Visitor & short-stay visas
Cuban Transit Visa
A short arrangement for travellers passing through Cuba to another destination, with a visa exemption available for very short transits.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The under-72-hour transit exemption is reported by consular guidance but the exact threshold and conditions are not verified against a current official published rule.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Cuba government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Transit / short-transit exemption
- Route type
- Transit
- Exemption window
- Under 72 hours reported as visa/tourist-card exempt
- The 72-hour threshold is widely reported but must be confirmed against official MINREX/DIIE guidance for the traveller's route and nationality.
- Official visa class
- A-3 Tránsito 72 horas
- Part of Cuba's visitor-visa classification (A-1 to A-7). A separate class, A-4 Transferencia, covers transit lasting more than 72 hours.
- Maximum stay
- Up to 72 hours
- Transit or stopover of less than 72 hours generally does not require a visa. Beyond 72 hours you fall under a different category (A-4 Transferencia or a tourist card/visa).
- Visa needed?
- Not for most transits under 72 hours
- Passengers passing through and remaining within the airport for under 72 hours are generally visa-exempt; a valid passport and onward travel are still required.
- Advance traveller form
- D'Viajeros (mandatory)
- Every traveller entering or transiting Cuba must complete the D'Viajeros digital form required by the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Foreigners (DIIE), General Customs and the Ministry of Public Health at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.
- Where to apply
- Cuban embassy/consulate or on arrival via D'Viajeros
- The A-3 transit visa, where required, is issued by a Cuban consulate; the D'Viajeros form is completed online before travel.
Who it is for
- Travellers connecting through Cuba en route to a third country
- Passengers with short layovers who do not intend to stay for tourism
Requirements
- Valid passport and confirmed onward travel
- A tourist card or visa if the transit exceeds the exemption period or requires entering the country
- Completed D'Viajeros advance-information form
How to apply
- Confirm transit rules for your nationality and route with the nearest Cuban embassy/consulate
- Obtain a tourist card or visa in advance if your transit is not covered by the exemption
Documents you may need
- Valid passport
- Confirmed onward/continuation ticket to your final destination
- D'Viajeros form confirmation (completed online before arrival)
- Tourist card or A-4 Transferencia visa if your transit will run beyond 72 hours
Frequently asked questions
Not for a short transit. If you are passing through Cuba on your way elsewhere and your stopover is under 72 hours, you can transit without a visa or tourist card as long as you hold a valid passport and proof of onward travel. A stay beyond 72 hours requires a tourist card or the appropriate visa.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.