Cuba entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to visit Cuba. It's valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. Processing takes up to 5 business days, so apply early.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Cuban tourist eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. The eVisa is a single-entry authorization valid for 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration strictly requires a confirmed return or onward ticket. You will be denied boarding if you arrive without one. A flight reservation or bus ticket out of Cuba works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a printed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host (carta de invitación). Immigration officers rarely ask, but having it speeds up the process if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay — around 50 CUC (or equivalent in EUR/USD) per day. A bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. | Recommended |
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from Swiss banks rarely work in Cuba. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire stay. Exchange at official CADECA offices — avoid street changers.
eVisa is per person
Each traveller, including children, needs their own eVisa application. Apply separately for each person.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Pay the fee (around €25-30). Wait 1-5 business days for approval. Print the approval email.
2
Check passport validity
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left from the day you land in Cuba. If it expires sooner, renew before applying for the eVisa.
3
Book return/onward ticket
Book a flight out of Cuba within your eVisa's validity period. Keep the booking confirmation handy — immigration at Havana Airport (HAV) often asks to see it.
4
Book first night accommodation
Reserve a hotel, casa particular, or hostel for your first night. Get a confirmation with the address. Print it or save it on your phone.
5
Arrange travel insurance
Buy a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses. Not required for entry, but you'll be glad you have it if something happens.
6
Arrive at Havana Airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. Keep your eVisa approval with your passport for the duration of your stay.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$75 USD (75 USD)
Standard eVisa; can be extended once for 30 days.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (150 USD)
For enrollment in a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For spouses or close relatives of Cuban citizens or residents. Requires proof of relationship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist card)Single entry, valid for 30 days. Purchase online or at Cuban consulate. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in CHF) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Possible at immigration offices for up to 30 days, subject to approval. | ~$25 USD (equivalent) |
| Overstay finePayable at airport upon departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent future issues. | ~$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
Swiss citizens transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water, eat well-cooked food, and practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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, Vedado, Havana
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, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office; may have limited hours.
Practical information for CH 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 takes 1-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is around €25-30.
Yes, you can extend your eVisa once for another 30 days. Visit the immigration office (Oficina de Inmigración) in Havana or any major city. The extension costs about €25 and takes a few hours.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Cuba. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa even for airside connections.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. If you don't have a ticket, you may be denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care is not free for tourists, and a hospital stay can cost hundreds of euros per day.
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Bring euros or US dollars in cash — credit cards from Swiss banks often don't work. Exchange at the airport or at a CADECA exchange office.
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.