Cuba entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. The process is entirely online, no embassy visit required. Approval takes 2–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal linked below. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure required | Cuban immigration strictly requires a return or onward ticket out of Cuba. Airlines check this at check-in — without one, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host (with their address and phone number). Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry proof of sufficient funds for your trip — a bank statement or credit card showing available credit. Cuban officials rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Latvian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Cuba. You must apply and receive approval before your flight. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from European banks may work at some hotels, but cash is widely preferred. Bring euros or US dollars (with the surcharge in mind) and exchange locally.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa portal (or your airline's recommended site). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital photo, and pay the fee (around €30-50 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 2-5 business days.
2
Print or save the eVisa confirmation
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 on arrival in Cuba.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Latvia, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and return ticket. Keep all documents handy in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Havana Airport (HAV) or other entry point
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. No arrival declaration form is needed.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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~$50 USD (€46)
Standard option for tourism. Must be obtained prior to travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$80 USD (€73)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (€91)
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of business and local registration.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (€46)
For enrolled students at a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Inversionista (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€182)
For investors in Cuban businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies; requires government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Latvian passport holders; payable online. | ~$50 USD (€46) |
| Tourist card (if applicable)Some airlines include this in ticket; otherwise purchase at check-in. | ~$20 USD (€18) |
| Stay extension feeFor extensions beyond initial eVisa validity; subject to approval. | ~$25 USD (€23) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (€9) |
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a tourist card may be required if leaving the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a tourist card or visa is required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
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 28 No. 113, entre 1ra y 3ra, Miramar, Playa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 64, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services.
Practical information for LV 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
Typically 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
No. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply from outside Cuba.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Cuba if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Renew your passport first.
Not required unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor, but for direct travel from Latvia, no vaccine is mandatory.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will check it at the airport in Latvia and on arrival in Cuba.
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Euros or US dollars can be exchanged at banks or CADECA exchange offices. US dollars incur a 10% surcharge. Bring cash — credit cards from US banks often don't work.
No. You must get the eVisa before travel. No visa on arrival is available for Latvian citizens.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.