Cuba entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Cuba. You'll have to arrange this before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option at Havana's José Martí International Airport. Plan ahead and get your paperwork sorted at a Cuban embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cuban visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival in Cuba; plan ahead. Tourist card / visa required | Philippine passport holders must obtain a Cuban visa or tourist card before travel. Apply at the nearest Cuban embassy or consulate; no eVisa is available for this nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before booking. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cuba. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCount the blank visa pages in your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the Cuban entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see this at check-in and upon arrival. Proof of departure | You must show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Cuba within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems. Sufficient money for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Cuba. | Recommended |
| Travel health insuranceCheck if your existing insurance covers Cuba; otherwise buy a travel policy. Medical coverage for Cuba | Cuba requires visitors to have valid health insurance. If you don't have it, you may need to purchase a policy upon arrival. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out an extra form beyond the usual immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Philippine citizens entering Cuba. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Filipino passport holders cannot get a Cuban visa at the airport. Arriving without a visa means immediate refusal and a return flight at your own expense. Get your visa from the Cuban Embassy in Manila before you book anything.
Apply early — embassy processing can be slow
The Cuban Embassy in Manila has limited hours and may take up to two weeks to process a visa. Start the process at least a month before your planned departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Get your visa from the Cuban Embassy
Contact the Cuban Embassy in Manila (or the nearest Cuban consulate) to schedule an appointment. Submit your passport, completed application form, photo, and pay the fee (approximately $50–$100 USD equivalent). Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Secure a round-trip flight and reserve your hotels or arrange a homestay (casa particular). Keep printed confirmations — you'll need them at check-in and at immigration.
3
Prepare your documents
Photocopy your passport, visa, insurance policy, and accommodation bookings. Keep the originals in your carry-on. Also, fill out the Cuban health declaration form if your airline provides one (some do it online).
4
Arrive at Havana's José Martí International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, visa, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport and note your allowed stay. Then collect your bags and proceed through customs.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
ValidityUsually 3 months from date of issue
CostApprox. $50–$100 USD (depending on embassy)
Requires an invitation letter from a Cuban entity and approval from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade. Processing may take several weeks.
Family visit visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
ValidityUsually 3 months from date of issue
CostApprox. $50–$100 USD (depending on embassy)
For visits to close relatives residing in Cuba. Requires proof of relationship and an invitation from the relative in Cuba.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) – required for entryMust be obtained before travel from a Cuban embassy/consulate or authorized airline/travel agency. Not available on arrival for Philippine passport holders. | Approx. $50 USD (or equivalent in CUP/MXN/EUR, depending on purchase point) |
| Extension of stay (beyond 30 days)Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a maximum of 60 additional days. Apply at immigration offices in Cuba. | 25 CUP (approx. $1 USD) per extension |
| Exit feeMost international flights include the exit tax in the ticket price; no separate payment at the airport. | Included in airline ticket (typically $25–$30 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
Transit visa required
Philippine passport holders transiting through Cuba (even without leaving the airport) must obtain a visa or tourist card in advance. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver for transit passengers.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements.
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-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
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 visa extensions. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, Varadero, Matanzas
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For tourists in resort area. Limited services.
Practical information for PH 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
No. Cuban immigration does not offer visa-on-arrival for Filipino citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel, from a Cuban embassy or consulate.
Processing at the Cuban Embassy in Manila typically takes 5–10 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies and is set by the embassy. It's usually around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Check with the Cuban Embassy in Manila for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Yes, as long as it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and has at least one blank page. Cuban immigration enforces this strictly.
Yes. Cuba requires all visitors to have health insurance valid in the country. Your policy must cover medical expenses for the entire duration of your stay. Airlines may ask to see proof at check-in.
Extensions are generally not granted for tourists. The standard stay is 30 days, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Plan your trip within the allowed window.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. Airlines also require a valid visa before boarding, so you won't even get on the plane without one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.