Cuba visas
Whether you need a visa for Cuba depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: most visitors travel on an electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) or tourist card, while work, study, family, business and residence require specific visa categories applied for through a Cuban embassy or consulate. Immigration control and residence in Cuba are administered by the Dirección de Identificación, Inmigración y Extranjería (DIIE) under the Ministry of the Interior, while entry visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). All travellers must also complete the mandatory D'Viajeros advance-information form before arrival, and figures such as fees and validity periods should always be confirmed with the relevant Cuban consulate.
Cuban visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Cuba — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Cuba to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Cuba — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Cuba.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Cuba as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Cuba long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Cuban visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Cuba?
Cuba requires visas from the following countries to enter:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Kenya.
- Malaysia.
- Montenegro.
- North Macedonia.
- Russia.
- Serbia.
Entry into Cuba
Connectivity to Cuba may be limited, especially during COVID-19; travellers should plan their schedule and travel cautiously.
Currently, Cuba does not need confirmation of vaccination or a negative PCR test for tourists to enter the country. Visitors are asked to complete a declaration form online. Public health measures, including as random PCR testing at airports and mask use, continue in effect.
Please be aware that these standards are subject to modification, and you are encouraged to consult official government sources for updates. Cuba continues to implement a number of COVID-19 measures, including social isolation, the wearing of face masks in public, and the restriction of business and public space operations. You must always adhere to regulations and follow the advise of local authorities. Depending on the progression of the pandemic, there may be disruptions to local and inter-provincial transportation choices, as well as curfews, which will affect mobility within and between provinces. If you exhibit signs of COVID-19, you should immediately contact a local clinic.
Eligibility to apply for a Cuba visa
You will need the following:
- You must submit your passport.
- Proof of health insurance.
- A valid travel ticket.
Who can enter Cuba without a visa?
The following nations may remain in Cuba for up to 30 days without a tourist visa (tourist card):
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Belarus.
- Mongolia.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Saint Lucia.
- Singapore.
What to do if your visa to Cuba is refused?
You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Cuba visa and the reasons for the cancellation.
Cuba — key facts
- Visa authority
- Dirección de Identificación, Inmigración y Extranjería (DIIE), Ministry of the Interior (MININT), with visas issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Cuban peso (CUP)
- Time zone
- Cuba Standard Time (America/Havana, UTC−5)
Cuban visas — people also ask
To move to Cuba permanently, you must be a citizen or have a visa that allows for a longer stay. You must marry a Cuban to become a citizen, or you can petition for citizenship on your own.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
