Visas & Travel Documents

In order to enter Cuba, one must have a valid passport or equivalent travel document, issued in the bearer`s name and with the corresponding entrance visa. A Tourist Card/Visa only authorizes a stay of 30 days (extendable in Cuba) for recreational activities or pleasure. If the traveler is interested in engaging in business, journalism, or stay in private homes belonging to either friends or family he or she should request a different visa.

In the UK, a Tourist Card/Visa can be obtained direct from us for £20 and or at the London Cuban Consulate. All visitors need a return ticket, and should have a hotel reservation for at least 3 nights upon arrival in Cuba. Cuban Tourist Cards can be issued to UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan and USA passport holders who, stressed again, must have return tickets. They can also be sold to citizens with residence permit/visa to stay in United Kingdom valid at least for six months from the date of departure from Cuba. Cuban immigration could hang onto your passport until the necessary reservations are made at the airport tour desk.

Your Tourist Card/Visa can be extended when in Cuba by another month without difficulty with a payment of 25 Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). In Havana you can extend it at the following address:
    Edificio Metropoletano,
    room 212,
    O'Reilly y Aquacate,
    Habana Vieja

The example above shows just half of the Tourist Card. Each half is almost the same. Both halves must be fully filled out. You must state your personal details as they appear on your passport, and on "line 5" you must include the name and address of a hotel with which you have a reservation. There has been a few problems with travellers arriving into Cuba with their Tourist Card blank or wrongly filled in causing flights delays and making other passenger uncomfortably. MAKE SURE THAT TOURIST CARDS ARE FILLED IN CORRECTLY!! On entry to Cuba the left half will be retained by immigration. You will need to keep the other half for when leaving Cuba.

US Citizens - additional visa and travel information

Vaccinations & Health

There are no vaccination requirements for international travelers. However, we advise you get vaccination against hepatitis A, and it is recommended to avoid water and food-borne bacteria. Please don't drink untreated tap water! The Cuba health system is comparible with many developed countries health systems. The medical facilities are good, and in contrast to Canada and the USA, medical treatment for foreign travelers is low and healthcare for Cubans is free. Few travelers to Cuba experience more than upset stomach and sun burn.