Cuba entry requirements for Belgium passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Belgian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba. The application is done entirely online before you travel. This requirement is in place for 2026, so plan ahead.

Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Belgian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Cuban immigration officers check for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Immigration may ask for hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a printed confirmation or a digital copy accessible.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry cash (EUR or USD) or a card statement — around 50 CUC per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Belgian passport holders cannot enter Cuba without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. In case you lose your phone, you'll still have access.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (or the embassy's designated portal). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Pay the fee (typically around €30-50, depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for easy access at check-in and immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Brussels Airport or any other departure point, show your eVisa approval at check-in. You'll also need your passport and return ticket. Board your flight to Havana (HAV) or other Cuban airports.
4
Go through immigration in Cuba
At Havana's José Martí International Airport (or Varadero, etc.), join the foreign passport queue. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation — have the address ready. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30 (~$33 USD)

Standard option for tourism; apply online or at embassy.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)

For frequent visitors; must show travel history.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.

work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) + fees
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia por Estudios)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€50 (~$55 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residencia por Inversión)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD)
For significant investment in Cuban business or real estate. Minimum investment amount varies.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Cuba eVisa (Tourist Card)Required for Belgian citizens; must be obtained online before travel.~€25 (≈$27 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines can accumulate significantly.~$50 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Belgian passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist visa is required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.

ZikaLow risk

Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.

Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk

Common due to food/water contamination; drink bottled water.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consult a doctor.

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 22 No. 105, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for extensions; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Smaller office; expect longer wait times.

Practical information for BE 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police106
Medical104
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed — usually around €30 for standard processing and up to €50 for express. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount in euros.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to take a connecting flight the next day), you need the eVisa.
Renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Cuba. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
No, the eVisa is entirely online. You don't need to visit the embassy. The application is submitted through the official portal, and you receive the approval by email.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the eVisa approval (printed or on your phone), your return ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready in a folder.

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.