Are you going to Cuba? Then there are a few important things that you need to arrange in advance.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated at all! I have listed the most important information for you, so that you know what documents you need and where you can request them.
The information below is intended for travellers with a european passport. Do you have a different nationality? Please check which rules apply to you.
1. Passport
You need a valid passport for Cuba. If you are traveling with a European passport, it must be valid for at least six months at the time you leave Cuba.
So check this well before you leave!
2. Applying for a visa for Cuba
To travel to Cuba as a Dutch tourist, you need a visa.
Nowadays you can apply for this electronically. So you no longer need to order a paper tourist card.
You can apply for the e-visa through the official website of the Cuban government:
After approval, you will receive the details of your visa by e-mail.
The tourist visa is intended for one entry and a stay of up to 90 days. Extension by up to 90 days may be possible, subject to permission from the Cuban authorities.
My advice: arrange your visa in time and check carefully whether all the details are correct!
3. The DViajeros form
In addition to your visa, you must also fill out the digital form DViajeros.
This is a mandatory registration form for travelers entering Cuba.
According to the current travel information, you must fill this in no more than 48 hours before departure.
You do this via:
https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio
After filling in the blank, you will receive a QR code. Keep it well on your phone and also take a screenshot to be sure.
You must be able to show the code upon arrival in Cuba.
4. Travel insurance
Good travel insurance is very important when you travel to Cuba.
Make sure that medical costs are sufficiently covered and that you can prove that you are insured.
Pay extra attention to the conditions in the event of a negative travel advice. Not every insurance offers the same coverage.
5. Traveling with children
Children also need their own passport and visa.
Are you traveling alone with your child and someone else also has parental authority? Then check which consent documents you need to take with you.
This way you avoid unnecessary problems at the airport.
6. Travel through the United States
Pay close attention when you travel to Cuba via the United States or want to go to America later.
Additional U.S. rules apply to travel from or through the United States to Cuba.
If you have visited Cuba, you can no longer travel to the United States with an ESTA and you need an American B1/B2 visa.
Therefore, check carefully in advance which rules apply to your trip.
7. Always check the up-to-date information
Rules are subject to change. Therefore, always check the official information before booking and leaving.
At the moment, Cuba has a negative travel advice from most governments. This means that only necessary travel is advised and holiday travel is not recommended. Read the page Safe travel in Cuba there is up-to-date travel information directly from here, not from someone at an office outside Cuba.
Any questions?
Through my years of experience with life in Cuba, I know that the preparations can sometimes raise quite a few questions.
Do you have any questions about traveling to Cuba or could you use help preparing for your trip? Feel free to contact me!
Good preparation starts with the right information!