Cuba entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
Kenya passport holders can enter Cuba visa-free for up to 90 days. This agreement has been in place since 2024, so no tourist card or visa is needed for short stays. Just make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and you have a return ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Cuba. Airlines at check-in will verify this before you board. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Cuban immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cuba | Immigration officers at Havana and other airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before clearing you. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cuba. Immigration may ask where you're staying during your visit. A simple booking confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. Cuban immigration rarely asks for this, but it's smart to have it ready. No specific minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're flying from Kenya to Cuba, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Airlines may check this at check-in. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No visa needed — but don't skip the return ticket
The visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. A refundable ticket works if your plans are uncertain.
Overstay fines are steep
Overstaying even a day can cost you ~$50 USD per day. Avoid this by setting a reminder to leave before your 90 days are up. Overstays can also lead to future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay. Print or save a copy of your return flight booking and hotel reservation. If you have a bank statement or credit card, keep it handy.
2
Check-in at your departure airport
At the airline counter in Nairobi or your connecting airport, the agent will verify your passport validity and ask for your return ticket. They may also ask where you're staying. Have your booking confirmations ready.
3
Arrive at a Cuban airport
You'll land at Havana (HAV), Varadero (VRA), or another international airport. Follow signs to immigration. The queue can take 20–60 minutes depending on the time of day.
4
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. No visa or tourist card is needed.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Cuba. Enjoy your stay.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
May be required if visa-free is not available; check with Cuban embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers visiting nearby countries.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Cuba. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Cuban Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist card (if arriving by air)Some airlines include it; otherwise buy at check-in or upon arrival. | ~$20 USD (included in ticket or purchased at airport) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay can lead to bans. | ~$50 USD per month (capped at $500 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria 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 visa issues; bring passport and supporting documents.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 64, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for tourists in Varadero.
Practical information for KE 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
No. Kenya passport holders can enter Cuba visa-free for up to 90 days. No tourist card is required. Just show your passport and return ticket at immigration.
You can stay up to 90 days. The stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type, like a work or student visa, before your 90 days are up.
Overstay fines are enforced — roughly $50 USD per day. You may also face a future ban. Avoid overstaying by leaving before your 90 days are up.
The visa-free entry is for each visit. You can leave and re-enter, but each entry is a new 90-day stay. However, multiple short trips may raise scrutiny at immigration.
Yes. Cuba requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Kenya. Get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
You can't extend the visa-free stay. For longer stays, you need a different visa — like a work visa (requires employer sponsorship) or student visa (requires enrollment at a Cuban institution). Apply at a Cuban embassy before you travel.
Cuba is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in tourist areas. The healthcare system is limited, so travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised. Check your government's travel advisories before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.