Cuba entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba. You can apply online before you travel, and it allows a stay of up to 90 days. The process is straightforward, but ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba Tourist Card (eVisa)You cannot board your flight to Cuba without an approved Tourist Card. Apply online before travel | Indian passport holders must obtain a Cuba Tourist Card (eVisa) before departure. Apply through the official Cuban eVisa portal or an authorized agency. The eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is single-entry. | Required |
| Passport validityCuban immigration will deny entry if your passport expires sooner. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Cuba. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa/stamp page for the Cuban entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and Cuban immigration check this to ensure you will leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Cuba | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Cuba within the 90-day authorized stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationImmigration may ask where you are staying; having proof speeds up entry. Hotel booking or private house (casa particular) reservation | Carry a printed or digital confirmation of your accommodation in Cuba for the entire stay. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if questioned. Financial means for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash) to cover your expenses in Cuba. | Recommended |
| Travel health insuranceCuban authorities may require you to purchase local insurance at the airport if you lack coverage. Valid for Cuba | Cuba requires visitors to have health insurance valid in Cuba. If your policy doesn't cover Cuba, you may need to buy a Cuban policy on arrival. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou only need the Tourist Card and your passport. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Indian passport holders entering Cuba. | Not required |
US dollar surcharge
Cuba imposes a 10% penalty on US dollar cash exchanges. Bring euros or Canadian dollars instead to save money.
Tourist card vs. eVisa
Some airlines may refer to a 'tourist card' — for Indian citizens, the eVisa is the official authorization. Ensure you have the eVisa, not just a generic tourist card, as it may not be accepted.
No extension available
The 90-day stay cannot be extended. Plan your itinerary carefully to avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines and future entry problems.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the eVisa application online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website, fill in your personal and passport details, and upload a digital copy of your passport's bio page. Double-check all information matches your passport exactly.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the non-refundable eVisa fee using a credit or debit card. The fee is typically around $30–$50 USD, depending on your nationality. Keep the payment receipt.
3
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa as a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one for your records and one to present at immigration. Approval usually takes 3–5 business days.
4
Pack required documents
Along with your passport and printed eVisa, pack your return ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance policy, and proof of funds. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
5
Arrive at the airport in Cuba
At José Martí International Airport in Havana (or other entry points), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport, eVisa, and supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport and note your allowed stay (up to 90 days).
6
Pass through customs and baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You may be asked to declare items. Then you're free to enter Cuba.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityTypically 30 days from arrival, extendable
CostVaries; contact Cuban embassy
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
Residence permit
Max stayIndefinite
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries; contact Cuban immigration
For long-term stays; requires specific qualifications and approval.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD
For enrolled students at a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Residencia Temporal por Jubilación)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of monthly income (minimum ~$1,000 USD) and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista)Required for entry; can be obtained from Cuban embassy/consulate or authorized airlines. | $50–$85 (depending on purchase source) |
| Entry fee / airport taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airline ticket |
| Visa extension (prórroga)For stays up to 90 days; apply at immigration office in Cuba. | 25 CUP (approx. $1 USD) |
| Exit feeNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airline ticket |
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
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders transiting through Cuba generally require a visa or tourist card, even for airside transit, unless they hold a valid visa for Canada, the USA, or a Schengen country and meet specific conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for Canada, USA, or Schengen states may be exempt from transit visa requirements under certain conditions.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV) · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA)
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low transmission; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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, tourist card, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For tourists in Varadero. Limited services; may refer to Havana for complex cases.
Practical information for IN 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. It's best to apply at least two weeks before your planned departure to account for any delays.
You can stay up to 90 days. The eVisa is single-entry, so if you leave Cuba, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Cuba before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
No, the fee is non-refundable. Make sure all your details are correct and you meet the requirements before applying.
If you're staying in the airport transit area and not passing through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you must have the eVisa.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Cuban immigration. Always carry a printed copy — it's your proof of authorization.
US dollars are subject to a 10% surcharge when exchanging to Cuban pesos. It's better to bring euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to avoid the penalty.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.