Cuba Travel Checklist (Reviewed September 2026)
What To Bring And How To Prepare For Your Cuba Trip
Passport & Cuban eVisa
The first thing you need to add to your Cuba Travel Checklist is your passport. Current U.S. State Department guidance lists six months of passport validity beyond arrival in Cuba and two blank passport pages. Requirements can vary by nationality. If you need to renew a U.S. passport, check the current State Department processing guidance rather than relying on a fixed processing-time estimate.
The Cuban Visa (now the e-Visa) is Cuba’s current electronic entry-visa system for eligible travelers. The digital e-Visa is linked to the traveler’s passport and has replaced the old paper tourist cards. This is separate from the OFAC general authorization a U.S. traveler relies on for the U.S. side of the trip. The e-Visa is the actual entry permit required by the Cuban government.
Apply through Cuba’s official eVisa portal or the appropriate Cuban consular channel, and follow any current carrier instructions that apply to your trip. Fees and fulfillment methods can vary. Once approved, you will receive the visa information/code electronically—keep it handy and make sure the passport details are correct.
Crucial Step: The D’Viajeros Form. After receiving your eVisa code, complete the official D’Viajeros digital entry form within the pre-travel window allowed by the portal. Enter the eVisa code and passport information carefully. Save the resulting confirmation/QR code offline and keep a printed copy as a backup, then follow your airline’s current check-in instructions.
Travelers Born in Cuba: There are certain rules for people who were born in Cuba. If you were born in Cuba and need to get a visa, please contact us at info@havanamusictours.com, and we will help you. Depending on the year you were born, you may have to travel using a Cuban passport or obtain a special permit from the Cuban consulate.
Cuba Entry Form (D’ Viajeros)
The D’Viajeros Digital Portal is a mandatory requirement for all travelers entering Cuba. This digital declaration has replaced all physical customs and health forms. Because it is now integrated with the new e-Visa system, completing this accurately is essential for a seamless entry.
Key Requirements for Completion:
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Submission window: Follow the current pre-travel window displayed by the official D’Viajeros portal and your airline’s check-in instructions.
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Electronic visa: Enter the visa code exactly as issued and check that the passport details match. Follow the official portal’s current instructions.
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Documentation Required: To complete the process efficiently, ensure you have your passport, flight details, and the name and address of your first accommodation (Casa Particular or Hotel) available.
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Purpose of visit: Answer the Cuban entry form accurately for your trip and follow the official portal’s instructions. Cuban entry permission is separate from the OFAC authorization a U.S. traveler must satisfy.
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QR Code Confirmation: Upon successful submission, the portal will generate a PDF document containing a QR Code. You must present this code to your airline during check-in and to Cuban customs officials upon arrival.
Important Recommendation: Connectivity at Cuban airports can be inconsistent. We strongly advise that you print a physical copy of the QR code PDF and save a high-resolution screenshot to your mobile device to ensure it is accessible offline.
Access the official portal here: https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/
Cuba Travel Itinerary (US Travelers)
U.S. travelers should keep a detailed itinerary and records supporting the OFAC authorization they rely on; some authorizations specifically require a full-time schedule of qualifying activities. Even if you are traveling from another country, it is a good idea to create an itinerary to stay organized. When you arrive in Cuba, you will likely discover new events or local spots you want to see; with a printed itinerary, you can easily write down any changes to your travels.
There are a lot of things to see around Cuba, and a detailed itinerary helps document your planned activities and keeps the trip organized. Legal compliance depends on meeting the requirements of the authorization that actually applies to your travel. Travelers should retain applicable OFAC records for at least 10 years. The category used for new scheduled Havana Music Tours cultural programs is:
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Support for the Cuban People (31 CFR § 515.574): Effective September 30, 2026, new Group People-to-People educational travel is no longer generally authorized. New Havana Music Tours scheduled cultural programs are designed around Support for the Cuban People under 31 CFR § 515.574. Havana Music Tours provides a structured itinerary centered on independent Cuban musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, guides and other local partners, together with current pre-departure guidance for U.S. travelers. Each traveler’s actual activities must meet the full-time schedule and meaningful-interaction requirements. Private lodging and meals alone are not enough; the schedule must not include free time or recreation beyond what is consistent with a full-time qualifying program.
For current travel, review the latest restrictions before booking or paying for services, including relevant entities on the Cuba Restricted List or lodging at properties on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List.
If you need help, Havana Music Tours offers itinerary-design support intended to help travelers plan around current OFAC restrictions and the requirements of the authorization being used. Anyway you decide, we highly recommend a detailed itinerary!
Important Compliance Note: Per the latest OFAC regulations (31 CFR § 501.601), U.S. travelers are now required to keep a record of their itinerary and all travel-related receipts for ten (10) years after the date of the transaction. We recommend keeping digital copies of everything in a secure cloud folder.
Transportation in Cuba
On Havana Music Tours itineraries: Transportation listed as included in your tour is arranged by our team. Fuel availability, road conditions, and local operating conditions can affect timing, so allow flexibility on travel days.
Taxis and private drivers: Licensed taxis and private drivers are common options for independent transportation. Confirm the fare, destination, and accepted payment method before the ride rather than relying on an old published price.
Ride-hailing apps: Local apps may be available, but they depend on mobile data, driver availability, and current local operating conditions. Treat them as one option rather than your only transportation plan.
Intercity travel: Bus schedules, private transfers, and domestic transportation options can change. If you are traveling independently, verify the current schedule directly with the provider and reserve important transfers in advance when possible.
Rental cars: Renting can be challenging because of vehicle availability, fuel, road conditions, and payment limitations. If you plan to rent, confirm the current requirements and payment method before arrival and remember that U.S.-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba.
Cell Phones, WiFi, and Maps
Prepare your phone before departure. Download WhatsApp, offline maps, a Spanish translation tool, your airline documents, tour itinerary, eVisa information, and other important travel documents while you still have reliable internet.
eSIM or roaming: An unlocked phone with an eSIM can be useful, but coverage in Cuba varies by provider and plan. Confirm that a plan specifically supports Cuba and install it before departure. If you plan to use U.S.-carrier roaming, verify Cuba availability and pricing directly with your carrier.
Expect inconsistent connectivity. Mobile data and WiFi can be slower or less reliable than at home, and power outages can interrupt service. Keep offline copies of addresses, contact numbers, reservations, and important documents.
Stay reachable: WhatsApp is widely useful for communicating with tour leaders, hosts, drivers, and other travelers when data service is available.
Currency Exchange
U.S.-issued cards: U.S.-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Do not plan to rely on ATMs or card payments for access to your U.S. bank account.
Bring sufficient cash: Carry enough physical cash for personal expenses and an emergency cushion. Consider carrying more than one currency, such as U.S. dollars and euros, because payment and exchange practices can change.
Exchange carefully: When you need Cuban pesos (CUP), use authorized exchange channels and confirm the current rate before completing a transaction. Do not plan your trip around a fixed informal or street exchange rate.
Check again before departure: U.S. government guidance notes that Cuban policies involving the use and convertibility of U.S. dollars can change. Havana Music Tours provides guests with practical cash-planning guidance for the current itinerary, and travelers should verify official guidance shortly before travel.
Health & Medical Preparedness
Medical coverage is required. Cuba requires visitors to carry non-U.S. medical insurance. Coverage is usually included with airline tickets on flights originating in the United States, but travelers should confirm the details and duration directly with their airline before departure.
U.S. health insurance generally is not accepted in Cuba. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas, and medical providers may require payment before treatment. Consider additional travel and medical-evacuation coverage based on your needs.
Bring your own medications. Pack enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for the trip, plus a reasonable buffer, in original labeled packaging. Do not assume a familiar medicine will be available locally.
Plan for limited supplies. Medical equipment, medications, fuel, and power can be inconsistent, particularly outside major cities. Travelers with ongoing medical needs should discuss international travel with their clinician and carry the supplies they may need.
Review current State Department health and entry information for Cuba.
Food & Water in Cuba
Restaurants: Private restaurants (paladares) and meals prepared at Casas Particulares are an important part of the experience. Menus and ingredient availability can change quickly, so flexibility helps.
Dietary needs: Tell us about allergies or dietary restrictions before the trip so we can plan ahead. Availability of specialty products may be limited.
Payments: Ask which payment methods are accepted before ordering or purchasing. U.S.-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, and payment practices can differ by business.
Drinking water: Use sealed bottled water or appropriately treated/filtered water unless a reliable local source tells you the tap water is safe for drinking. Carry water with you on longer travel days.
Snacks: Pack a few portable snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit for long transfers, late-night music outings, or days when convenient options are limited.
Medicines and Toiletries
Pack what you personally need. Bring sufficient prescription medicines, common over-the-counter items, vitamins, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and toiletries for the trip. Keep prescription medication in its original labeled packaging.
Availability varies. Pharmacies and stores may not consistently stock the brands or products you use at home, so do not depend on replacing essential medicine or toiletries after arrival.
Bathrooms and plumbing: Carry tissues or a small amount of toilet paper when you are out for the day. Many properties and public facilities ask guests to place toilet paper in a waste bin rather than flush it because of local plumbing limitations; follow the instructions at each location.
Medical donations: If you want to bring medicine or medical supplies for donation, coordinate in advance with The CreatiVrole Project or another established recipient and check current airline and customs rules. Do not bring prescription medication for other people without confirming the applicable legal and import requirements.
Donations for Cubans: Essentials and Music
Many travelers ask how they can support the musicians, families, and communities they meet. Giving is optional and should be coordinated respectfully rather than treated as part of the tour purchase.
Physical Donations
If you would like to bring useful items, ask us or The CreatiVrole Project for the current needs list before you pack. Needs and customs rules change. Common requests may include hygiene products, non-prescription health supplies, school materials, and music supplies such as strings, reeds, drumsticks, or small accessories.
The CreatiVrole Project
Havana Music Tours is a travel company. It contributes 5% of tour revenue to The CreatiVrole Project, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting community and cultural initiatives in Cuba. Travelers are not required to make an additional donation.
Guests who want to give beyond the included 5% may make an optional direct charitable gift to The CreatiVrole Project. Gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law; donors should retain their receipt and consult their tax adviser for individual guidance. Donate directly to The CreatiVrole Project.
Giving with Respect
For physical donations, coordinate with your tour leader or the nonprofit instead of distributing items indiscriminately. This helps match current needs, respect local relationships, and avoid preventable customs or logistics problems.
Travel Insurance
Consider coverage for cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies and evacuation. Check the policy’s Cuba coverage, exclusions and claim requirements before purchasing; required Cuban medical coverage is discussed above.
Proper Clothing – What To Wear And Pack For Cuba
Cuba is definitely a place where you can dress up and go see some amazing live music or an incredible show. However, depending on when your trip is, it can be pretty hot and tropical during the day. The summer is pretty hot and humid, and in the winter it can be warm during the day but you may need a small jacket at night. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and light-vented clothing for your daytime activities.
Most music venues and live shows require you wear certain attire. For example, at the famous Latin jazz club “La Zorra y El Cuervo” the men must wear pants and no one is allowed to wear sandals or flip-flops. In this case, you may want to prepare time in your schedule to go home and freshen up before going out at night.
Spanish Translator App Or Dictionary
It is okay if you do not speak Spanish, but knowing a few phrases and having a quick reference can definitely help. In the touristy areas, a lot of Cubans speak English, but maybe your casa particular host only speaks Spanish. If you use something like google translate, be sure to download the entire language to be usable offline before arriving in Cuba. It is difficult to download certain things on the internet. We also recommend investing in at least one or all of the following:
