Cuba Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK nationals can visit Cuba without a pre-arranged visa for up to 30 days. However, you must obtain a tourist card (tarjeta del turista) before or on arrival, which costs approximately $25.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Cuba without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
Tourist cards can be purchased through certain airlines, travel agents, or at Cuban airports on arrival. If buying at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport, allow extra time. The card costs approximately $25 (paid in cash). At the immigration desk, present your UK passport, the completed tourist card, a return or onward ticket, and valid travel insurance (compulsory for entry and checked on arrival). Medical insurance is a legal entry requirement; ensure your policy documents are available to show at immigration.
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
United Kingdom to Cuba: What You Need to Know
Cuba operates a tourist card system rather than a formal visa for short-stay visitors. UK passport holders qualify for this arrangement, allowing stays of up to 30 days, extendable once at a local immigration office (MININT) for an additional 30 days, giving a maximum of 60 days in total. The tourist card is a pink card separate from your passport and must be kept for the duration of your stay and surrendered on departure. UK travellers should be aware that US sanctions on Cuba can complicate banking and card payments, as many UK banks use US-dollar clearing systems.
Practical Tips
Cuba uses two types of currency for practical purposes: the Cuban peso (CUP) for everyday transactions and tourist areas. Foreign bank cards issued by banks that use US dollar clearing systems may not work in Cuban ATMs. Carry sufficient cash (euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds are generally accepted for exchange) for your entire trip. Wi-Fi is limited and expensive; purchase ETECSA internet cards at ETECSA offices or certain hotels. Power cuts are common; bring a portable battery pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a visa for Cuba?
Not a traditional visa, but you do need a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), which costs approximately $25. This can be purchased through airlines, travel agents, or on arrival at Cuban airports. It covers stays of up to 30 days.
Is travel insurance compulsory for Cuba?
Yes. Cuba requires proof of valid medical travel insurance as a condition of entry. This is checked by immigration officers on arrival. Ensure your policy documents are accessible to show at the border.
Will my UK bank card work in Cuba?
UK bank cards linked to Visa or Mastercard through US-dollar clearing networks may not work in Cuban ATMs due to US sanctions. Cards issued by banks that clear in non-US currencies sometimes work, but this is unreliable. The safest approach is to bring sufficient cash (GBP, euros, or Canadian dollars for exchange) for your entire trip.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days in Cuba?
Yes. You can extend your tourist card once at a local immigration office (MININT), giving a maximum total stay of 60 days. The extension costs a small fee and should be arranged well before your original 30 days expire.