Cuba entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed June 28, 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
US citizens need an eVisa to visit Cuba. The application is straightforward but requires careful attention to details. As of 2026, you must apply online before travel.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Tourist visa required | You need a Cuban tourist visa (Tarjeta del Turista) before travel. US citizens can buy one at the airport check-in counter from the airline or a charter company — no need to visit a Cuban embassy. The visa costs around $50–$85 USD depending on the airline. Keep the card safe: you hand it over at immigration and get a stamped portion back that you must return on departure.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your US passport needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond that is required by Cuban law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Cuban immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or casa particular address | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a printed hotel confirmation or the name and address of your casa particular (private homestay) ready. Most travelers book through Airbnb or a local agency — keep that confirmation handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card | US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to sanctions. Bring enough cash in euros or US dollars to cover your entire trip — $100–$150 per day is a safe estimate. Exchange at official CADECA booths; avoid exchanging at the airport for the worst rates. | Recommended |
US sanctions still apply
Even though Cuba issues an eVisa, US law restricts travel. You must travel under an authorized category (e.g., educational, humanitarian). Tourism is not allowed. Check the US Treasury's OFAC website for the latest rules.
Cash is king in Cuba
US credit/debit cards rarely work. Bring enough Euros or US dollars in cash for your entire stay. Exchange at the airport or a bank — avoid unofficial street changers.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (or your airline's recommended portal). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (typically around $85 USD) with a credit card. Wait for approval — processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save to your phone: the eVisa approval email, your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
At the airport (US departure)
At check-in, the airline will verify your eVisa approval and return ticket. They may also ask for your accommodation address. Have everything ready to avoid delays.
4
Arrival in Cuba
After landing at Havana (HAV) or any other Cuban airport, go to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
5
After immigration
Collect your luggage, then proceed to customs. Declare any items over the duty-free limit. Exit into the arrivals hall — you'll find taxis, car rentals, and currency exchange (CUP).
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$85 USD
Standard eVisa; must apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Family visit visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation from Cuban resident.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For US citizens who have a job offer or are self-employed in Cuba. Requires a Cuban sponsor and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Residencia por Jubilación (Retirement Residency)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For retirees with stable income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of monthly income > $1,000 USD and Cuban health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Card (Single Entry)Required for all US travelers; can be purchased from airlines or Cuban consulates. | $50–$100 USD (varies by airline/agency) |
| Overstay FinePenalty for overstaying visa; exact amount may vary. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient travel purpose35%
Incomplete visa application25%
No return ticket20%
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
US citizens transiting through Cuba to a third country generally need a transit visa, even if not leaving the airport. Apply at a Cuban embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Cuban visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU), Santiago de Cuba
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use insect repellent.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food/water contamination; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Minimal risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk in rural areas of eastern provinces.
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. 109, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for US 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, but sometimes as fast as 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
Around $85 USD, paid by credit card during the online application. Some airlines or travel agencies charge a small service fee on top.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. US citizens must travel under one of 12 authorized categories (e.g., family visits, educational activities, humanitarian projects). Your airline or eVisa application will ask you to select one. 'Tourism' is not allowed under US law.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. There is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly.
Most US-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to US sanctions. Bring enough cash (Euros or US dollars) to cover your entire trip. Exchange to Cuban Pesos (CUP) at the airport or a bank.
No. Cuba does not require yellow fever vaccination for US travelers. No routine vaccines are mandatory for entry, but standard travel vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended.
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.