Travel Documents For Cuba: What You Need To Know

Can I go to Cuba with a travel document?

Yes, it is possible to travel to Cuba with a travel document, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the requirements for entry into Cuba may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of passport or travel document you hold. It is always advisable to check with the Cuban authorities or diplomatic representatives in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

For US citizens, travelling to Cuba has been restricted for decades due to the complex history and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. However, as of early 2024, it is possible for US citizens to visit Cuba, but there are some conditions and requirements that must be met. US law requires individuals to qualify for a general license under one of the 12 approved categories, which include official business, journalistic activities, educational activities, religious activities, and more. These categories are subject to change with each presidential administration, so it is important to stay informed about the latest regulations.

In addition to the general license, travellers to Cuba are typically required to have a valid passport, a Cuban visa or Tourist Card, and proof of travel medical insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. It is worth noting that US debit cards are not accepted in Cuba, and credit cards are only accepted at a handful of locations, so it is advisable to bring sufficient cash to cover expenses.

For citizens of other countries, the entry requirements may differ. For example, Canadian citizens need a visa or tourist card to enter Cuba, which is typically included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines offering direct flights from Canada. It is important to consult official sources for the specific requirements pertaining to your country of origin.

Overall, while it is possible to travel to Cuba with a travel document, it is important to stay informed about the latest regulations and requirements, as they can change over time and vary depending on your country of origin.

What are the 12 categories of approved travel to Cuba?

On 17 December 2014, President Obama announced the easing of travel restrictions to Cuba for Americans. Trips that previously required a "specific license" are now authorised by a "general license", meaning that people who meet any of the 12 criteria listed below do not need to apply for a license to visit Cuba.

The 12 categories of approved travel to Cuba are:

• Family travel: Americans are permitted to visit close relatives, defined as any individual related “by blood, marriage, or adoption, who is no more than three generations removed from that person or from a common ancestor with that person.
• Official government business: Employees, contractors or grantees of the United States government, any foreign government, or any intergovernmental organisation (of which the U.S. is a member or observer) can travel to Cuba on official business.
• Journalistic activity: Cuban travel is open to full-time journalists, supporting broadcast or technical personnel, or freelance journalists with experience.
• Professional research and meetings: This is an opportunity for people to conduct research in their fields or attend professional meetings.
• Educational activities: Under this classification, staff and students from academic institutions and secondary schools are allowed to engage in certain educational activities in Cuba.
• Religious activities: Religious organisations, members, and staff are allowed to engage in programs and religious activities. This category of travel to Cuba must consist of a full-time schedule of religious activities.
• Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions: In general, this category applies to athletes, performers, and artists who plan to participate in amateur and semi-professional sports, perform publicly, attend clinics or workshops, or exhibit their work.
• Support for the Cuban people: Defined by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as “human rights organisations; independent organisations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; and individuals and non-governmental organisations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba.
• Humanitarian projects: These include medical and health-related projects; certain beneficial construction projects; environmental projects; and undertakings involving educational training (in entrepreneurship and business, civil education, journalism, advocacy and organising, adult literacy, or vocational skills; community-based grassroots projects; projects suitable to the development of small-scale private enterprise; projects related to agricultural and rural development that promote independent activity; micro-financing projects with some exceptions; and endeavours to meet basic human needs).
• Activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes: People affiliated with private foundations or research or educational institutes may travel to Cuba for “an established interest in international relations to collect information related to Cuba for non-commercial purposes.”
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials: This category allows a number of activities related to the publishing, music, and film industries.
• Export: Travel to Cuba is permitted for some authorised export transactions.

What documents do I need to enter Cuba?

To enter Cuba, you will need a valid passport, proof of travel medical insurance, and a tourist card, also known as a Cuban visa.

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your entry into Cuba.

Travel Medical Insurance

You will need to show proof of travel medical insurance when you arrive in Cuba. This insurance must include coverage for medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. The company providing your travel medical plan must be able to make payments from a non-U.S. banking institution.

Tourist Card/Visa

You can purchase a tourist card at the airport or from a Cuban government office, tour operator, or airline. If you are flying from the USA, the U.S. air carrier will have these visas available for sale in the boarding area, at a price ranging from $80-$120. If you are travelling from another country, you can obtain the visa at the airport.

Other Entry Requirements

Within 48 hours before your departure to Cuba, you must complete the D'Viajeros Advance Information of Travellers Form. This includes a health questionnaire and a customs declaration form. Once you submit the form, you will receive a QR code and an email that you must present to the Immigration officers when you arrive in Cuba.

Additional Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens must comply with regulations from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Travel to Cuba for tourism purposes is prohibited by statute. Travel must fall under one of 12 permitted travel categories, including official government business, journalistic activity, professional research or meetings, religious activities, sports and public events, and support for the Cuban people.

What are the restrictions on US citizens travelling to Cuba?

US citizens can travel to Cuba, but there are several restrictions they should be aware of. Firstly, US citizens must declare a travel category from a list of twelve pre-approved categories. These include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances, and 'support for the Cuban people'. While US citizens can travel independently to Cuba, they must have a full-time schedule of approved activities within their chosen category.

Secondly, US citizens must be aware of financial and banking restrictions. US debit and credit cards do not work in Cuba, so travellers must bring enough cash to cover their trip. US dollars can be converted into Cuban pesos upon arrival, but it is not recommended to exchange money at the airport.

Thirdly, there are restrictions on where US citizens can stay and spend money in Cuba. The US State Department maintains a list of restricted hotels and other Cuban government businesses with connections to the Cuban military, where American citizens are prohibited from spending money.

Fourthly, there are restrictions on what items US citizens can bring into Cuba. Drones, walkie-talkies, satellite phones, and GPS devices are prohibited. Literature that may be seen as critical of the Cuban government should also be avoided.

Finally, there are some health-related restrictions. All travellers to Cuba must have valid health insurance, which is often included in the cost of a flight ticket. A health declaration form is also required, and travellers may be selected at random for COVID testing upon arrival.

What is the difference between a Cuba Tourist Card and a Cuban visa?

The Cuba Tourist Card, also known as a Tourist Visa, is a document separate from your passport. It is not affixed to your passport but is instead a small card that you need to manually fill in and present to immigration authorities. The card is light green or pink. The colour depends on the last place you depart from before arriving in Cuba. If your last departure point is the US, you will need a pink Tourist Card, whereas if you are arriving from any other country, you will need a green Tourist Card. The pink Tourist Card is more expensive than the green one.

The Tourist Card is required by the Cuban government and applies to almost anyone visiting Cuba from abroad. Nationals of certain countries are exempt from this requirement, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia, China, Dominica, Grenada, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Mongolia, Namibia, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Serbia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The Tourist Card can be obtained online, through travel agencies, or from the Cuban consulate in your country. It can also be purchased from some airlines, travel agents, tour companies, or the Cuban embassy.

The Cuba Visa, on the other hand, is a different type of document that is affixed to your passport. It is required by certain nationalities that do not have access to a Tourist Card. According to one source, only a minority of countries (around 25 nationalities) will need to apply for a Cuba Visa instead of a Tourist Card. These nationalities include natives of the Fujian Province in China.

To obtain a Cuba Visa, you need to visit a Cuban diplomatic mission, whereas the Tourist Card can be obtained through an online application form. The requirements for both documents are similar and include a valid passport, travel insurance, and a flight itinerary.

What are the banking and payment options in Cuba?

Cuba has a total of eight commercial banks, including Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC), Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA), and Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI). The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) acts as the country's central bank and was established in 1997 to assume many of the functions of the National Bank of Cuba (BNC). The BCC is both a banking regulator and a shareholder in much of the Cuban banking system, like most Cuban government ministries.

In addition to the commercial banks, there are also non-banking financial institutions regulated by the BCC, such as Grupo Nueva Banca, S.A. (New Bank Group) and Casas de Cambio, S.A. (CADECA), which operates money exchange kiosks

US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, and travellers are advised to bring US dollars or euros to exchange for Cuban pesos (CUP) at authorised banks, CADECA offices, airports, or hotels. It is illegal to change money anywhere other than these authorised locations.

When it comes to online banking and shopping, the Cuban telecommunications network is unreliable, and most websites are insecure. Many are inaccessible. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid online shopping and confirm with hotels if they accept online reservations and payments.

In recent years, the US has made regulatory amendments to enable more financial support for Cuba's private sector. For the first time since the 1950s revolution, Cuban entrepreneurs can open bank accounts in the US and access them from Cuba. They can also use US-based social media platforms, online payment sites, and cloud-based services. However, direct banking with the US is still prohibited, and transactions must be routed through third countries.

Frequently asked questions