When planning a trip to Cuba, it is necessary to prepare several key documents to satisfy both the Cuban government regulations (for actual entry) and U.S. government travel restrictions (for those subject to U.S. jurisdiction).
All travelers must prepare the following basic documents to enter the island:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Cuba.
Depending on your nationality, an appropriate entry permit is required. Generally, this is handled via a physical Tourist Card or the new e-Visa (Electronic Visa) which must be obtained prior to travel.
You must present a ticket proving your intent to depart Cuba at the end of your stay.
Cuban law mandates travel insurance that explicitly includes medical coverage for the entire duration of your stay. This insurance must be issued by a provider recognized by Cuban authorities.
This is a mandatory digital form for all travelers entering Cuba. It must be completed online within 7 days of arrival. Upon completion, a QR code will be generated, which must be presented to the airline at check-in and to Cuban immigration officers upon arrival. [Read more in this article].
U.S. citizens, U.S. legal residents, or anyone traveling directly from the United States must comply with the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Under U.S. law, travel to Cuba for purely touristic purposes is prohibited. Therefore, you must fall under one of the 12 authorized General License categories established by OFAC (the most common being "Support for the Cuban People"). While a physical "license document" is not issued, you must ensure your travel itinerary and activities strictly adhere to the requirements of your chosen category. [Read more in this article].
While not a Cuban entry requirement, having proof of residency is helpful for clarifying immigration status if requested by U.S. authorities or during travel document processing.
Visa and e-Visa requirements vary by nationality and are frequently updated by the Cuban government; therefore, prior verification is essential. We also recommend checking the latest status of the e-Visa system and the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (CPAL) before finalizing your plans.
