Travel Requirements
Please check with the Cuban Embassy in your home country or its consulates for up-to-date information.
A valid passport is required for travelers intending to visit Cuba. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Cuba. A tourist card (or visa) is also required. It is generally provided by tour operators or airlines, or can be obtained from a Cuban consulate in your home country. It can also be purchased at certain airports.
Health Insurance
Since May 1, 2010, travellers must present proof of health insurance in order to enter Cuba. Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in the country. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company at their arrival. All health insurance policies are recognized, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba.
Currency and Payments
The national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP). However, all payments in the establishments operating in foreign exchange in Cuba are made with the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).
You will not be able to use your debit bank card to make cash withdrawals or to make payments. Therefore, we recommend bringing along cash and exchanging it when you arrive in Cuba. You can exchange foreign currencies for CUC at banks, official cash exchange offices ("Casas de Cambio" by Cadeca) or at your hotel according to the daily rate. Some banks, like Banco Metropolitano S.A., have better exchange rates.
Visa and MasterCard credit cards not issued by US banks are widely accepted, however American Express and Diners' Club credit cards are not accepted at all. You may be able to make cash withdrawals from some bank ATMs using your Visa credit card. You can use other credit cards to pay in stores and hotels or to make cash withdrawals in banks as long as you have your passport with you as identification. All transactions conducted with credit cards are subject to a 4% tax.
Import and Export Rules
For detailed and updated information on import and export requirements, please check the Cuban Customs website.
