Entry Requirements and Visa for Cuba

People

For tourist travel purposes.

For French Citizens

For stays of less than 30 days: valid passport + tourist card + health insurance certificate + in theory, also an exit ticket and sufficient funds if traveling independently.

As for the 25 CUC exit tax, which was previously payable in cash upon leaving Cuban territory, it is now included in the price of the flight ticket.

Tourist Card

A tourist card, valid for a maximum of 30 days on site and for a single entry, is mandatory for everyone, including minors, traveling to Cuba. It is paid (22 €) and issued by the Cuban consulate in Paris (with proof of travel) and by French tour operators approved by the Cuban authorities. Note that the Cuban consulate now adds extra fees of 25 € per passport when the request is made through a third party or by mail. All payments must also be made in cash or by certified bank check.

Once issued, the document must be used within 6 months. This card cannot be obtained upon arrival or on board during air transport, as it is required to board a flight departing from France.

Health Insurance

Medical insurance covering health and repatriation costs is required by the Cuban authorities for anyone entering the country. It is therefore mandatory to be in compliance and have a certificate; otherwise, upon arrival, you will have to subscribe to a contract with a local provider.

Long Stays

For stays exceeding 30 days, it is possible to obtain a new tourist card (25 CUC), valid for another month, from immigration services in Havana or the main cities of the country. This renewal can only be done once, and beyond that, it is necessary to leave the country.

For Canadian Citizens

Valid passport (must be valid for at least 1 month after the planned return date) + tourist card + health insurance certificate + in theory, also an exit ticket and sufficient funds if traveling independently. The 25 CUC exit tax also applies.

Special Cases

Compared to French citizens, for example, Canadian citizens have some advantages when staying in Cuba. Thus, Canadian tourists (born in Canada) can stay up to six months on site but must still report to the authorities within three months to request an extension. Note that for Canadians born abroad, in Cuba, or residing in the United States, the conditions are slightly different.

As for the tourist card, it can also be issued, in addition to travel agencies or Cuban representations, by airlines, or even available at Canadian airports or during flights. This card allows for a 90-day stay from the entry date and is valid for a single entry into the territory. It is this card that will be extended accordingly for those who wish to stay up to 6 months.

Other Nationalities

For Native Cubans

Cuba does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, anyone holding Cuban nationality in addition to another must complete their procedures as a Cuban. Similarly, people born on the island but of a nationality other than Cuban should inquire with Cuban representations abroad to learn about the specific formalities that may apply in their case.

In Case of Violation

Cuban authorities are quite strict regarding formalities, and it is always preferable to be in compliance to avoid fines or even incarceration/expulsion.

Until recently, bringing certain equipment such as mobile phones into the country, even for personal use, was regulated and could result in "confiscation for the duration of the stay" by customs services. Now, as indicated on the Cuban customs website, phones, laptops, etc., are permitted for tourists.

Marriage Formalities

While honeymoon trips to Cuba are a common offering from travel agencies, it is also possible for foreigners to get married there.

Marrying a Cuban

Consulates

In France

General Consulate: 14 rue de Presles, 75015 Paris. Tel.: 01 45 67 98 81. Open weekday mornings.

Other Countries

• Belgium: Consulate at 80 av. Brugmann, 1190 Forest. Tel.: 02 343 71 46.

• Canada: Consulate at 4542-4546, Décarie Blvd, Montreal, H3X-2H5. Tel.: (514) 843 8897. Other consulates in Toronto and Ottawa.

• Switzerland: Consulate at 8 Gesellschaftsstrasse, 3012 Bern. Tel.: 031 302 2111.