Cuba entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. Apply online before you travel, and show the approved eVisa at check-in and on arrival. Processing can take a few days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a Cuban tourist visa (Tarjeta del Turista) before you fly. Apply online at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the eVisa costs around $85 USD and is usually processed within 5 business days. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your UK passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. Immigration officers at Havana Airport check this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuba strictly enforces the requirement for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at José Martí Airport will ask to see it. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel means you will not board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask for your hotel booking or casa particular reservation. Have a printed or digital copy of your accommodation confirmation ready — it speeds up the entry process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash to cover your stay — Cuba has limited access to international banking and credit cards from US banks often do not work. Budget around $50–$100 USD per day for meals, transport, and incidentals. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
UK passport holders cannot board a flight to Cuba without an approved eVisa. Apply at least 1 week before travel. Last-minute applications may not be processed in time.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from UK banks rarely work in Cuba due to US sanctions. Bring enough cash (Euros, British pounds, or US dollars) for your entire stay. Exchange at official CADECA offices — avoid street changers.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website or your airline's recommended portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Pay the fee (around £30-50 depending on processing speed). You'll receive a confirmation email within 1-5 business days.
2
Print or save the eVisa approval
Once approved, download the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at Cuban immigration.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in the UK, the check-in agent will ask for your eVisa, passport, and return ticket. Have them ready in a folder. They may also ask for accommodation proof — have that handy too.
4
Arrive in Cuba and go through immigration
At Havana or any Cuban airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Extranjería'. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the eVisa document with you during your stay — you may need it for hotel check-in.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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~$85 USD (approx. £67)
Standard option; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. £118)
Allows multiple visits; extension possible each stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £79)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión o Rentas
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + proof of monthly income ~$2,000 USD
For retirees or those with stable income. Requires proof of pension or investments. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Permiso de Trabajo para Extranjeros
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Employer must sponsor and obtain approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD application fee
For enrolment in accredited Cuban educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for UK passport holders. | ~$85 USD (approx. £67) |
| Tourist card (if obtained on arrival)Alternative to eVisa; available at some airports. | ~$50 USD (approx. £40) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | ~$25 USD (approx. £20) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed; no official cap but may be negotiable. | ~$50 USD (approx. £40) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the transit area, 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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
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.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur sporadically.
Malaria risk: low
Minimal risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider if visiting remote rural areas.
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 and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services.
Practical information for GB 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
Standard processing takes 1-5 business days. Some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee (around £20-30). Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. UK passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days by visiting an immigration office in Cuba (cost around 25 CUP).
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Cuban immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
Yes. You need a confirmed onward ticket out of Cuba, whether it's a return to the UK or a flight to another country. Immigration may ask to see it.
It's not mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. Medical care in Cuba can be expensive — a hospital stay for a simple infection can cost £200-300 per day. A basic policy covering medical and evacuation is cheap peace of mind.
No. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. Get one from the Post Office or the AA before you travel. Without it, rental agencies won't let you drive.
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.