Cuba

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cuba’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cuba set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cuba, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

If you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist -visa, also known as a tourist -card, before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator. You can also apply for an electronic visa through the eVisa-Cuba site. When your application is approved, you will receive a ten-character code which should be entered as you fill in your advance passenger information on the DViajeros platform (see below). This will generate a QR code to be presented to the immigration authorities at the border. The electronic-visa will be linked to the applicant’s passport.

You must also show proof of onward or return travel. See Cuba’s consular services information for details.

For more information and advice about other types of visas, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.

The Cuban Tourism Portal provides useful information on travelling to and within Cuba.

Overstaying your visa

The authorities take any breach of immigration rules seriously. You could be detained if you overstay your visa.

Checks at border control

You must complete an online arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal within 72 hours before entering the country. You’ll get a QR code by email. This must be shown to the authorities on arrival as an electronic or printed version. Airlines will check completion of the form at check-in.

You should download or print your completed DViajeros form as a PDF, as wifi may not be accessible to do so on arrival in Cuba.

Travelling from the USA to Cuba      

Under US law, you are not allowed to travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism.

There are 12 reasons or categories for which the USA authorities will approve direct travel from the USA to Cuba. For more information see the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba.

Travelling from Cuba to the USA

You cannot travel from Cuba to the USA without a US visa.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cuba guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Cuba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Art and antiques

Some art and antiques require an export permit from the Country Heritage Office (‘Bienes Culturales’). Ask the vendor if they have the required permit for the item you are buying. At the airport, you may need to show the receipt.

Photography equipment

You may need an import licence for photography equipment, as well as the appropriate journalism visa.

Drones

You are not allowed to bring drones into Cuba. They will be confiscated on arrival and not returned until your departure. The process for getting your drone back could be lengthy.

Food items

You cannot take meat products, milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds or organic matter into Cuba, with some exceptions.

Electrical items and GPS on mobiles

Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are subject to import requirements. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but you must turn off any inbuilt GPS.

Complete a customs form if items are confiscated on your arrival so you can collect them on your departure date.

Taking money into Cuba   

The Cuban national peso (CUP – ‘moneda nacional’) is the official currency and cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba. Declare foreign currency you’re taking into Cuba if the value is more than 5,000 US dollars.

You must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else. See Money.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Cuba

Ambulance: 104

Fire: 105

Police: 106

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Cuba
• dealing with a death in Cuba
• being arrested or imprisoned in Cuba
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cuba on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.