Cuba: wat je moet weten voor vertrek

Inreis en visa

Most visitors need a Cuban eVisa (single entry, up to 90 days, extendable once by 90 days) bought via evisacuba.cu, an embassy, airline or tour operator; the 10-character code is entered in D'Viajeros to generate a QR code. Russia, Belarus, China and UAE citizens are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements. Proof of onward travel, Cuba-valid medical insurance and sufficient funds are required. Travellers flying from the US need an eVisa issued for US departures; US citizens must fit an OFAC authorised category.

Online aankomstformulieren en vergunningen

• Cuba eVisa ↗ verplicht
  Before travel; processing about 3 business days · All nationalities that are not visa-exempt
• D'Viajeros traveller form (QR code) ↗ verplicht
  Within 72 hours before arrival; airlines check it at check-in · All travellers

Geldigheid paspoort: At least 6 months after arrival (and 3 months after departure), with 2 blank pages.

Aan de grens kan worden gevraagd naar

• Show the D'Viajeros QR code (save a PDF/printout — Wi-Fi may be down).
• Show Cuba-valid medical insurance; if missing, buy Asistur cover at the airport.
• Keep proof of onward ticket and funds.

Douane

• Declare foreign currency over USD 5,000 equivalent; export more only with bank proof.
• Drones are confiscated until departure.
• Meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds are banned.
• Disable built-in GPS; professional photo/video gear may need a licence.
• Art and antiques need an export permit (Bienes Culturales).

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, misiones.cubaminrex.cu ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, evisacuba.cu ↗, dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu ↗

Geld

Vooral contant geld. Kaarten worden zelden geaccepteerd.

Apple Pay — werkt niet · Google Pay — werkt niet

Waar je geld wisselt

• CADECA exchange offices and banks (the official floating rate is far better than the old 120 rate)
• Paying directly in EUR/USD where accepted

Waar je beter niet wisselt

• Street changers (illegal, scams and fake notes)
• Changing large sums into CUP — it can't be reconverted or used abroad
• Damaged or old foreign banknotes (refused)

Geldautomaten: Foreign cards no longer work at ATMs (since 6 June 2026). Cuban prepaid cards bought with cash are an alternative for some state shops and hotels.

Fooi: Tips in cash (EUR/USD or CUP) are very welcome: ~10% in restaurants, 1–2 per bag for porters, tips for guides and drivers.

• Bring all cash for the trip plus a reserve for delays or medical needs; exchange CUP back before airport security.
• Russian Mir cards have been accepted at some Cuban ATMs/terminals in the past — do not rely on them.
• US-issued cards have never worked; American Express is not accepted.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Cultuur en kleding

Religie: Catholic and Afro-Cuban Santería traditions; officially secular state.

Kleding: Casual, light clothing; smart-casual for restaurants and clubs; cover up away from beaches.

Etiquette

• Bring small gifts (medicines, toiletries) — shortages are severe; donate through hosts.
• Ask before photographing people; some expect a tip.
• Patience is essential: queues, blackouts and delays are part of daily life.
• Avoid discussing politics in public.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗

Klimaat

Tropical: dry season November–April (warm, sunny), hot humid wet season May–October with hurricane risk June–November (peak Aug–Oct).

Beste seizoen: December–April.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: cuba.travel ↗, nhc.noaa.gov ↗

Wat mee te nemen

• All the cash you need (EUR/USD, clean notes) + reserve
• Printed eVisa, D'Viajeros QR and insurance
• Torch/headlamp and power bank (blackouts)
• All medicines you need, in original packaging with prescription
• Water purification tablets or filter bottle
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries
• Offline maps and downloaded entertainment

Niet meenemen / invoer verboden

• Drones
• GPS devices (switch off phone GPS at entry if asked)
• Relying on bank cards
• Fresh food, meat and seeds

Praktisch

Stopcontacten: Type A/B (110 V) and C/L (220 V), 60 Hz — both exist, often in the same hotel

Water: Tap water is not safe; ice may be made from it. Drink bottled water — it can be scarce, so carry a filter.

Verkeer: rechts rijden

Mobiel en eSIM: ETECSA (Cubacel) tourist SIM/eSIM; mobile data and Wi-Fi are slow and often down during blackouts.

Apps: Maps.me, Organic Maps, WhatsApp, a VPN app

Internet: State-controlled; some sites blocked; outages frequent.

Gezondheid: Severe shortages of medicines and supplies; diarrhoeal illness, dengue, chikungunya and Oropouche outbreaks reported. Hepatitis A advised. MEDEVAC can cost USD 15,000+.

Verzekering: Mandatory: medical insurance valid in Cuba (US insurers not accepted); evacuation cover strongly advised.

Noodnummers: 106 police, 104 ambulance, 105 fire

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travelhealthpro.org.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗