Cuba entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. The eVisa is valid for tourism and must be obtained online before travel. This requirement is in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a Cuban Tourist Card (eVisa) before you fly. Apply at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes about 5 minutes and costs around €20–€30 depending on your nationality. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport; immigration at Havana Airport will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Portuguese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave Cuba, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers always ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your printed or digital ticket ready — they check this at the passport control desk before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration rarely asks for hotel bookings, but having a printed reservation for your first few nights helps if they do. If you are 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 plan to fund your trip. Carry a credit card or a small amount of cash (€50–€100 per day) — Cuba has limited ATM access and most places accept only cash (Euros or US dollars). | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cuban immigration checks passport validity at entry. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be refused entry. Renew your passport well in advance.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport photo, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. Also carry printed backups in case your phone dies or gets lost.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Approval usually takes 1-3 business days. Print the approval or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and print backups.
3
Arrive at Havana Airport (HAV)
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs declaration form to fill out. Keep your eVisa and passport handy for any spot checks.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30 EUR (~$33 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Cuban embassy or online.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 EUR (~$66 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost€50 EUR (~$55 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Ajena (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 EUR (~$110 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires work permit sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Estudiante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€50 EUR (~$55 USD) processing fee
For enrollment in accredited Cuban educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Inversionista (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€200 EUR (~$220 USD) processing fee
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Cuban business. Requires business plan and approval from Chamber of Commerce.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Required for Portuguese passport holders; apply online before travel. | €30 EUR (~$33 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Possible at immigration offices; max extension up to 90 days total stay. | €25 EUR (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | €10 EUR (~$11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Portuguese passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 90 days.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 30 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 tourists staying in standard accommodations.
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; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for PT 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
Processing usually takes 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around €30-€50 depending on the processing platform. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination works. It proves you're leaving Cuba. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays.
No, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. Get one from your local automobile club before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.