Classic car driving along the Malecón seawall in Havana at sunset

Independent · Fact-checked · Updated May 2026

Everything you actually need to know about Cuba.

Visas, flights, customs, shipping, family support, and the legal reality for U.S. travelers — written plainly, sourced from official regulations, and refreshed as the rules change.

eVisa Quick-start

Need a Cuba eVisa fast?

Most travelers need an electronic visa before boarding. Cuban-born travelers and some nationalities have different rules.

  • Upload a clear passport scan (valid 6+ months)
  • Pay online — card or PayPal accepted
  • Receive PDF eVisa by email (usually within 72 hours)
  • Print and carry with your passport at check-in

Important reminders

  • Apply at least 5–7 days before departure (72-hour processing is typical, not guaranteed).
  • The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.
  • Born in Cuba? You cannot use the online eVisa — consular processing is required.
  • Don't forget D'Viajeros — file within 7 days of arrival.

Common questions

Cuba eVisa FAQ

Quick answers to the questions travelers ask most. For full detail, see our eVisa guide.

The three things shaping Cuba travel in 2026

If you read nothing else, read these.

NOTAM A0356/26

Jet-A1 fuel unavailable at 9 Cuban airports

Issued Feb 9, 2026 and still in force. The fuel shortage is the single biggest reason 11 international airlines have suspended Cuba routes.

See affected airlines
Decree-Law 108

Cuban customs overhauled — effective April 21, 2026

Drones, GPS units and satellite phones are banned outright. Third-party packages prohibited. Fines reach 3× declared value for violations.

What you can still send
OFAC · 31 CFR 515

12 authorized categories — no general tourism

Americans may legally travel to Cuba only under one of OFAC's 12 categories (e.g. Support for the Cuban People, family visits, journalism). Records must be kept 5 years.

Understand the categories

Six topics, no spin

Pick the part of Cuba you're trying to figure out.

We don't sell visas, tickets, or shipping. We explain how the systems work — Cuban government, U.S. government, and the airlines and freight companies in between — so you can make decisions with your eyes open.

Built for travelers, families, and the Cuban diaspora.

TheCubaSource exists because the rules around Cuba — on both sides of the Florida Straits — are confusing, change without warning, and are often misreported. Every page on this site cites the regulation it's based on and shows when it was last reviewed.

As seen in

  • Reuters
  • Associated Press
  • Miami Herald
  • BBC News
  • The Guardian
  • 14ymedio
  • OnCuba News
  • The Points Guy
Start with the eVisa