Cuba entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can visit Cuba without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy applies as of 2026.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cuba. No minimum 6-month validity is required by Cuban immigration, but your airline may enforce it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cuba | Immigration officers at Havana Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or casa particular booking | Carry a printed confirmation of your first night's accommodation. Many travellers book a casa particular (private homestay) — a booking email or receipt works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Carry cash (EUR or USD) or a debit/credit card that works in Cuba — US cards are often blocked. Budget around $50–$100 USD per day. | Recommended |
No visa needed
UAE passport holders can enter Cuba visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — don't risk being turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night accommodation confirmation. Save them to your phone.
2
Arrive at Cuban immigration
At Havana or any Cuban airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer stamps your passport — that's your entry permit.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. No visa or additional forms needed.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (via Cuban embassy)
For those who prefer a visa in advance; not required for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$50 USD (via Cuban embassy)
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and return.
work visa
Work Visa (Permiso de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrolment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Residency for Retirees (Residencia por Jubilación)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For retirees with a stable pension. Requires proof of monthly income (minimum ~$1,000 USD) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist card (if required for visa-free entry)Some airlines include the tourist card cost in the ticket; otherwise, it may be purchased at the airport for ~$20 USD. | Free (included in airline ticket or available at airport) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not officially available for visa-free stays; this is a theoretical cost if allowed. | ~$25 USD (estimated) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published but may be charged upon departure. Avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD/day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine is not officially confirmed; this is an estimate based on regional norms. | ~$200 USD (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa or visa-free entry applies (max 90 days).
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV) · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU)
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
Malaria risk: low
Minimal risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 28 No. 113, entre 1ra y 3ra, Miramar, Playa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa and residency matters; bring all original documents.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for tourists in the resort area.
Practical information for AE 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
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90 or risk overstay penalties.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, no visa is needed. But if you leave the transit area, you need the same visa-free entry rules.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Cuba can be expensive, and some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
No. You need a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for it.
The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted but exchange rates vary. Bring cash — credit cards from US banks often don't work.
No. The visa-free stay is capped at 90 days and cannot be extended. For longer stays, you'd need to leave and re-enter.
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.