Cuba entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. You apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward — just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Tourist Card / eVisa | Irish passport holders need a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) to enter Cuba. You can get this online before travel or buy it at the airport on departure — but buying online avoids queues. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal. The card costs around €20 and is valid for 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Cuban law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cuba | Immigration officers at Havana Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. This applies even if you hold a valid Tourist Card. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or casa particular booking | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or casa particular booking confirmation. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to enough cash or a prepaid travel card to cover your expenses. Cuba has limited access to international banking, so bring euros or Canadian dollars — US dollars incur a 10% penalty when exchanging. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter Cuba. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you apply for the eVisa.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. Also print a paper copy — phone batteries die and screens crack.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa portal (no specific URL provided — search 'Cuba eVisa' or check your airline's guidance). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Havana.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
At Havana's José Martí International Airport, you'll queue at immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. They may ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or cash handy just in case.
4
Fill in the arrival declaration form
You'll receive a paper form on the plane or at the airport. It asks for basic info, your address in Cuba, and how long you're staying. Fill it out in English or Spanish.
5
Pass through immigration and collect luggage
Hand over your documents, answer any questions (usually just 'How long are you staying?'), get your passport stamped, and proceed to baggage claim. The whole process takes 20–40 minutes on a normal day.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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
Validity90 days from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; extension possible once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
Family visit visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
For visiting family; requires proof of relationship.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For those investing in a Cuban business or real estate. Minimum investment varies; requires approval from Cuban Chamber of Commerce.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Required for Irish passport holders; apply online before travel. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for tourist eVisa holders. | €25 (approx. $28 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if they stay airside and do not pass through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero · Frank País Airport (HOG), Holguín
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists staying in standard accommodations.
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 28 No. 113, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; 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.
Practical information for IE 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 typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no official expedited option.
The exact cost isn't listed in the current database, but eVisa fees for Cuba usually range from €20–€50. Check the official portal for the latest fee.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. You need a confirmed onward ticket out of Cuba — it doesn't have to be a return to Ireland. A ticket to your next destination works.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cuba can be high, and a policy like SafetyWing covers you for a few euros a day.
Roaming is expensive and unreliable. Get an eSIM from Airalo before you go — it activates as soon as you land and costs a fraction of roaming.
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.