Visa requirements

Cuba

General visa requirements for travelling to Cuba. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Fee: Free
Validity: 30 days for Malaysia, Mongolia, Saint Lucia, Singapore; 90 days for Montenegro, Serbia, United Arab Emirates
Entry: Single entry

All visitors must hold valid return tickets and proof of medical insurance. Non-Cuban passport holders must provide proof of financial solvency of at least USD 50 per day. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Grenada, Kenya, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates are eligible for visa-free entry.

Eligible countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Grenada, Kenya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: USD 50 per day
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid for entire duration of stay in Cuba
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

Tourist visa (Embassy Required Tourist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 15 business days
Fee: Varies by embassy
Entry: Single entry

E-visa system not available for these nationalities. Must apply at Cuban embassy or consulate. Kosovo nationals are refused entry and transit, even if not leaving aircraft.

Eligibility

Nationality
Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan, and Yemen must apply at Cuban embassy or consulate.

Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Uzbekistan, Yemen

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: USD 50 per day
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Must cover emergency medical services in Cuba
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Cuban embassy or consulate.
Document submission
Submit application form and supporting documents in person: valid passport, passport photos, return ticket, proof of medical insurance, proof of financial means.
Processing wait
Visa processed by consular office. Processing typically takes approximately 15 business days.
Visa collection
Collect visa from embassy or consulate.

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Official Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 7 business days (expedited through diplomatic channels)
Fee: Free (typically)
Entry: Single entry

Cuba issues diplomatic passports (black), official passports (red), and service passports (brown). Official, diplomatic, or service passports are requested by public institutions. Specific visa exemptions or simplified procedures may exist for diplomatic passport holders from countries with bilateral agreements.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be traveling on official government business or diplomatic assignment. Diplomatic, official, or service passport holder required.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Required for all visitors

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain diplomatic note or verbal note from sending government or international organization. Prepare documentation of diplomatic assignment, official mission, or government business.
Appointment booking
Apply for diplomatic or official visa at Cuban embassy or through diplomatic channels.
Document submission
Submit diplomatic passport, diplomatic note, and assignment documentation: valid diplomatic/official/service passport, diplomatic note, assignment documentation, medical insurance.
Processing wait
Diplomatic visa processing through expedited diplomatic channels typically takes approximately 7 business days.
Visa collection
Collect approved diplomatic or official visa.

Student visa (D-2 Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 15 business days
Fee: $70 USD (approximate)
Entry: Single entry

Student visa required for enrollment in full-time course of study at Cuban educational institution. Cuban government requires minimum level of Spanish proficiency, typically demonstrated through DELE or interviews. University must be notified 3 months before arrival with student details.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled in full-time course of study at recognized Cuban educational institution. Spanish language proficiency required.
Includes
- Study

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 2 passport-size photographs
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid in Cuba for duration of stay
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: As accepted by embassy/consulate; Amount: $70 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Apply and receive unconditional admission from Cuban university. Submit required information to university 3 months before arrival: full name, address, passport number, expiration date, date and place of birth, parents' names, planned residence time and arrival date.
Appointment booking
Apply for D-2 student visa at Cuban embassy or consulate.
Document submission
Submit application form, admission letter, and supporting documents: valid passport, admission letter, passport photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, language proficiency proof.
Fee payment
Pay visa application fee of approximately $70 USD.
Processing wait
Visa processing at embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes approximately 15 business days.
Visa collection
Collect approved student visa.

Work / Immigration visa (D-2 Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 4-6 weeks for work permit, then 2-4 weeks for visa
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: Duration of employment contract (typically 1-2 years, renewable)
Entry: Single entry

Work visa (Visa de Trabajo) for individuals who have secured employment with a Cuban entity or foreign company authorized to operate in Cuba. Position must typically be one that cannot be filled by a Cuban national or require foreign expertise. Permit validity matches employment contract duration, typically 1-2 years with renewal possible.

Eligibility

Employment
Must have secured employment with Cuban entity or foreign company authorized to operate in Cuba. Position must typically be one that cannot be filled by a Cuban national or require foreign expertise.

Required status: Official job offer or employment contract from Cuban employer

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid in Cuba for duration of stay
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain official job offer or contract from Cuban employer. Employer initiates work permit application with Cuban authorities.
Processing wait
Wait for work permit processing by Cuban authorities. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Appointment booking
After work permit approval, apply for D-2 work visa at Cuban embassy or consulate.
Document submission
Submit work permit, job contract, passport, health certificate, and supporting documents at embassy.
Visa collection
Collect approved work visa from embassy or consulate.

Journalist visa (D-6 Journalist/Press Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 15 business days (apply at least 30 days before trip)
Fee: Varies by embassy
Entry: Single entry

Foreign journalists must have D-6 visa for entry into Cuban territory for work purposes. All journalist visas must be authorized by International Press Center of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Authorization process takes at least 3 weeks. Press pass required and journalists should proceed to International Press Center from airport. Apply at least 30 days before trip.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be accredited journalist traveling for professional media/press work. Authorization from International Press Center required.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid in Cuba

How to apply

Document gathering
Request authorization from International Press Center of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (minimum 3 weeks before travel). Prepare employer letter of sponsorship, assignment letter detailing reason for travel and journalistic project, and list of filming or photographic equipment with technical specifications.
Appointment booking
Request authorization from press office at Cuban Embassy.
Document submission
Apply for D-6 journalist visa at Cuban consulate after receiving authorizations (at least 30 days before trip). Submit application form and supporting documents: valid passport, Press Center authorization, employer letter, assignment letter, equipment list, completed D-6 visa application form, medical insurance.
Processing wait
Journalist visa processing typically takes approximately 15 business days.
Visa collection
Collect approved D-6 journalist visa.

Business visa (Business Visa (Visa de Negocios))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 5-10 business days
Fee: Varies by embassy
Entry: Single entry

Required for travelers conducting commercial activities, attending business meetings, exploring investment opportunities, or engaging in professional activities beyond tourism scope. Authorization must be obtained from commercial office at Cuban Embassy before applying for visa at consulate. Processing times typically exceed tourist visa timelines.

Eligibility

Financial
Annual income of at least $25,000 USD or equivalent amount in bank account required.

Minimum funds: $25,000 USD
Purpose of visit
Must be traveling for legitimate business purposes: commercial activities, business meetings, investment opportunities, or professional activities. Invitation from Cuban entity and detailed business justification required.
Includes
- Business meetings
- commercial activities
- investment opportunities
- professional activities

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 2
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 1 passport-size photograph
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Valid for Cuba
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Cuban entity or organization sponsoring business activities, must outline purpose of visit and nature of business interactions

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain authorization from commercial office at Cuban Embassy for business travel purposes.
Appointment booking
Receive invitation letter from Cuban sponsoring entity. Apply for business visa at Cuban consulate with commercial authorization.
Document submission
Submit authorization, invitation letter, business documentation, and supporting documents: commercial authorization, invitation letter, valid passport, passport photo, business itinerary, proof of business relationships, proof of income/financial means, medical insurance.
Processing wait
Business visa processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Visa collection
Collect approved business visa from consulate.

Medical visa (D-10 Medical Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 14 business days (after Ministry of Health approval)
Fee: Varies by embassy
Entry: Single entry

D-10 visa granted to foreigners entering Cuba for medical treatment. Cuba offers access to 20+ hospital centers for international patients, most certified to ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. Treatments include eye surgery, neurological disorders, cosmetic surgery, addictions treatment, orthopedics. Medical consultations require payment by Visa or Mastercard.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be traveling specifically for medical treatment at Cuban healthcare facility. Treatment proposal must be approved by Cuba's Ministry of Health.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Must extend coverage to all emergency medical services for entire stay, mandatory since May 1, 2010

How to apply

Document gathering
Submit medical information and clinical history to Cuban healthcare facility for evaluation.
Processing wait
Healthcare facility evaluates case and sends treatment proposal with budget to patient.
Appointment booking
Treatment proposal submitted to Cuba's Ministry of Health for approval.
Document submission
After Ministry approval, apply for D-10 medical visa at Cuban embassy or consulate. Submit medical documentation, treatment proposal, Ministry approval, and supporting documents: valid passport, medical documentation, treatment proposal, Ministry of Health approval, proof of health insurance, proof of payment method.
Visa collection
Collect approved medical visa.

Transit visa (Transit Visa-Free)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 1 days
Fee: Free
Validity: Less than 72 hours
Entry: Single entry

Transit passengers in Cuba for less than 72 hours are exempt from visa or tourist card requirements and can enter the country. If transit time exceeds 72 hours, tourist card or visa required. E-visa system is now official method - purchasing visa at airport not always available and airlines may refuse boarding without approved eVisa.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Transit stay must be less than 72 hours with confirmed onward ticket. If transit time exceeds 72 hours, tourist card or visa required.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Required for all visitors

Tourist visa (Electronic Visa (eVisa))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 3 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Validity: 90 days, can be extended once for additional 90 days while in Cuba (maximum total stay 180 days)
Entry: Single entry

E-visa system introduced in 2024, replaced paper tourist cards. Application available at evisacuba.cu. Entry form must be completed at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu within 7 days of arrival. Not available for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Eligibility

Nationality
All foreign nationals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or restricted from e-visa must obtain an e-visa before travel. Not available for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: USD 50 per day
Travel insurance
Coverage area: Must cover emergency medical services in Cuba
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, online payment; Amount: $50 USD

How to apply

Online application
Complete online e-visa application at evisacuba.cu with passport details.
Fee payment
Pay e-visa fee of $50 USD online during the application.
Document submission
Submit passport copy and supporting documents online including return ticket, proof of medical insurance, and proof of financial means.
Processing wait
Wait for e-visa approval. Processing typically takes up to 3 business days. Visa code sent by email with link to entry form.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.