Cuba travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders do not need a visa to enter Cuba. You receive a tourist card on arrival, valid for 30 days, and you can extend it once for another 30 days (check current rules). Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Before booking, check the latest travel advice. As of September 2026, the UK advises against all but essential travel, Canada says avoid non-essential travel, and Australia says reconsider your need to travel, because fuel, power and flights keep failing. The US rates Cuba Level 2 (exercise increased caution). If you still go, plan for cash, a return flight on an airline still flying, and two buffer days.

You do not need a visa in advance. On arrival, you get a tourist card (tarjeta del turista) valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days at an immigration office. Some airlines provide the card on the flight; otherwise you buy it at the airport. Check with your airline before departure.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cuba. You also need proof of onward travel and proof of accommodation, and you must have health insurance that covers Cuba; if you do not, you may have to buy a local policy on arrival (check).

New Zealand does not have an embassy in Cuba. The nearest accredited mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico, which covers Cuba. For consular help, contact that embassy or the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington.

For visa or entry questions, contact Cuban immigration authorities directly. Use the embassy tool to find the nearest New Zealand representation.

Cuba is not a cheap destination. A mid-range trip costs roughly NZ$150–200 per person per day, including accommodation, meals, transport and some activities. Budget travellers can manage on less, but expect to pay more for private taxis and good hotels.

You cannot use New Zealand bank cards or credit cards in Cuba because of US sanctions. Bring cash in euros, US dollars or Canadian dollars, and exchange it to Cuban pesos (CUP) on arrival. US dollars may attract an extra exchange fee. Carry enough for the whole trip, and keep it in a money belt.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Cuba. You will connect through a hub such as Auckland to Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid or Toronto, then fly to Havana (HAV). Total travel time is at least 24 hours, often more, depending on connections.

Because of US restrictions, some US airlines do not fly to Cuba, and flights can be cancelled at short notice due to fuel shortages. Book with a buffer of two extra days before your return, and check the airline's current schedule before you leave.

Cuba uses plug types A, B, C and L, and both 110 V and 220 V are in use. Check your devices: many New Zealand appliances work on 220–240 V, but some US-style outlets are 110 V. Bring a universal adapter and a voltage converter if your devices are not dual-voltage.

Power cuts are common, especially outside Havana. Carry a power bank and a torch, and keep your phone charged when you can.

Tipping is expected. In restaurants, leave about 10% of the bill. For musicians, guides and taxi drivers, a dollar or two in cash is standard. Carry small notes in CUP or foreign currency for tips.

In an emergency, call: police 106, ambulance 104, fire 105. For consular help, contact the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington. Note that emergency services may be slow to respond in rural areas.