Documentation for traveling to Cuba

📄 Required Travel Documents for Cuba in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning your next trip, one of the most important steps is making sure you have all the required documentation to travel to Cuba without any issues. This guide will walk you through everything you need to enter the country smoothly and comply with all current entry requirements.

🔢 What Documents Do You Need to Travel to Cuba?

1. Valid Passport
   To begin with, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cuba. Without it, you won’t be able to travel to Cuba legally.
2. Tourist Card or Visa
   Also known as a Cuba tourist visa, this is mandatory for most travelers. Depending on your nationality, you can obtain it in several ways:

• At the Cuban consulate or embassy.
• Through authorized travel agencies.
• Directly from some airlines.

Therefore, having this document ensures your legal entry into the country.

3. Travel Health Insurance
   Cuban law requires travelers to have valid medical insurance covering health expenses and repatriation. As a result, you should carry a printed copy of your policy before boarding your flight.

We personally use IATI Travel Insurance and have always had a good experience. You can review their coverage options directly on the official website of IATI.

4. Return or Onward Ticket
   In many cases, you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket when entering Cuba. This demonstrates that you don’t intend to stay indefinitely.
5. Proof of Accommodation
   You must have confirmed at least your first night of lodging. For instance, you can book directly with us via the reservation page at La Casona de Rakel. This makes your entry process much easier.

🗺️ Entry Requirements by Country of Origin

Travel requirements for Cuba vary depending on your nationality. Here are some examples:

• Spain, Germany, Italy: Tourist card required.
• United States: You must choose one of the 12 authorized travel categories. For this reason, we recommend checking with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Mexico, Argentina, Chile: Tourist card required. Few additional restrictions apply.

However, it’s always best to confirm the latest rules with the Cuban embassy in your country before you travel to Cuba.

🛅 Documents Required Upon Arrival in Cuba

Upon arrival at a Cuban airport:

• Present your passport, tourist card, and travel insurance.
• Additionally, you may be asked to provide the address of your accommodation.
• In some cases, a customs declaration may also be required.

In fact, having your documents ready will make the entry process faster and smoother.

🤝🏻 La Casona de Rakel Is Here to Help

When you travel to Cuba and book your stay at La Casona de Rakel in Havana, we support you every step of the way:

• We guide you through the entry process.
• If you’re visiting other parts of the country, we can recommend trusted casas particulares in Viñales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and beyond.
• We also coordinate safe, reliable transfers with experienced drivers.

Feel free to visit our contact page for personalized support.

ℹ️ Additional Tips Before Traveling to Cuba

• Always carry both printed and digital copies of your documents.
• Write down emergency phone numbers for your embassy.
• Download offline maps or apps like Maps.me to navigate more easily.
• Most importantly, check official sources for any recent travel updates before your trip.

Good preparation, without a doubt, makes all the difference when you travel to Cuba.

✉️ Final Thoughts

With the right documents in hand, your Cuba travel experience will start off smoothly. At La Casona de Rakel, we invite you to book your room in Havana directly with us and enjoy an authentic, comfortable, and worry-free stay.

👉 Book your stay commission-free here.