Cuba entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cuba. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to travel to Cuba for tourism.
Apply for Cuba eVisaTourist card (not a visa) required for most nationalities. Often purchased via airline.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Cuban tourist visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. Print this letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration in Havana.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Cuba. Cuban immigration does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cuba | Immigration officers at José Martí International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or casa particular | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a confirmed booking from a licensed casa particular (private homestay). Immigration may ask for the address and contact details of where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Cuban immigration rarely asks for this, but it's smart to carry at least $100 USD per day in cash or card statements. | Recommended |
eVisa is electronic — no sticker
Your approved eVisa is linked to your passport number electronically. You don't need a physical sticker or stamp. Just carry the confirmation PDF.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cuba, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Cuban eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 USD depending on nationality). You'll receive a PDF confirmation by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your eVisa confirmation, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night accommodation booking. Keep them in a folder or saved on your phone.
3
At the airport in Saudi Arabia
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your eVisa before issuing a boarding pass. Show your eVisa PDF and passport. No additional forms needed.
4
Arrival at Havana Airport (HAV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Hand over your passport and eVisa confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation address. Answer clearly. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
5
During your stay
Carry your passport and eVisa copy with you at all times. Cuban police occasionally ask for ID. If you lose your passport, contact the Saudi embassy in Havana immediately.
Download Cuba Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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. 319 SAR)
Standard eVisa; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 563 SAR)
For frequent visitors; must apply at Cuban embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)
Requires invitation letter from Cuban entity.
retirement visa
Residencia Temporal por Inversión o Rentas
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 750 SAR) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension or investments and a local sponsor.
work visa
Permiso de Trabajo para Extranjeros
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 563 SAR) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Cuban company. Employer must obtain approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR) per year
For enrollment in accredited Cuban institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders. | ~$50 USD |
| Tourist card (if applicable)May be required in addition to eVisa. | ~$20 USD |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$50 USD per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Saudi passport holders transiting through Cuba do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy season.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists staying in resorts.
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, entre 1ra y 3ra, Vedado
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Varadero
Oficina de Inmigración Varadero
Calle 60, entre 1ra y 3ra, Varadero
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services for extensions.
Practical information for SA 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before travel. No embassy visit required.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
Around $50–$80 USD, depending on your nationality. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Cuban immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
Yes, you must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. Immigration may ask to see it.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs for foreigners can be very high.
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.