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 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 (previously known as 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 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 arrange travel insurance through our partner Affirma, 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 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 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.
