Cuba entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadians need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. The process is straightforward and entirely online — no embassy visit required. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes a few days, so submit at least a week before your flight. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your trip. Cuba does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check — if your passport expires within 3 months of travel, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration checks this | Cuban immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket out of Cuba ready. Without it, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel or casa booking | Carry a printed confirmation of your hotel reservation or casa particular booking. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having the address handy speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a recent bank statement or a credit card ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, showing you have enough for daily expenses (around $50–100 USD per day) avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cuba. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No visa on arrival for Canadians
There is no visa-on-arrival option at Cuban airports for Canadian passport holders. You must obtain the eVisa online before you travel. Airlines check this before you board.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa portal (search 'Cuba eVisa Canada' or check with your airline). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with a PDF. Print at least one copy and keep it with your passport. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) or other Cuban airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation address. Answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp with a stay duration (usually 30 days).
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
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~$75 USD (equivalent ~$75 USD)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent ~$100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
Family visit visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD (equivalent ~$75 USD)
For visiting relatives; requires proof of relationship.
work visa
Work Visa (Permiso de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent ~$200 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (equivalent ~$100 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent ~$500 USD)
For those investing in a Cuban business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle entry, required for Canadian passport holders. | ~$75 USD (equivalent ~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, typically issued on arrival if not obtained online. | ~$75 USD (equivalent ~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Cuba does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas for Canadians. | Not available |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond initial period, subject to approval. | ~$25 USD (equivalent ~$25 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ~$10 USD per day (max ~$100 USD) |
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJosé Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana · Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero · Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU), Santiago de Cuba
Health & vaccines for Cuba
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists staying in resorts.
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. 107, entre 1ra y 3ra, Miramar, Playa
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, entre Av. 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in resort area.
Practical information for CA 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
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
Our database does not list a specific cost. Expect a fee around $50–100 CAD. Check the official eVisa portal for the current amount.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires (usually 30 days). Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the entry stamp. More is better if you plan to travel elsewhere afterward.
It is not always checked at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cuba can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
It's safer to carry a printed copy. Some immigration officers may accept a digital version on your phone, but a printout avoids any issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.