Cuba entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. Apply online before you travel, and show the approved eVisa at immigration in Havana. Processing can take a few days, so plan ahead.
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 | Hong Kong passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply online at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal — the process takes a few business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Hong Kong 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 before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Cuban immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket out of Cuba ready. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Cuban host (with address and contact) smooths the immigration process. Print it — phone screens can be unreliable at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers rarely ask, but carrying proof of funds (cash, credit cards, or bank statements) covers you if questioned. Cuba runs on cash — bring enough euros, Canadian dollars, or US dollars for your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cuba, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Keep documents handy at immigration
At Havana airport, immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation address. Have them ready on your phone or printed to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted service. Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and upload a passport photo. Pay the fee (if any) and wait for approval — typically 2-5 business days.
2
Prepare documents for immigration
Before you fly, gather: printed eVisa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket confirmation, and first night accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Havana airport
At José Martí International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Extranjería'. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask for your accommodation address. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp and be on your way.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$85 USD (approx. 660 HKD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Cuban embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 1,170 HKD)
For frequent visitors; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,560 HKD) plus processing
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of business and local registration.
student visa
Estudiante Extranjero (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Cuban universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Residencia por Jubilación (Retirement Residency)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 2,340 HKD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Mandatory for Hong Kong passport holders. Apply online before travel. | ~$85 USD (approx. 660 HKD) |
| Tourist card (if applicable at airport)Some airlines sell tourist cards on board; eVisa is the standard for HK. | ~$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions up to 30 days possible at immigration offices. | ~$25 USD (approx. 195 HKD) per month |
| Overstay fineFines accumulate monthly; maximum cap may apply. | ~$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Hong Kong 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 is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours.
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: low
Minimal risk 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, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, eVisa printout, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services for extensions.
Practical information for HK 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 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no rush service available.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected info, but there's no appeal process.
No, you must apply and receive approval before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for Hong Kong passport holders.
The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Bring euros or US dollars in cash — credit cards from Hong Kong banks rarely work. Exchange at official CADECA offices.
There is usually a processing fee, but the exact cost varies. Check the official eVisa website for current fees. Expect around $20-50 USD equivalent.
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.