Cuba entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba. Apply online before you travel — the process is straightforward. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Tanzania passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal linked below. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you receive approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. Airlines at departure check this before issuing a boarding pass — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host (with their address and phone number) ready. Casas particulares (private homestays) are common in Cuba — a simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers rarely ask, but carry enough cash (Cuban pesos or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards from US banks do not work in Cuba. Budget around 50–100 USD per day for food, transport, and incidentals. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Cuba. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. No exceptions.
Passport validity is strict
Cuban immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (typically $50–80 USD, depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 3–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval email, your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in a folder or a dedicated phone album.
3
Arrive at the airport in Cuba
At Havana's José Martí International Airport or any other entry point, proceed to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will stamp your passport. Then collect your luggage and pass through customs.
4
Show your return ticket if asked
Immigration officers sometimes ask to see your onward ticket. Have it ready on your phone or as a printout. This is routine — just show it and you're through.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 75,000 TZS)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Cuban embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 150,000 TZS)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. 125,000 TZS)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban company.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 250,000 TZS) plus processing
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of income and business registration. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Estudiante Extranjero (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. 125,000 TZS) per year
For enrolled students at Cuban universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Residente Permanente por Jubilación (Retirement Residence)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 500,000 TZS) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of monthly income >$1,000 USD and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Tanzania passport holders applying online. | $30 USD (approx. 75,000 TZS) |
| Tourist card (if applicable at entry)Some travellers may opt for a tourist card on arrival if eVisa not used. | $20 USD (approx. 50,000 TZS) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration offices, subject to approval. | $25 USD (approx. 62,500 TZS) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $100 USD for overstay penalties. | $10 USD (approx. 25,000 TZS) |
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Cuba for less than 24 hours and not leaving the international transit area do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 48 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food/water contamination. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk 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 22 No. 105, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; expect longer processing times.
Practical information for TZ 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 3–5 business days. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed and the portal you use. Expect around $50–80 USD. Check the official Cuban eVisa site for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Cuba does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Tanzania. However, check with your doctor for other recommended vaccines.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged, you have a criminal record, or your application has errors. You can reapply with corrected info or contact the Cuban embassy for guidance.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
Yes. Any onward ticket showing you will leave Cuba within the allowed stay is fine. It doesn't have to be a return to Tanzania.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.