Cuba Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian citizens can visit Cuba visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists. Canada is one of Cuba's top tourism source markets, with direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and other cities. Note that US-issued credit cards do not work in Cuba — Canadians should bring cash or Canadian bank cards.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Cuba without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but do need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). This is a pink (for most airlines) or green card with your name and passport number. Airlines flying to Cuba from Canada often include the tourist card in the ticket price or sell it at check-in for approximately CAD $25–30. Some travel agencies also sell it in advance. At the Cuban airport, you retain one half of the card, which you must surrender on departure — do not lose it.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Cuba: What You Need to Know
Canada and Cuba have maintained strong diplomatic and trade ties for decades, unlike the US-Cuba relationship. Canadian citizens are warmly received in Cuba and can enter without a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days. Cuba does require a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), which functions as an entry permit, but this is different from a traditional visa — it is typically purchased at the airline counter or online before departure for a small fee.
How to Get There
Air Canada, Sunwing, WestJet, and Air Transat all operate seasonal charter and scheduled flights from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), and other Canadian cities to Havana (HAV), Varadero (VRA), Holguin (HOG), and other Cuban airports. The flight from Toronto to Havana takes about 3.5 hours.
Money & Banking
Cuba operates a dual-currency system (now primarily the CUP — Cuban Peso). US dollars are officially accepted at some tourist facilities, but Canadian dollars and euros are easily exchanged. US-issued Visa and Mastercard do not work in Cuba due to the US embargo — but Canadian-issued cards from Canadian banks function normally at many hotels and Cadeca exchange bureaus. ATMs are available but reliability is inconsistent. Bring more cash than you think you need.
Practical Tips
Beyond the all-inclusive beach resorts of Varadero and Cayo Coco, Cuba offers rich history in Havana (Old Havana UNESCO site), colonial Trinidad, and the tobacco valleys of Vinales. Consider splitting time between Havana and beach resort. Rental cars are available but road conditions vary. Travel insurance is required for entry into Cuba — Cuban authorities may ask for proof. Ensure your Canadian travel insurance policy explicitly covers Cuba (most do). Internet access is limited and requires purchasing Wi-Fi cards locally. SIM cards are available for tourists but coverage is limited outside main cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa to visit Cuba?
No visa is required, but Canadians do need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). This is a simple entry permit, not a traditional visa. Airlines flying to Cuba from Canada typically sell it at check-in for around CAD $25–30.
Do Canadians need a visa to visit Cuba?
No visa is required, but Canadians do need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). This is a simple entry permit, not a traditional visa. Airlines flying to Cuba from Canada typically sell it at check-in for around CAD $25–30.
What is the Cuban Tourist Card and how do I get one?
The Cuban Tourist Card is a small card (pink or green) required for all tourists entering Cuba. You write your name, passport number, and travel details on it. Buy it from your airline at check-in, through a travel agency, or in some cases from the Cuban consulate. Keep the second half of the card — you must surrender it when you leave Cuba.
What is the Cuban Tourist Card and how do I get one?
The Cuban Tourist Card is a small card (pink or green) required for all tourists entering Cuba. You write your name, passport number, and travel details on it. Buy it from your airline at check-in, through a travel agency, or in some cases from the Cuban consulate. Keep the second half of the card — you must surrender it when you leave Cuba.
Can I use my Canadian credit card in Cuba?
Yes, Canadian-issued credit and debit cards from Canadian banks generally work in Cuba at major hotels and Cadeca exchange bureaus. US-issued cards (even if you are Canadian) do not work due to the US embargo. Bring cash as ATMs are unreliable.
Can I use my Canadian credit card in Cuba?
Yes, Canadian-issued credit and debit cards from Canadian banks generally work in Cuba at major hotels and Cadeca exchange bureaus. US-issued cards (even if you are Canadian) do not work due to the US embargo. Bring cash as ATMs are unreliable.
Is travel insurance required to enter Cuba?
Yes. Cuba officially requires proof of valid travel insurance covering medical expenses. Cuban customs officials may ask for proof of insurance at arrival. Most Canadian travel insurance policies cover Cuba — verify before you go.
Is travel insurance required to enter Cuba?
Yes. Cuba officially requires proof of valid travel insurance covering medical expenses. Cuban customs officials may ask for proof of insurance at arrival. Most Canadian travel insurance policies cover Cuba — verify before you go.
How long can Canadians stay in Cuba?
Up to 90 days per visit with a tourist card. Extensions may be possible through the Cuban immigration office (oficina de inmigración) inside Cuba for an additional fee, potentially extending your stay to 180 days total.
How long can Canadians stay in Cuba?
Up to 90 days per visit with a tourist card. Extensions may be possible through the Cuban immigration office (oficina de inmigración) inside Cuba for an additional fee, potentially extending your stay to 180 days total.