Regulations
Immigration Regulations
All visitors must show a valid passport in his/her name, stamped with a visa issued by a Cuban embassy or consulate abroad or a Tourist Card, except in the case of citizens from countries that have subscribed visa exemption agreements with Cuba.
When traveling by sea, crew members must notify Cuban authorities before entering national jurisdictional waters (12 nautical miles from the island shelf). Communications with the Cuban authorities can be established through channel HF (SSB) 2760 of the National Costal Network and 2790 of the Tourist Network or via VHF through channel 68 for the National Costal Network or Channel 16 for the Tourist Network.
Customs Regulations
Tourists are not required to fill-in the customs declaration. The import of narcotics, pornography or fire arms is prohibited, except in cases of duly authorized individuals traveling to Cuba for sport hunting.
Tourists may bring in personal effects, jewels, cameras, camcorders, sports and camping equipment, two bottles of alcoholic beverages, one carton of cigarettes and up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of medicine.
Articles up to a value of $250.00 USD can be imported, of which $50.00 are duty free and the remaining $200.00 will be levied a 100% tax.
The amount of money in cash that travelers may bring in is unlimited. However, travelers are advised to declare sums over $5,000 USD in order to be able to take out a similar or greater amount, since they will be required to present the relevant customs declaration form.
When leaving the country, travelers can export up to 23 Cuban cigars (Resolution No. 41-2003 in force since October 8, 2003). Purchases of more than 23 and less than 2,000 cigars must be accompanied by the relevant receipt. Purchases of more than 2,000 cigars must be carried out in stores designated by Habanos S.A. specifically for this purpose.
The export of Works of arts or antiques must be accompanied by a permit issued by the National Artworks Register under the Patrimony Division of the Ministry of Culture.
When leaving the country, travelers must pay an airport tax of 25.00 convertible Cuban pesos.
Sanitary Regulations
Sanitary regulations apply only in the case of visitors arriving from regions where yellow fever and cholera are endemic or have been declared infected areas by the World Health Organization, in which case they are required to show an International Vaccination Certificate.
The import of products produced from animals or plants is prohibited.
Domestic animals or pets entering Cuba require special arrangements such as the presentation of vaccination and health certificates
US Citizens
US citizens traveling to Cuba should be aware that :
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Like other visitors, US citizens require a passport valid for at least 6 months upon the date of entry to Cuba.
- The laws of the United States prohibit American citizens from traveling to Cuba without a license issued by the Department of Treasury. Those who nonetheless decide to travel to Cuba must do so through a third country, usually Canada, Mexico or Bahamas
- US citizens do not require a visa. However they must present a document called Tourist Card which can be obtained in the Cuban Embassy in another country or through a travel agency when traveling via Canada, México o Bahamas, or at the airport in Cancun.
- Your passport WILL NOT BE STAMPED by Cuban Immigration authorities, however, your tourist card will be stamped and therefore you are required to present it upon departure.
