Cuba entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival. Processing can take 5–15 business days, so plan ahead.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply online at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes about 5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport; immigration will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Cuban immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready — they may deny entry without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or casa booking | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or casa particular booking (printed or on your phone) covers this. Hosts often need your flight details for pickup, so share them in advance. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely ask, but having a credit card or cash (EUR or USD) equivalent to roughly 50 CUC per day shows you're covered. ATMs are scarce outside Havana, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight. There is no rush service, and delays happen. Do not book non-refundable flights until your eVisa is approved.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit cards from US banks are blocked. Bring enough euros, pounds, or Canadian dollars to exchange for Cuban Pesos (CUP). US dollars incur a 10% penalty. ATMs are unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (link from the Cuban embassy in New Zealand). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 5–15 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval email, keep a digital copy on your phone, and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. Also download a local eSIM or buy a SIM card at Havana airport to get online immediately.
3
Arrival at Havana Airport (HAV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout (or show the email on your phone), and return ticket if asked. You'll get an entry stamp. Then collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
4
Customs and exit
Fill out a customs declaration form on the plane. Declare any electronics or cash over $5,000 USD. After customs, you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$85 USD (equivalent to ~$85 USD)
Standard option; apply online or at Cuban embassy.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent to ~$150 USD)
For travellers planning multiple visits within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent to ~$200 USD)
Requires invitation from Cuban entity; not for tourism.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajador por Cuenta Propia)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban entity or self-employment approved by Cuban authorities. Requires a contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Residente Permanente por Jubilación)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (initial fee)
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | ~$85 USD (85 USD) |
| Tourist card (if eVisa not used)Available at some airports or through travel agencies, but eVisa is recommended. | ~$50 USD (50 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | ~$25 USD (25 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $100 USD; pay at airport or immigration office. | ~$10 USD (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the transit area, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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. 107, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, eVisa, 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 NZ 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 5–15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight. There is no rush service.
No. New Zealand passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. No visa-on-arrival is available.
Around $50–$80 USD, depending on processing speed. Payment is online by credit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your arrival date.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket out of Cuba. It can be to any country — not necessarily back to New Zealand.
Not officially, but strongly recommended. Cuba's medical facilities are basic for tourists, and a hospital stay can cost hundreds per day. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
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.