Cuba entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Cuba. Apply in advance at a Cuban embassy or consulate — there is no visa-on-arrival. Processing can take up to 15 business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system for Philippine passport holders. Processing takes 5–15 working days depending on the consulate.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Cuba. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration strictly enforces the requirement for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready — they will ask for it at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask for hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a printed copy or digital confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing available balance — no specific minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
There is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival for Philippine passport holders. You must get a Cuban visa before you fly. Start the process at least 3 weeks ahead.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from U.S. banks won't work. Even non-U.S. cards can be unreliable. Bring enough euros, Canadian dollars, or U.S. dollars (you'll lose about 10% on exchange) to cover your entire stay. ATMs are scarce.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Cuban visa
Contact the Cuban Embassy in Manila (or the nearest Cuban consulate if you're abroad). Submit your passport, a completed application form, one passport-sized photo, and the visa fee (around $30–$50 USD). Processing takes 5–15 business days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a round-trip ticket and your first night's stay. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrange travel insurance
Purchase a travel medical insurance policy that covers Cuba. Print the certificate or save it on your phone.
4
Pack your documents
Carry your passport with visa, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, insurance certificate, and proof of funds in your carry-on bag.
5
Arrive at José Martí International Airport in Havana
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation address. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and funds. Answer clearly. You'll receive a stamped entry card — keep it safe until departure.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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~$50 USD
Standard option for tourism. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$75 USD
For frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Philippines passport holders. Apply at Cuban embassy. | ~$50 USD (approx. ₱2,800) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$75 USD (approx. ₱4,200) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | ~$25 USD per day |
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
Transit visa required
Philippines passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Cuba, even if staying airside.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
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 visa extensions. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For tourists in resort area. Limited services.
Practical information for PH 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. Filipino passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Philippine citizens.
Processing typically takes 5–15 business days after you submit your application to the Cuban Embassy in Manila. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight to be safe.
The fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on the embassy. Pay in cash or as instructed by the embassy. Fees are subject to change.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit an immigration office (Oficina de Inmigración) in Cuba before your initial 30 days expire. There is a fee, and you'll need your passport, entry card, and a reason for extension.
Yes. You need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside Cuba. It doesn't have to be back to the Philippines — just proof you're leaving Cuba.
Report the loss to the nearest immigration office immediately. You'll need to fill out a form and pay a small fee to get a replacement. Without it, you may face delays when leaving.
U.S.-issued cards are blocked. Cards from other countries may work at major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is king. Bring enough euros, Canadian dollars, or U.S. dollars (with a small surcharge) to cover your stay. ATMs are scarce and unreliable for foreign cards.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.