Cuba entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba in 2026. The eVisa is straightforward to obtain online, and you'll need to show it along with a valid passport and a return ticket when you arrive.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a Cuban tourist eVisa. Apply online at the Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for 30 days. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay | Your Dutch passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cuba. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. There's no fixed minimum, but around 50 CUC per day is a safe benchmark. Cash is widely used in Cuba. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cuba. If it expires sooner, you'll be refused entry. Check your passport now.
Cash is king in Cuba
Credit and debit cards from Dutch banks rarely work in Cuba. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to cover your entire stay. Exchange at official CADECA offices for the best rates.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website (or use a trusted service). Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and pay the fee. Approval usually comes within a few days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation.
3
Arrive at Havana or other airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and keep your documents organized.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once cleared, your passport will be stamped with your entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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~€25 EUR (approx. $27 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be obtained online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~€50 EUR (approx. $54 USD)
Available for frequent travellers; apply at Cuban embassy.
Long-stay visa (business/cultural)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~€80 EUR (approx. $87 USD)
Requires invitation letter and purpose justification.
work visa
Trabajador por Cuenta Propia (Self-Employed Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For self-employed individuals with a Cuban sponsor or contract. Requires proof of income and business registration. Allows legal work and longer stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante)
Duration of studies (up to 5 years)
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a Cuban educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Residencia por Jubilación (Retirement Residency)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (initial fee)
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension, health insurance, and Cuban bank account. Allows permanent stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist card) – single entryRequired for Netherlands passport holders; must be obtained online before travel. | ~€25 EUR (approx. $27 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not generally available for eVisa holders; check with local immigration. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can result in fines and possible deportation; avoid overstay. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Cuba (e.g., at Havana Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
- Travelers with a valid US visa may have simplified procedures.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Use insect repellent.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in some regions; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low 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. 105, Vedado, Havana
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the resort area; limited services.
Practical information for NL 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
Most eVisa applications are processed within 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is typically around €20–€30, depending on the service you use. Check the official site 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 transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require one even for transit.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Cuba.
Yes, a digital copy on your phone is usually accepted. But having a printed backup is safer in case your phone dies.
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP). Bring euros or US dollars in cash — credit cards from Dutch banks often don't work. Exchange at official CADECA offices.
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.