Cuba is one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding destinations (see our guide to the best things to do in Havana) – and one of its most bureaucratically unusual. Entry rules changed in 2025 with a switch to an electronic visa, health insurance is mandatory, the island runs almost entirely on cash, and US citizens face an extra legal layer that no other destination imposes. None of it is hard once you understand it. Here’s the practical, up-to-date picture for 2026.
Entry Requirements for Everyone
Whatever your nationality, three things are non-negotiable:
- An e-Visa (tourist card). In mid-2025, Cuba replaced the old paper tourist card with an electronic visa, still commonly called a tourist card. Most visitors now get it online – through their airline or the official Cuban government portal – for a single-entry stay of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- The D’Viajeros form. Separately, every traveller must complete this online customs-and-health declaration within seven days before arrival (some airlines require it within 72 hours). It generates a QR code you’ll need at check-in and at Cuban immigration – save it to your phone and print a backup, as connectivity on the island is unreliable.
- Travel health insurance. Cover valid in Cuba is mandatory. US domestic policies aren’t accepted; coverage is often bundled into airfare on US-based airlines, or you can buy a Cuba-specific policy cheaply. Carry printed proof, as officials may ask for it.
You may also be asked for proof of onward or return travel.
Cuba Is a Cash Economy
This trips up more visitors than anything else. US credit and debit cards do not work anywhere in Cuba because of the embargo, and foreign cards and ATMs are unreliable at best – so bring enough cash for your entire trip, plus a 20-30% buffer. Euros, Canadian dollars and British pounds are easily exchanged; US dollars are accepted but sometimes at poorer rates. Change money at official CADECA exchange houses, airports or hotels into Cuban pesos. Pack any medicines you might need too, as shortages of basic supplies are severe.
The Extra Rules for US Citizens
If you’re a US citizen (or otherwise subject to US jurisdiction), there’s a layer no other country has. Under US Treasury (OFAC) regulations, pure tourism to Cuba is not permitted. Instead, your trip must fall under one of 12 authorised travel categories; the one most independent travellers use is “Support for the Cuban People.”
You self-certify your category when booking – no advance OFAC approval is needed for a general license – but you must genuinely meet its requirements:
- Keep a full-time schedule of activities that support ordinary Cubans and the private sector.
- Stay in casas particulares (licensed private guesthouses) rather than state- or military-owned hotels.
- Eat at paladares (private restaurants) and spend with private businesses.
- Avoid any business on the US government’s Cuba Restricted List, which includes many military-owned hotels.
- Keep records of your trip – itinerary, receipts and an activity log – for five years.
This is a summary, not legal advice: verify the current rules on the US State Department’s Cuba page and with OFAC before you book, as they can change with little notice.
The ESTA Catch (Affects Everyone)
One consequence surprises travellers of every nationality: because Cuba is on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, anyone who has visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 loses eligibility for the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). If you plan to visit the United States afterwards, you’ll need to apply for a full US visa instead. Factor this in if a US trip is anywhere on your horizon.
Other Nationalities
For most non-US travellers – EU, UK, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and most Latin American passport holders – entry is far simpler: the e-Visa (tourist card), mandatory insurance and a valid passport are all you need, with no category rules to follow. Canadians enjoy especially generous stays. A few nationalities require a full consular visa, so check with the nearest Cuban embassy if in doubt.
Getting There
Direct commercial flights operate from the US – Miami is the main hub, with Fort Lauderdale and Tampa also serving Havana and other cities – alongside routes from Canada, Mexico and Europe. It’s also perfectly legal to fly to Cuba via a third country such as Mexico or Canada, using the same e-Visa.
Best Time to Visit and Practical Notes
Cuba is a year-round destination, but the dry season (November to April) brings the best weather, while the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November) is worth planning around. A few final practicalities: bring a small pharmacy of your own, expect limited and paid wifi, and note that Cuba currently carries a US “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory – largely for shortages of food, fuel and medicine and petty crime in tourist areas, rather than violent crime.
Conclusion
Cuba rewards travellers who prepare: sort your e-Visa and D’Viajeros form, buy the mandatory insurance, bring all your cash, and – if you’re American – build a genuine “Support for the Cuban People” itinerary around private homes and restaurants. Do that, and one of the Caribbean’s most characterful islands opens up. For what to actually see and do once you land, see our guide to why Cuba (and Havana) is worth visiting.
FAQs
Can Americans travel to Cuba in 2026?
Yes, but not as tourists. US citizens must travel under one of 12 OFAC-authorised categories – most commonly “Support for the Cuban People” – which means staying in private casas particulares, supporting private businesses, keeping an activity log, and retaining records for five years. You self-certify; no advance approval is needed.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Most visitors need an e-Visa (formerly the paper tourist card), obtained online via your airline or the official Cuban portal, plus a passport valid for six months. Everyone must also complete the online D’Viajeros declaration before arrival.
What is the D’Viajeros form?
It’s Cuba’s mandatory online customs and health declaration, completed within seven days before arrival. It produces a QR code you must show at check-in and at Cuban immigration – save it offline and print a copy.
Can I use my credit card in Cuba?
US cards don’t work at all due to the embargo, and foreign cards and ATMs are unreliable. Bring enough cash (euros, Canadian dollars or pounds exchange best) for your whole trip, plus a buffer.
Does visiting Cuba affect my US ESTA?
Yes. Because Cuba is a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, anyone of any nationality who has visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 loses US Visa Waiver (ESTA) eligibility and must apply for a US visa to enter the United States.
Is travel insurance required for Cuba?
Yes – health insurance valid in Cuba is a legal entry requirement. US-based policies aren’t accepted; coverage is often included in airfare on US airlines, or buy a Cuba-specific policy and carry printed proof.
