The complete checklist
Passport valid 6+ months past your return date
Cuban immigration may refuse entry if your passport expires within six months of your planned departure from Cuba.
Approved Cuba eVisa (PDF, printed)
Print two copies. Some airline counter agents still ask for paper, and Cuban airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Return or onward ticket
You must show evidence of departure from Cuba within the validity of your eVisa.
Accommodation address
Hotel reservation or the address of the casa particular where you'll stay. Required on the D'Viajeros form and sometimes asked at immigration.
Valid travel medical insurance
Cuba requires non-Cuban travel medical insurance from an approved provider. Most major U.S. policies are accepted; bring a printed certificate of coverage.
D'Viajeros QR code (within 7 days of travel)
Mandatory entry declaration. Submit at most 7 days before arrival; some carriers prefer within 72 hours.
OFAC category (U.S. travelers only)recommended
U.S. citizens and residents must qualify under one of the 12 OFAC categories. Most independent travelers use 'Support for the Cuban People.'
Cash in USD or EURrecommended
Cuban ATMs are unreliable and U.S.-issued cards do not work. Bring physical cash for the duration of your stay.
What you do not need
- You do not need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Cuba.
- You do not need a separate health declaration beyond D'Viajeros.
- You do not need to declare your itinerary in advance to Cuban authorities.
If anything is missing
The most common boarding-denial scenarios at U.S. departure airports come down to: (1) no D'Viajeros QR code, (2) name on eVisa not matching passport, (3) travel insurance not from an accepted issuer. Verify all three the night before you fly.