Cuba Visa Requirements for UK Travellers (2026)

Yes, UK citizens need a tourist e-visa (electronic tourist card) to visit Cuba. Since July 2025, Cuba replaced the paper tourist card with an electronic visa system, making the process simpler and faster. The e-visa costs approximately £22, is processed within 72 hours, and allows a single entry for up to 90 days.

This guide covers everything UK travellers need to know about Cuban entry requirements for 2026, including the new e-visa process, the mandatory D'Viajeros online form, passport requirements, and travel insurance obligations.

Cuba Tourist E-Visa — The Basics

The Cuban tourist e-visa replaced the traditional paper tourist card (tarjeta de turista) in July 2025. The new electronic system is faster and eliminates the need for postal applications or in-person visits to the Cuban embassy.

• Type: Single-entry tourist e-visa
• Cost: Approximately £22 (paid online via credit/debit card)
• Processing time: Up to 72 hours (often faster)
• Validity: 180 days from issue — you must enter Cuba within this period
• Duration of stay: Up to 90 days from entry
• Extensions: One 90-day extension is available once in Cuba
• Who needs it: UK, EU, US, and most other nationalities

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward and completed entirely online:

• Step 1: Visit the official Cuban e-visa portal at cubavisa.uk or the Cuban government portal.
• Step 2: Fill in your personal details — full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number.
• Step 3: Provide your travel details — arrival date, flight number, and first accommodation address in Cuba.
• Step 4: Pay the fee online (£22 approximately).
• Step 5: Receive your e-visa by email within 72 hours. Print a copy or save digitally on your phone.

Important: Be cautious of third-party websites charging inflated fees for the same visa. The official cost is approximately £22. If you're asked for significantly more, double-check you're on the correct government or authorised portal.

D'Viajeros Online Arrival Form

In addition to the e-visa, all travellers to Cuba must complete the D'Viajeros (formerly the customs and health declaration) online form within 72 hours of arrival.

• What it is: A mandatory immigration, customs, and health declaration
• When to complete: Within 72 hours before your flight to Cuba
• How: Complete online at the official D'Viajeros portal
• What you'll need: Passport details, flight information, accommodation address, and basic health declaration
• Output: A QR code — print it or save it on your phone for immigration

The D'Viajeros form is free of charge. Some airlines check you have completed it before allowing boarding, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Passport Requirements

Your UK passport must meet the following requirements:

• Validity: At least 6 months from your date of arrival in Cuba
• Blank pages: At least one blank page for the entry stamp
• Condition: Must be undamaged and machine-readable

If your passport is due to expire within 6 months of your travel date, you should renew it before applying for your e-visa. UK passport renewals currently take around 10 weeks — plan accordingly.

Dual nationality: If you hold dual nationality, you must enter Cuba on the same passport you used for your e-visa application. Cuban authorities will check that your passport number matches your e-visa details.

Travel Insurance Requirement

Cuba requires all visitors to have valid travel insurance. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement that may be checked at immigration on arrival.

• Minimum medical coverage: US$10,000 (approximately £8,000)
• Must include: Emergency medical treatment and repatriation
• Proof: Carry your insurance certificate or policy document with you
• Random checks: Immigration officers may ask to see proof of insurance on arrival

When you book a Cuba holiday with Travelfab, we can recommend travel insurance through our partner High Risk Voyager, which meets all Cuban entry requirements. Our holidays are also ATOL protected, giving you additional financial peace of mind.

At the Airport — What to Expect

At UK Check-In

Your airline may ask to see your e-visa confirmation before issuing your boarding pass. Have it accessible (printed or on your phone). Airlines operating indirect routes to Cuba via Madrid, Amsterdam, or Toronto typically check documents at your point of origin in the UK.

Arriving in Cuba

At José Martí International Airport (Havana) or other Cuban airports, you will:

• Join the immigration queue (foreign visitors line)
• Present your passport, printed e-visa, and D'Viajeros QR code
• Answer brief questions about the purpose and length of your stay
• Have your passport stamped
• Proceed to baggage collection and customs

If you are carrying more than US$5,000 in cash (or equivalent), you must declare this at customs. Processing typically takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the time of day and the number of arrivals.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a single 90-day extension at an immigration office in Cuba. This gives a maximum total stay of 180 days.

• Where: Inmigración offices in major cities (Havana, Santiago, Trinidad)
• Cost: 2,500 CUP (approximately £20) in stamps
• Documents needed: Passport, proof of accommodation, and your original e-visa
• Processing: Usually same-day or next-day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unofficial visa websites — many third-party sites charge £50–100+ for the same £22 visa. Always verify you're on an authorised Cuba Visa portal.
• Forgetting the D'Viajeros form — this is separate from the e-visa. Some travellers arrive without it and face delays or are turned away at check-in.
• Expired passport — the 6-month validity rule catches some travellers. Check your passport expiry date well before booking.
• No insurance proof — if asked at Cuban immigration and you can't show proof, you may be required to purchase Cuban state insurance on the spot (expensive and limited).
• Wrong passport for dual nationals — always travel with the passport you used for the e-visa application.
• Not printing documents — while Cuba is increasingly digital, internet access can be unreliable. Print copies of your e-visa, D'Viajeros QR code, and insurance certificate as backup.

Booking with Travelfab

When you book a Cuba holiday with Travelfab, our team guides you through every step of the entry requirements process. We provide:

• Step-by-step visa application guidance
• Travel insurance through Affirma (meets all Cuban requirements)
• ATOL financial protection on all flight-inclusive packages
• Pre-departure briefing with practical Cuba tips
• 24/7 in-destination support

Whether you're planning a classic Cuba touring holiday or a tailor-made itinerary, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.