Discover Cuba: Travel planning for unforgettable experiences
Cuba is a fascinating Caribbean island with a rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. From the colorful streets of Havana to the beautiful beaches of Varadero, Cuba offers unforgettable experiences. Experience Cuba in all its diversity and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this Caribbean island!
Entry requirements Cuba
To enter Cuba, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a Cuba visa, also known as a Cuba tourist card, and a certificate of health insurance. foreign health insurance (in Spanish or English) must be presented. The Cuba tourist card must be purchased before entering the country and is available from the Cuban embassy in Berlin, travel agencies and tour operators as well as from some airlines at the airport. The Cuba tourist card allows a stay of 30 days. The processing time at the embassy can take several weeks.
It is advisable to take care of the entry requirements for Cuba in good time to ensure that all documents are available in good time. The Cuban Foreign Office also provides comprehensive information to help you prepare.
The tourist card is also available from Sprachcaffe and is sent out with the travel documents. In addition, since June 26, 2012, children need their own passport or children's ID with a photo and can no longer be registered with their parents in their passport.
Before entering the country:
- Valid passport
- Tourist card (visa)
- Health form with travel health insurance
Before departure:
- Valid passport
- Check return regulations
- Check personal belongings
Entering Cuba - What can I bring?
Only take items with you that are intended for your personal use. Excess quantities may be confiscated because they are regarded as unauthorized gifts. You can import two bottles of alcohol and a carton of cigarettes (200 cigarettes) duty-free. The import of two-way radios, satellite phones, drones and GPS devices requires the prior approval of the relevant Cuban authorities. Laptops, cameras and cell phones with GPS function are not affected by this. The import of fresh food (e.g. fresh sausage or dairy products, vegetables, fruit) is prohibited for health reasons. The import and export of pesos is prohibited.
Unforgettable group trips to Cuba
Experience Cuba with Sprachcaffe! Discover the island in group tours, learn Spanish, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy unforgettable adventures. Don't miss out on our offers:
Highlights of Cuba
- 8 selected highlights in 8 days
- Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos etc.
- Hiking in the Topes de Collantes National Park
Treasures of the Caribbean
- green Viñales Valley with its tobacco plantations
- Mexico's Mayan sites, e.g. Chichén Itzá
- Dream beaches Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Cuba's green west
- Cuba's most beautiful landscapes
- Dreamlike white sandy beaches on Cayo Levisa
- Orchid gardens, waterfalls and the tobacco factory in Pinar del Río
Apply for a Cuba visa
Please note the following information on entering Cuba and filling in the Cuba entry form (Cuba tourist card):
- the tourist card must be completed in block letters
- crossed out information makes the tourist card invalid
- do not fill in the ENTRADA and SALIDA fields (these are stamped by passport control at the airport)
- if you do not wish to have a Cuban entry stamp in your passport, you must declare this at customs when entering Cuba
We will be happy to help you organize your trip to Cuba and inform you about everything you need to know in order to start your trip without any worries.
Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip. Take the first step towards your unforgettable adventure!
Health registration for entry into Cuba
Health registration for entry into Cuba is an important step that travelers must take. Before arrival, an online health form must be completed, which collects information about health status and travel history. After submitting the form, you will usually receive a QR code or a confirmation email, which must be presented upon entry.
In addition to health registration, temperature measurements and possibly other tests may be carried out upon arrival in Cuba to ensure that travelers do not show any symptoms of illness. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional provisions such as a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination maybe required. It is important to find out about the current requirements before traveling to ensure a smooth entry. Up-to-date information is available on the website of the Cuban Ministry of Health or the Cuban Embassy in Berlin.
Cuba Entry from USA
The entry of persons from the USA to Cuba is subject to various regulations and restrictions, which may have changed over time. Historically, there have been political tensions between the US and Cuba that have affected travel between the two countries. A few years ago, travel restrictions were relaxed, allowing US citizens to travel to Cuba under certain conditions, especially for purposes such as education, religious activities or cultural exchange.
It is important to check current regulations as political relations between the US and Cuba may change, which in turn could affect entry requirements. It is recommended that you obtain the latest information from the U.S. State Department or other official agencies before planning a trip from the U.S. to Cuba. Read more about this!
Cuba travel and security advice from the Federal Foreign Office
Please note that German nationals are not permitted to enter Cuba from the USA for purely tourist purposes. In this case, a stopover in a third country must be made in order to apply for the Cuba visa.
The entry and customs regulations for German citizens may change unexpectedly. Check the current regulations with the embassies or consulates of the destination country before you travel.
Departure regulations and customs
Please ensure that you have your tourist card ready when you leave the country. Since 2015, there is no longer an exit tax to be paid locally; the exit tax is now already included in the price of the flight ticket.
Export regulations for cigars:
- Up to twenty (20) loose cigars - without proof of origin and purchase
- Up to fifty (50) cigars - in closed, sealed and officially hologrammed original packaging
- More than fifty (50) cigars - on presentation of an original invoice (listing the total quantity of tobacco), which must be issued by officially authorized state stores. It is also essential in these cases that the cigars are in closed, sealed and officially hologrammed original packaging.
The following quantities are also permitted:
- 2 liters of high-proof alcohol (note: import in Germany only 1 liter or 2 liters under 22%)
- 500 grams of coffee
- 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco
Please note that the export of local currency is strictly prohibited.
You can find more information about importing to Germany on the German customs website.
Frequently asked questions about entering Cuba
The tourist card for Cuba should ideally be filled out and obtained a few weeks before your departure. It is advisable to start this process about 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. This period gives you enough time to ensure that all documents are complete and correct and that you receive the tourist card on time. It also gives you enough of a buffer in case there are any delays in the application or mailing process. If you are booking through an airline or travel agency, find out in advance whether they can obtain the tourist card for you. Plan your travel arrangements carefully to avoid stress and possible complications.
You will need the following documents to enter Cuba:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
Tourist card (visa): This should be obtained before departure. It can be obtained from the Cuban embassy, from authorized providers online, or sometimes directly from the airline.
Return or onward ticket: You must present a ticket confirming your departure from Cuba within the validity period of the tourist card.
Health insurance: International health insurance is compulsory. The insurance certificate should be in Spanish or English and explicitly cover Cuba. If you do not have insurance, you may need to purchase Cuban health insurance at the airport.
Online health form: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will need to complete an online health form that collects information about your health and travel history. This should ideally be completed 72 hours before entry. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code or confirmation email.
Negative COVID-19 test results (if required): Depending on current regulations, you may be required to provide a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination. Check the latest information before your trip.
Proof of accommodation: You should be able to provide a booking confirmation for your accommodation in Cuba.
By preparing all these documents and paperwork well in advance, you can ensure a smooth entry into Cuba. Be sure to check regularly for possible changes to entry requirements.
To enter Cuba, almost all foreign nationals require a visa in the form of a tourist card. This is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30 days. Citizens of most countries, including the European Union, the USA, Canada, Australia and many Latin American countries, require this tourist card.
However, a few countries have special agreements with Cuba that allow their citizens visa-free entry for a certain period of time. These include certain Caribbean and Latin American countries. It is important to check the latest information as these agreements are subject to change.
If you are traveling to Cuba for business, academic or other non-tourist reasons, you may require a different visa. Such visas must usually be applied for at a Cuban embassy or consulate before departure.
US citizens also require a tourist card for Cuba, but are subject to additional restrictions and regulations set by the US government. US citizens must ensure that they comply with the relevant legal requirements in order to travel to Cuba.
Children also require their own tourist card, regardless of age. For the most up-to-date information and specific requirements, you should consult the website of the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country. It is important to clarify visa requirements well in advance of your trip to ensure a smooth entry into Cuba.
The cost of a tourist card for Cuba can vary depending on where you are and how you purchase it. In general, the cost of a tourist card ranges from 20 to 100 US dollars, depending on various factors such as the issuing location, whether you buy it online or receive it in person from a Cuban embassy or consulate, as well as any additional fees or shipping costs.
If you purchase the tourist card online through an authorized provider, you may be able to take advantage of lower prices, but you may have to pay shipping fees if you receive the physical card by mail. If you pick up the tourist card in person from a Cuban embassy or consulate, the cost may be higher, but there are usually no additional shipping fees.
It is important to check current prices in advance and possibly compare several options to make the best choice for your needs. Be sure to also find out about any additional fees or requirements to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Read more about Cuba Tourist Card (Visa)
You will need the following documents to enter Cuba:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
Tourist card (visa): This should be obtained before departure. It can be obtained from the Cuban embassy, from authorized providers online, or sometimes directly from the airline.
Return or onward ticket: You must present a ticket confirming your departure from Cuba within the validity period of the tourist card.
Health insurance: International health insurance is compulsory. The insurance certificate should be in Spanish or English and explicitly cover Cuba. If you do not have insurance, you may need to purchase Cuban health insurance at the airport.
Online health form: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will need to complete an online health form that collects information about your health and travel history. This should ideally be completed 72 hours before entry. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code or confirmation email.
Proof of accommodation: You should be able to provide a booking confirmation for your accommodation in Cuba.
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We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.