Cuba entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. The eVisa is valid for tourism and must be obtained before travel. Processing can take a few 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 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. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Colombian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Cuban law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers always ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing a flight out of Cuba within your allowed stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host (casa particular) with their address and contact details. Having it printed saves time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers rarely ask, but having proof of funds (cash, credit card, or bank statement) covering your stay is smart. Cuba runs on cash — bring euros, Canadian dollars, or US dollars (with a 10% penalty on USD). | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
Do not travel without an approved eVisa. Airlines check before boarding, and there is no visa on arrival in Cuba.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Cuba, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 1–5 business days. You'll receive a PDF — print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, show your eVisa confirmation and passport. The airline will verify you have a valid visa before issuing a boarding pass.
3
Arrive at Havana or other Cuban airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Exit immigration and collect luggage
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — declare anything over the duty-free limit.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Standard eVisa for tourism. Extend once at immigration office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 240,000 COP)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityDuration of course
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Cuban institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
For enrollment in a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Residencia Temporal por Jubilación)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP)
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of monthly income and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle entry, valid for 30 days from issue. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for most travellers. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$75 USD (approx. 75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 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
Colombian passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is 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 · Frank País 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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present throughout the country, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to sanitation issues; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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, Vedado
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 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Smaller office, may have limited hours. Best for simple extensions.
Practical information for CO 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
Typically 1–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $85 USD, but it can vary slightly. Pay online with a credit card.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before it expires.
Yes. Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country works.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet the 6-month rule.
No. Colombian passport holders must have an eVisa. No visa on arrival or visa-free entry.
Your passport, eVisa printout or digital copy, return ticket, and first night accommodation booking. Keep them together 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.