Cuba entry requirements for Madagascar 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

Madagascar passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Cuba. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement for tourism.

Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for a Cuban tourist visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Madagascar 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
Proof of departure from Cuba
Immigration officers at Havana Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Overstaying your visa results in a fine of 50 CUC per month.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cuba. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have at least 50 CUC per day available in cash or card. Cuba has limited ATM access and US credit cards often don't work. Bring enough cash to cover your trip.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the Cuban border. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel.
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. Check your passport now.

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 accommodation. Pay the fee (if any) and wait for approval — typically a few days.
2
Prepare documents for travel
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Cuban immigration
At Havana or any Cuban airport, join the immigration queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp and entry.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)

Standard option for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD (approx. $75 USD)

For frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.

work visa
Work Visa (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Cuban employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Residencia Temporal por Estudios)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residencia Temporal por Inversión)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For those investing in Cuban business or real estate. Minimum investment amount required.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Cuba eVisa (single entry)Mandatory for Madagascar passport holders. Apply online before travel.~$85 USD (approx. 340,000 MGA)
Tourist card (if applicable at airport)Some airlines sell tourist cards; eVisa is the standard for Madagascar.~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 MGA)
Stay extension feePossible at immigration offices for up to 30 days.~$25 USD (approx. 100,000 MGA)
Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration before departure.~$50 USD per day (approx. 200,000 MGA), max cap ~$500 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

Madagascar passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.

Zika virusLow risk

Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.

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.

Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración de Varadero
Calle 60 y Av. 1ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

For tourists in resort area.

Practical information for MG 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police106
Medical104
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders.
Processing time varies but typically takes a few days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The cost is not fixed in the database. Check the official Cuban eVisa website or a trusted service for current fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Cuban immigration requires at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
Yes, you need an onward ticket showing you'll leave Cuba. A flight to another country works.
Not always required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.

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.