Cuba travel guide for Britons

Yes, Britons need a tourist card (visa) to enter Cuba. It allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. You can get it from a Cuban embassy or consulate before travel, or sometimes on arrival at the airport, but the rules change, so check with the Cuban embassy in London before booking.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and flight disruptions. That advice can change quickly, so check it before you book and again before you fly.

You need a valid passport and a tourist card. The tourist card is valid for 30 days from arrival and can be extended once for another 30 days. You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date is commonly required, but confirm with the Cuban embassy. The tourist card is separate from your passport and must be kept safe; you hand it back when you leave.

The British Embassy in Havana is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Cuba. It can help with lost passports, arrests, and other emergencies, but it cannot get you out of the country or pay your bills.

For visa and entry questions, contact the Cuban Embassy in London before you travel. The UK government's travel advice page for Cuba has the latest contact details and emergency numbers.

Cuba is not a cheap destination. The Cuban peso (CUP) is the official currency, but cash in GBP or euros is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards issued by UK banks rarely work in Cuba, so bring enough cash for your whole trip.

As a rough guide, a budget traveller might spend £40–£60 per day, a mid-range traveller £80–£120, and a luxury traveller £200 or more. These are estimates; prices change and are often higher in Havana and during peak season.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Cuba. Most Britons fly via Madrid, Paris, or other European hubs, with a total journey time of about 10–12 hours plus connection time. Airlines serving Cuba from Europe include Iberia, Air France, and others, but schedules change frequently.

Given the current fuel and power issues, flight cancellations and delays are possible. Book with a credit card, consider travel insurance that covers disruption, and leave buffer days before any onward commitments.

Cuba uses plug types A, B, C, and L, and both 110 V and 220 V are in use. Bring a universal adapter and check your devices' voltage ratings. Power cuts are common, so a power bank and a torch are useful.

Tipping is expected. In restaurants, 10% is standard. Give a dollar or two to musicians, guides, and hotel staff. Small tips in GBP or euros are fine, but US dollars may be harder to exchange.

Police: 106. Ambulance: 104. Fire: 105. For consular help, contact the British Embassy in Havana. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.