Before traveling to Cuba, you must complete several formalities. Every visitor needs a valid visa to enter the country. From July 2025, it will be mandatory to obtain an electronic visa  through the official platform https://evisacuba.cu. The process should be relatively simple – after filling out the form and paying the fee (approximately €22), travelers will receive a QR code by email. This code serves as an entry visa and must be printed out and presented upon arrival in Cuba. Tourist visas are usually issued for a maximum stay of 90 days. Please also note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Cuba.

Another necessary document is the D’Viajeros form, which is a combination of customs, health, and immigration declarations. It is filled out online at https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu and is only available 72 hours before departure. Once completed, a QR code is generated, which must be printed and ready for presentation upon arrival. Without it, entry into the country may be delayed or denied.

Travel insurance is another mandatory requirement for entry into Cuba. Every traveler must have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses abroad, including any treatment or hospitalization. Insurance with a higher coverage limit and assistance services is recommended. Travelers should have a printed confirmation of insurance with them, as it may be required by immigration authorities upon entry into the country.

We also recommend purchasing a travel adapter for type A/B sockets before traveling to Cuba, as the electrical sockets there correspond to the American standard. Adapters can be purchased at electronics stores. Also, be sure to bring basic medications with you. Be sure to download the necessary translators and maps before you travel – for example, Mapy.com worked very well for us in Cuba. Internet connectivity, including mobile internet, is often very weak or completely unavailable outside of larger cities. In Cuba, you can use Wi-Fi in some accommodations, but it is not nearly as common as it is in the US. Alternatively, you can purchase a tourist SIM card with a data package or a Nauta card, which is used to connect to public Wi-Fi, at ETECSA stores. This is available at selected public places in tourist areas.

Money is a slightly more complicated matter, which is why we have devoted a separate chapter to it, where we explain everything in detail.