Cuba entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba. You apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
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 a Cuban Tourist Card (eVisa) before departure. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes about 5 minutes and costs around $85 USD. Print the approval and carry it with your passport; immigration at Havana Airport scans the QR code on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Polish passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban law, but airlines at Warsaw Chopin Airport may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers at José Martí International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a third country ready. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed reservation for your first few nights avoids delays. If you're staying in a casa particular (private homestay), carry the host's name and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during the trip. Carry a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or a credit card with sufficient limit. Cash is king in Cuba — bring euros or USD in cash since Polish cards rarely work at local ATMs. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Cuba does not offer visa on arrival for Polish passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cuba, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (or your airline's recommended portal). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Pay the fee (around €20-30 depending on the platform). You'll usually get a confirmation within 1-3 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF or a confirmation code. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration in Cuba.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Poland, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and return ticket. Have all documents ready at check-in. At Havana's José Martí International Airport, immigration officers will ask for your passport, eVisa, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
4
Arrive and go through immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Extranjería' (foreigners). Present your passport and eVisa. You'll get a tourist card stamped into your passport. Keep the card safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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 (approx. 340 PLN)
Standard eVisa for tourism. Apply online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 600 PLN)
For frequent visitors. Must apply at Cuban embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400 PLN)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800 PLN) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 400 PLN) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Cuban institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residencia Temporal por Inversión)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 2000 PLN) plus investment
For those investing in Cuban businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies. Requires business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Card (eVisa equivalent)Required for all tourists; can be obtained online or at Cuban consulate. | ~$50 USD (€46) + processing fee |
| Mandatory Health InsuranceMust be purchased upon arrival if not already covered. | ~$3-5 USD per day (included in some flight packages) |
| Overstay FinePayable at immigration office before departure. | ~$25 USD per month (capped at $100 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
No transit visa needed
Polish passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero · Frank País Airport (HOG), Holguín
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas. Use insect repellent.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present. Pregnant women should take precautions.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider if visiting rural areas.
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 permits. Bring passport, eVisa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office, may have shorter hours. Best to go early.
Practical information for PL 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
Usually 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some platforms offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
The fee varies by platform but is typically between €20 and €30. Some airlines include it in the ticket price — check with your carrier.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Not required for Polish travellers unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check current health advisories before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged or your details don't match. You can reapply with corrected info. If still denied, contact the Cuban embassy in Warsaw.
No. Immigration will require proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket is not enough. Book a refundable onward ticket if your plans are flexible.
No. The eVisa is the online approval. The tourist card is a physical document you receive at immigration in Cuba. Both are needed for entry.
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.