Cuba
Cuba travel guide for the Irish
Irish citizens do not need a visa for Cuba for tourism stays up to 30 days, but you must complete an online travel form and hold a valid passport. Check current advisories before booking, as fuel and power shortages affect flights and services. Carry cash in euros or dollars for the whole trip.
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GuideCuba
Key facts
- Visa for Irish citizens
- Not required for tourism up to 30 days; complete the online D'Viajeros form
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months beyond arrival (check)
- Currency
- Cuban peso (CUP); euros and dollars widely accepted in cash
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C and L; 110 V and 220 V
- Emergency numbers
- 106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire
- Time zone
- UTC−5; daylight saving UTC−4 from March to November
Quick answer
Irish citizens do not need a visa for Cuba for tourist stays of up to 30 days. You must complete the online D'Viajeros form before travel and hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. The entry rules can change with little notice, so check the Cuban embassy or the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs before booking.
The bigger question is whether to go at all. In September 2026, official advisories warn of fuel, power and flight disruptions. If you still travel, plan for cash, a return flight on an airline still operating, and two buffer days in case of delays.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Not required for tourism up to 30 days |
| Online form | D'Viajeros, complete before travel |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months beyond arrival (check) |
| Return ticket | Required on entry |
| Travel insurance | Recommended; medical care is cash‑only for visitors |
Entry requirements
No visa is needed for Irish tourists staying 30 days or less. You must fill out the D'Viajeros online travel form (available in English) and print the confirmation to show on arrival.
A return or onward ticket is mandatory. Proof of sufficient funds (around €50 per day) may be asked for, and you should have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Complete D'Viajeros form (https://www.cubatravel.cu/dviajeros)
- Print confirmation page
- Carry passport valid 6 months beyond entry
- Show return/onward ticket
Irish embassy contact
Ireland has no resident embassy in Cuba. Consular assistance is provided by the Irish Embassy in Mexico City, which covers Cuba.
In an emergency, you can also contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
- Irish Embassy, Mexico City – +52 55 1103 3100
- Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin – +353 1 671 9000
Cost of a trip in EUR
Cuba is not a cheap destination, and prices have been rising. Budget roughly €70–110 per day for a mid‑range trip: a casa particular room, meals, local transport and entry fees. For a 10‑day trip, plan for €700–1,100 per person, excluding flights.
Flights from Ireland usually involve a connection, often via Madrid or another European hub. Return fares in 2026 are typically €500–900, but can spike with limited availability. Carry cash: credit and debit cards issued outside Cuba often do not work, and ATMs are unreliable.
| Item | Estimated cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Return flight from Ireland | €500–900 |
| Casa particular room per night | €25–45 |
| Meal at a paladar | €10–20 |
| Local bus (Viazul) per hour | €2–4 |
| Entry to major museums | €5–10 |
Flight and time‑difference
Typical routes: Dublin → Madrid (≈2 h 30 m) → Havana (≈10 h). Total travel time is around 14–16 hours including layover.
Cuba is in the UTC−5 zone (UTC−4 in summer). Use the flight‑time planner tool for exact timings from your city.
Power plugs and voltage
Cuba uses Types A, B, C and L plugs. Both 110 V and 220 V are supplied, so a universal travel adapter with voltage conversion is recommended.
Tipping
Tipping is expected: about 10 % in restaurants, a dollar or two for musicians, guides and hotel staff. Small cash tips are preferred over card tips.
Emergency numbers
Police: 106
Ambulance: 104
Fire: 105
FAQ
- Do the Irish need a visa for Cuba? – No. Irish citizens can enter visa‑free for tourism up to 30 days, but must complete the D'Viajeros form.
- How much does a trip to Cuba cost in EUR? – About €70–110 per day plus €500–900 for a return flight from Ireland.
- Where is the nearest Ireland embassy in Cuba? – The Irish Embassy in Mexico City covers Cuba; contact them for consular help.
- Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now? – Advisories warn of fuel, power and flight disruptions. Check the Irish DFA before booking and plan cash and buffer days.
- What currency should I bring to Cuba? – Cuban peso (CUP) is official, but euros and US dollars are widely accepted in cash.
Questions people ask
Do the Irish need a visa for Cuba?
No. Irish citizens can enter Cuba visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days. You must complete the online D'Viajeros form before travel and hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
How much does a trip to Cuba cost in EUR?
Budget about €70–110 per day for a mid-range trip, excluding flights. A 10-day trip costs roughly €700–1,100 per person. Return flights from Ireland typically cost €500–900. Carry cash; cards often do not work.
Where is the nearest Ireland embassy in Cuba?
Ireland has no resident embassy in Cuba. The nearest Irish embassy is in Mexico City and covers Cuba. For consular help, contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now?
Official advisories warn of fuel, power and flight disruptions. Check current advice from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs before booking. If you go, carry cash, confirm your return flight, and allow buffer days.
What currency should I bring to Cuba?
The Cuban peso (CUP) is the official currency, but euros and US dollars are widely accepted in cash. Bring euros or dollars in small denominations. Credit and debit cards issued outside Cuba often do not work.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs
- officialCuban Embassy in Dublin
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs
- officialCuban Embassy in Dublin
Ask about Cuba
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