Havana (HAV) or other Cuban airport
Follow signs to immigration. Queue at the 'Foreigners' counter. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. Officer stamps your passport. Collect luggage, then proceed to customs.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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€30 (approx. $32 USD)
Standard option for longer stays; apply at Cuban embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (business/cultural)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + processing fees
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of business and local registration. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Estudiante Extranjero (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD per year
For enrollment in Cuban universities or language schools. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Inversionista (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment minimum $5,000 USD
For those investing in Cuban businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residence and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist card) single entryRequired for Finnish citizens; must be obtained online before travel. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa single entry (if eVisa not used)Available at Cuban consulates; valid for 30 days. | €30 (approx. $32 USD) |
| Tourist visa multiple entryValid for 6 months; allows multiple entries. | €50 (approx. $54 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions up to 60 days total stay; apply at immigration office. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $215 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Finnish citizens transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a tourist card or visa is required.
- Travelers with a valid US visa may transit without additional documentation.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists visiting standard destinations.
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, Vedado
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, eVisa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for FI 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before travel. It's valid for tourism and typically processed within 2–5 business days.
The eVisa usually allows up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at a Cuban immigration office (Oficina de Inmigración) for a fee of about 25 CUP (roughly €1).
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country is mandatory. The airline will also check this at check-in.
Not always checked at immigration, but strongly recommended. If you need medical care, costs can be high. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and tourist spots, but you'll get better rates using CUP. Bring cash — credit cards from Finnish banks often don't work in Cuba due to US sanctions.
Yes, you can extend your eVisa once for up to 30 additional days. Visit the Oficina de Inmigración in Havana or other major cities. The fee is about 25 CUP. Do this before your initial 30 days expire.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.