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Travel to Cuba from Canada: A Quick and Easy Guide

Plan a trip to Cuba from Canada and understand the entry requirements

Cuba is a favourite holiday destination for Canadian travellers, with its tropical vibe, alluring landscapes and over 5,000 kilometres of coastline. The country also has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other Caribbean nation, an intriguing socio-political history and locals renowned for their hospitality. But if you’re planning to travel to Cuba from Canada, you’ll need to prepare before you go. Here’s what you need to know!

Planning a trip to Cuba from Canada

The best time to travel to Cuba

Cuba is an excellent holiday destination all year round! Canadians often visit between December and May to exchange sub-zero temperatures for warm weather. Peak seasons include Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Canadian holidays such as Spring break and Easter. Low season travel advantages include quieter streets and attractions, lower prices and more immersive cultural experiences. There are generally no seasonal pricing fluctuations for most tour packages.

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Guided tour packages vs all-inclusive resort stays

The Canadian adventurous spirit and interest in raw, authentic experiences are a great match for small group-style travel rather than all-inclusive resort stays.

Benefits of small group tours for Canadians

Cuba is the ultimate destination for a guided tour package. You will stay in locally owned guest houses while learning about the country’s political and cultural history from guides who live in Cuba and are passionate about their country. You’ll also explore with confidence while travelling in comfortable transport.

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How this compares to resort-style stays

All-inclusive resort packages offer limited interaction with the environment and the people living outside the resort’s grounds. Whilst providing comfort and modern amenities, resorts are often owned by international hotel chains, with a sanitised experience you could have almost anywhere. Instead, choosing a locally operated small group tour company that supports Cuban communities and conservation projects delivers a holistic, authentic and memorable experience. When you consider resort travel vs cultural group tours, there’s no real comparison for adventurous travellers!

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Our Cuba holiday packages and small group tours

Select from our range of multi-day tours, short stay packages and full-day or half-day excursions based on your travel style and the length of time you’ll be in Cuba.

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Multi-day tours in Cuba

See the very best of Cuba in 5-20 days on a multi-destination tour, including our top-rated activities, places and attractions.

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Cuba short stay packages

Our 3-5 day packages offer various language, dance and cultural immersion options. They can be booked independently or as an add-on before or after your multi-day tour.

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Half and full day tours

Learn about Cuba’s fascinating past and its blend of Indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean cultures, go on a vintage car ride, discover the nightlife and more.

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Custom and private Cuba tours

Enjoy the flexibility of customising your trip with activities that interest you, or choose an existing itinerary with your preferred private departure date.

How much does a Cuba holiday and tour package cost?

Our most popular small-group tour package is our multi-award-winning 8-Day Cuba Tour, at US $795 per person, twin-share. Check the current exchange rate for USD to Canadian dollars.

What’s included in the cost of my Cuba tour package?

Every multi-day tour includes
  • A local guide
  • Airport arrival transfer
  • Accommodation for each night of your tour in casas particulares
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Breakfast every morning of the tour, other than the day you arrive
Ultimate Tours also include
  • All meals
  • Your eVisa
  • Airport departure transfer
Not included in multi-day tours
  • International flights
  • Meals and drinks other than breakfast (meals included in Ultimate Tours only)
  • Airport departure transfer (included in Ultimate Tours only)
  • An eVisa (included in Ultimate Tours only)
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Optional add-ons such as day tours, excursions and activities
  • Daily spending money and tips

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Key takeaways: When and how to travel

Important things to know before departing Canada

Found the perfect Cuba tour for you? Now it’s time to plan your flights, navigate Cuba’s strict entry requirements, organise cash and pack.

Direct flights and routes from Canada to Cuba

When you’re going to Cuba from Canada, Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara and Cayo Coco. If you don’t mind a stopover, consider flying with other airlines, including:

  • Delta Airlines or American Airlines, departing from Miami
  • Copa Airlines, departing from Panama City
  • Aeroméxico, departing from Mexico City
  • Viva Aerobus, departing from Mexico City, Cancun and Monterrey
  • Bahamas Air, departing from Nassau

Visit airline websites directly for the most up-to-date information on all routes.

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Entry requirements for Canadians visiting Cuba

Before departure, make sure you’re fully prepared to meet the strict requirements to enter Cuba from Canada. Please note that when travelling to Cuba via the US, the US entry regulations apply, meaning Canadians must state that their reason for travel to Cuba is ‘Support for the Cuban People’.

Canadian passport and residency documents

For your trip to Cuba from Canada, you will need a Canadian passport with at least six months validity from your date of arrival. If you’re going to Cuba from Canada on a passport issued by another country, you need a valid Canadian residency card or a work or study authorisation with multiple-entry access granted in your passport.

Tourist eVisa for Cuba from Canada

When flying directly from Canada to Cuba, check with your airline if an eVisa is included. For Canadians entering Cuba and not flying directly, or if the eVisa isn’t included in your ticket, the cheapest option is to purchase one from the official Cuban government website. If your departure is more than five days away, or the embassy is unavailable, you can also buy an eVisa for Cuba from Canada online through Cuban Adventures.

D’Viajeros form

Once you have your eVisa, complete the D’Viajeros health and customs declaration online no earlier than seven days before your arrival in Cuba. This is necessary to validate your Cuba eVisa. Completing it generates a QR code that you need to download and either print or display digitally to immigration upon arrival. Use our handy D’Viajeros guide to work through this process.

Mandatory travel medical insurance

Passengers departing from Canada must have valid travel medical insurance to enter Cuba. While you may already have travel medical insurance through sources such as credit cards, we recommend purchasing Cuba’s Asistur S.A. medical insurance to ensure easy access to medical care in Cuba. You can purchase this travel medical insurance online through Cuban Adventures.

Money and currency in Cuba

Organise currency before you leave Canada, as Cuba uses cash.

ATM and credit card limitations

Do not rely on digital payments, ATM withdrawals or credit cards in Cuba, as electricity outages affect them. There are also long ATM queues and low daily withdrawal limits.

Currencies accepted

The local currency is Cuban Pesos (CUP). Whilst Canadian dollars are accepted in most all-inclusive resorts, US dollars are preferred, and widely used throughout the country.

Cash recommendations

Take enough cash for your entire trip. US $100 per person per day is usually enough to cover transport, meals, small purchases and tips. Bring US dollars in $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills.

Exchanging money upon arrival

You can exchange between US $50-100 at a time for CUP in Cuba. Speak with your guides and guesthouse staff for tips on navigating currency in Cuba and the best places to exchange USD.

Packing tips for Canadians travelling to Cuba

Include these items, which are not always readily available in Cuba:

  • Toilet paper or tissues for public restrooms
  • Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, moisturiser and sunscreen
  • Feminine hygiene products, hand sanitiser, toothpaste and razors
  • Over-the-counter remedies for headaches, allergies, upset stomachs, and all prescription medicines
  • Dual-voltage electronics (100–240V), universal travel adapter, chargers and power banks
  • Hot sauce and condiments

These items, along with children’s clothing and school supplies, are also appreciated as gifts and donations in Cuba.

For the most up-to-date information for Canadians travelling to Cuba, visit the Government of Canada’s Cuba travel advice website.

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Key takeaways: Know before you go

Travel to Cuba from Canada this year!

When you visit Cuba, you can be certain that your travel experience will stay with you for a lifetime. However much time you have, and whatever the reason you want to take a trip to Cuba from Canada, use our guide to help you navigate the requirements to enter Cuba from Canada and enjoy an unforgettable adventure. Browse through our Cuba tour options or contact us for a customised recommendation.

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