South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Cuba passport holders
Cuban citizens need a visa to visit South Korea. The visa costs approximately $50 and is obtained at the Korean Embassy in Havana. South Korea is one of Asia's most dynamic destinations , known for K-pop and K-drama culture, technology, and exceptional food , and is increasingly visited by Cuban students and cultural exchange participants.
Cuba passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply at the South Korean Embassy in Havana (Calle 1ra e/ 2A y 4, Miramar). Required documents: valid Cuban passport, Korean visa application form, recent passport photos, bank statements, employment letter, purpose of visit documentation, return flight booking, accommodation details, and any supporting documents (invitation letter from Korean organization if cultural/academic visit). Fee: approximately $50 USD. Processing: 5–10 business days.
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
Cuba to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea requires a visa from Cuban passport holders. Cuba and South Korea maintain diplomatic relations (Korea normalized relations with Cuba in 2023, a historic diplomatic shift). The South Korean Embassy in Havana processes visa applications for Cuban citizens. With the warming of Korea-Cuba diplomatic ties, travel between the two countries has potential to grow. K-pop culture has gained significant following in Cuba, driving interest in South Korea.
How to Get There
Flights from Havana (HAV) to Seoul Incheon (ICN) require multiple connections. Common routes: Havana → Mexico City → Seoul via Aeromexico; or Havana → Madrid (Iberia) → Seoul (Korean Air or Asiana). AirChina connects via Beijing. Total journey: 20–28 hours. Seoul is well connected from major Latin American and European hubs.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards widely accepted — South Korea is highly cashless. T-money card (transportation card) is essential for Seoul subway and buses. South Korea is moderately priced — mid-range travel budget of $60–100/day in Seoul. Street food (tteokbokki, gimbap, Korean BBQ) is affordable and extraordinary.
Practical Tips
South Korea's highlights: Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Dongdaemun night market, K-pop entertainment districts , Hongdae, Gangnam, Apgujeong), Busan (Gamcheon Culture Village , South Korea's most colorful neighborhood, Haeundae Beach, seafood market), Jeju Island (UNESCO , volcanic island with waterfalls and lava tubes), the DMZ tour (demilitarized zone on the North Korea border), and Gyeongju (UNESCO , ancient Silla Kingdom capital with royal tombs).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cuban citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Cuban passport holders need a South Korean visa (~$50), applied for at the Korean Embassy in Havana.
Did South Korea and Cuba recently establish diplomatic relations?
Yes. South Korea and Cuba normalized diplomatic relations in February 2024 , a historic shift after decades without formal relations. This opens new opportunities for travel, cultural exchange, and business between the two countries.
Is K-pop popular in Cuba?
Very much so. K-pop and Korean dramas have a dedicated fan base in Cuba despite limited internet access. The influence of Korean culture (K-beauty, fashion, music) has grown significantly, partly driving interest in South Korea as a travel destination.
How do Cubans fly to South Korea?
Connect from Havana via Mexico City (Aeromexico), Madrid (Iberia, then Korean Air), or Havana → Bogotá → Seoul. Korean Air and Asiana fly from multiple Latin American hubs. Total journey: 20–28 hours.
What food should Cuban visitors try in South Korea?
Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal , grilled pork belly, bulgogi , marinated beef), bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables and egg), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean fried chicken, sundubu jjigae (soft tofu soup), and Korean street food at night markets are all unmissable.