Cuba
Cuba visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens must obtain a Cuban tourist card or visa before travel; US travellers also need an OFAC‑approved travel category because tourism alone is not authorized. Check current travel advisories and flight availability before arranging any entry documents.
More
GuideCuba
Key facts
- US citizenscheck
- Need a tourist card plus an OFAC‑approved travel category; tourism is not allowed
- UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ, Irish citizenscheck
- Need a tourist card or visa; usually issued by the airline or tour operator
- Maximum staycheck
- Usually 30 days, extendable once for another 30
- Electronic formcheck
- D'Viajeros form required before travel; fill in online
- Passport validity
- Must be valid for the period of stay; check the 6‑month rule
Quick answer
All six nationalities need a tourist card or visa before travel. US travellers must also qualify under an OFAC‑approved category because tourism alone is not permitted. Verify the latest travel advice and flight schedules before proceeding.
Summary by passport
| Nationality | Visa or tourist card | How to get it | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Tourist card + OFAC category | Airline or tour operator; must be in an approved category | 30 days, extendable once |
| UK | Tourist card | Airline or tour operator | 30 days, extendable once |
| Canada | Tourist card | Airline or tour operator | 30 days, extendable once |
| Australia | Tourist card | Airline or tour operator | 30 days, extendable once |
| New Zealand | Tourist card | Airline or tour operator | 30 days, extendable once |
| Ireland | Tourist card | Airline or tour operator | 30 days, extendable once |
Rules may change; confirm with your airline or the Cuban embassy before booking.
Entry details
The tourist card is a single‑entry document, typically valid for 30 days from arrival and may be extended once at a Cuban immigration office. It is often included in the price of a package tour or sold by the airline at check‑in; you must keep it for exit.
Before flying you must complete the D'Viajeros online form, which collects health and flight details and generates a QR code. Airlines may require it at check‑in; without it you could be denied boarding.
US citizens must travel under an OFAC‑approved category (e.g., family visit, journalistic activity, people‑to‑people educational travel). Tourism alone is not authorized. Keep records of your travel purpose as required by US regulations.
Notes and warnings
Passport validity: most countries require a passport valid for the period of stay; some airlines enforce the 6‑month rule. Carry a spare page for the entry stamp.
US travellers must ensure their OFAC category is valid at the time of travel; misrepresentation can lead to penalties.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry but is strongly recommended. Medical care is basic and cash is needed for treatment.
FAQ
Sources and verification
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Cuba?
Yes, all six nationalities need a tourist card or visa. The card is usually issued by the airline or tour operator. US citizens also need an OFAC-approved travel category; tourism is not one.
How long can I stay in Cuba without a visa?
The tourist card allows a stay of usually 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days at a Cuban immigration office. Confirm the exact period with your airline, as rules can change.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Cuba?
Yes, you must complete the D'Viajeros online form before travel. It is free, takes a few minutes, and generates a QR code that airlines may check at check-in. Without it, you may be denied boarding.
Can I get a tourist card on arrival in Cuba?
No, the tourist card must be obtained before departure, typically from your airline, travel agency, or a Cuban consulate. Arrival without it will result in denied entry.
What documents do I need besides a passport for Cuban entry?
You need a valid passport, the completed D'Viajeros form, the tourist card, and for US citizens, proof of an OFAC‑approved travel category. A return or onward ticket is also required.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Cuba
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Cuba
- officialGovernment of Canada – Cuba travel advice
- officialAustralian Smartraveller – Cuba
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Cuba
- officialIrish DFA – Cuba travel advice
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Cuba
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Cuba
- officialGovernment of Canada – Cuba travel advice
- officialAustralian Smartraveller – Cuba
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Cuba
- officialIrish DFA – Cuba travel advice
Ask about Cuba
Loading…
Was this useful?