Cuba entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. This electronic visa is valid for tourism and must be obtained before travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and handled entirely online.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Tourist Card / eVisa required | South Korean passport holders must obtain a Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) before travel. Apply through the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at the URL below. The card costs around $20–$50 USD depending on the issuing airline or agency — some airlines sell it at check-in, but buying online in advance avoids last-minute issues.Apply for Tourist Card | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. Unlike some countries, Cuba does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it doesn't expire while you're there. Airlines may still ask for at least 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Cuban immigration strictly requires a confirmed return or onward ticket before they let you through. Budget airlines and charter flights are especially strict about this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a clear PDF on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host (casa particular). A simple booking confirmation printout or email works. If staying with friends, have their address and phone number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for daily expenses | Carry enough cash in euros or Canadian dollars — US dollars face a 10% penalty at exchange houses. Credit and debit cards issued by US banks don't work in Cuba. Budget around $50–$80 USD per day for meals, transport, and incidentals. | 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 from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Keep documents handy
Immigration at Havana Airport may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or as printouts to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Havana Airport
When you land at José Martí International Airport, head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If something looks off, ask for clarification.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$85 USD (approx. 110,000 KRW)
Standard option for tourism. Apply at Cuban embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 195,000 KRW)
For frequent travellers. Must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Mandatory for South Korean passport holders. Apply online before travel. | ~$85 USD (approx. 110,000 KRW) |
| Tourist card (if eVisa not used)Alternative entry option, but eVisa is recommended for South Koreans. | ~$50 USD (approx. 65,000 KRW) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$25 USD per day (approx. 32,000 KRW) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a tourist visa or eVisa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy season.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists staying in standard accommodations.
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, eVisa printout, 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 KR 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 usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The fee varies by nationality and is set by the Cuban government. Expect to pay around $50–$80 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or entry bans.
If you're staying in the airport transit area and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Cuban embassy if you need help.
Yes, a digital copy on your phone is usually accepted. But having a printed backup is safer in case your phone dies or has no signal.
Yes, each traveler, including children, needs their own eVisa. Apply for each person separately with their own passport details.
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.