Visas & entry
Most leisure travelers, including UK, EU and U.S. passport holders, need a single-entry Cuban tourist eVisa before travel plus the mandatory D’Viajeros online arrival declaration/QR code; verify current rules and carry offline copies, onward-ticket and insurance evidence. Canadians often receive the tourist visa through direct-flight arrangements or packages, but should confirm this when routing via a third country. U.S. persons cannot travel as ordinary tourists: travel must fit an OFAC-authorized category, commonly Support for the Cuban People, with records kept; a Cuba visit since January 12, 2021 can also usually end ESTA eligibility for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
Getting in
- José Martí International Airport, Boyeros: Havana’s only meaningful air gateway and Cuba’s principal international airport, about 20 km southwest of Old Havana. Reconfirm flights and a pre-arranged transfer 48–72 hours ahead: schedules and airport fuel availability can change quickly.
Getting around
Walk Habana Vieja, Centro and Vedado, but wear proper shoes: pavements are broken and lighting can be poor. Taxis and pre-arranged private drivers are the realistic default; agree the total fare and currency before departure, and pre-book airport, beach and intercity rides. Use classic cars as a one-off tour rather than transport, ferries only when operating, and do not rely on local buses, trains or a rental car when you have a schedule to keep.
Money
Cuba uses the Cuban peso (CUP), but bring enough foreign cash for the trip plus a reserve; do not build a plan around ATMs or cards. U.S.-issued cards do not work, and current guidance says Visa and Mastercard cards are no longer accepted; euros and U.S. dollars are generally the most useful cash to carry. Exchange conservatively because rates vary and unused CUP is hard to reconvert; tip modestly in cash when service warrants it.
- Carry cash in small denominations and keep a contingency reserve; food, fuel, power and card access are not dependable.
- Agree taxi fares, the payment currency and the full route before getting in; arrange airport and Playas del Este returns before you need them.
- Build slack into every transfer and avoid tightly timed plans on flight days, especially during power or fuel disruptions.
- Use supportive shoes and watch your footing: sidewalks, curbs and night lighting are often poor.
- For Regla or Guanabacoa, use a knowledgeable guide, dress modestly around religious sites and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
- Avoid treating classic cars, ferry schedules or local buses as reliable point-to-point transport; they are experiences, not infrastructure.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.