Home | FAQ | Requirements for Travel to Cuba
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
- Passport
- OFAC license affidavit
- Visa
- Health form
- Custom Form
Each must be filled out correctly and signed by the client accordingly.
Any other requirements I should be aware of? Tips?
- Keep your day-to-day activity itinerary to avoid any issues with the United States Government upon your return to the United States.
- Keep a copy of your passport as a form of ID and leave your actual passport in a safety box in your hotel. You will only need it in Cuba if you need to exchange money or accept money wire transfers.
- Hold on to the second half-of your visa (Cuban customs will keep the other part) in case you are asked for it later (although it rarely happens).
Is there a departure tax on my return flight back to the United States?
There is a Cuba departure tax but it is INCLUDED in the ticket price when purchased before you travel to Cuba.
I was born in Cuba. Can I go to Cuba and what kind of visa do I apply for?
Yes, you can go to Cuba. Cuba considers all people born in Cuba to be Cuban citizens, regardless of current nationality.
If you were born in Cuba and left before December 31, 1970, you will need either a valid Cuban passport or HE-11 visa prior to entering Cuba. For more information about the HE-11 visa, contact us at [email protected]
If you were born in Cuba and left Cuba after January 1, 1971, you will need to obtain a Cuban passport regardless of holding United States citizenship and passport. You don’t have the option of applying for an HE-11 visa.
If I have a Cuban passport, do I need to apply for a visa?
No, if you have a valid passport with a habilitacion and valid prorroga, you won’t need to obtain a visa prior to entering Cuba.
Your Cuban passport has a validity of six (6) years, but a prorroga must be obtained every two (2) years in order to keep it valid until the expiration date.
What is a prorroga?
A prorroga is a passport extension and must be obtained every two (2) years in order to keep your passport valid until the passport expires.
What is a habilitacion?
A habilitacion is an entry permit stamped on your Cuban passport for Cubans who have emigrated to the United States or another country. A request for a habilitacion needs to be made only once for Cubans who have left Cuba and have not returned to Cuba for at least 24 months.
Can I use my Global Entry benefits with my Cuba flight?
Yes, Global Entry may be used at equipped international terminals regardless of which country you are coming from.
Please note this doesn’t apply to airports in Cuba.
Do I have to arrive 4 hours prior to departure for check- in?
It is requested and highly recommended for check-in for international flights. Security and customs can have long lines and you may run into issues. Gates close 1 hour prior to departure.
Can I use my Advantage Program membership when travelling to Cuba?
Yes, if you are booked on a commercial flight, you can enter your Advantage Member number during check-in before departure.
