Ultimate Cuba Travel Checklist
Are you ready for Cuba? Use this checklist to help you prepare.
Explore the Checklist
To enter Cuba you need to show an onward ticket. Airlines with flights to Cuba.
Upon arrival in Cuba you are required to provide the address of the first night of your stay. If you are traveling on a Cuban Adventures tour we will send you this address 10 days before your tour start date.
Your passport should still be valid for 6 months after your planned dates of travel.
Generally, this process is quick and sometimes can even be done on the day of travel. The process to get the eVisa depends on where you're flying from, read our guide to how to get the eVisa.
Cuba requires visitors to have medical insurance valid for the duration of your stay. This is included automatically in flights from US. Not flying from US? You can organize this with a travel insurance company or buy it from us!
A week before departing for Cuba, you should fill out the customs, immigration, and health declaration form on the D'Viajeros website. This generates a QR code that you will need for the check in process. Follow our step-by-step D'Viajeros guide to filling out the form.
This is a statement you sign that affirms you are traveling to Cuba and will do so in accordance with the U.S. laws.
EUR and USD are the most convenient and versatile cash currency to take to Cuba. More details are on our Cuba Money & Currency page.
Bring the card only as a backup. US cards generally do not work. Here's more info about accessing your money in Cuba.
It’s best to come prepared with all your toiletries, prescribed medication and any over-the-counter medication that you normally take from time to time, as these can be hard to source in Cuba. See also Health Precautions.
Cuba's climate can be very hot and sunny. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
Power outages can be common and prolonged in Cuba, bring items that will help you stay safe and comfortable:
- torch/headlamp
- portable charger
- battery-operated fan
- mosquito repellant with DEET
We encourage you to bring 3 items to Cuba that will reduce your production of plastic waste during your visit:
- A refillable water bottle
- A reusable drinking straw (if you like to drink with a straw)
- A cloth tote bag for shopping and laundry. More details.
What people say about our services in Cuba
JosephJune 29, 2026My experience on the 9 day tour was fantastic from start to finish. Cuban Adventures were very helpful throughout the process and have well designed itineraries. Our tour guide was friendly, helpful, and informative. I met a lovely group of people and saw many parts of the island which would have been difficult to reach on my own. The activities were well thought out, with opportunities to spend more time with the group or do your own thing. This was one of my favourite trips after visiting many countries. Thoroughly recommended!- SimonMay 8, 2026Travel to and within Cuba has been severely disrupted by the oil embargo. Despite these difficulties Cuban Adventurers were able to provide an excellent tour. Our tour guide Adrian was able to make the trip interesting and informative despite potentially difficult circumstances. All the people we dealt with on this trip who were engaged by Cuban Adventurers such as local guides and accommodation providers were positive, helpful and friendly and added to our enjoyment of the tour.
- SophieApril 12, 2026I had a great time on the Women's Tour. Our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable and created a once in a lifetime experience for us all.
- GretchenMarch 22, 2026Cuban Adventures was the most accommodating tour I have ever taken. It was also the most interesting thanks to our tour guide, the history professor, Yoani Monteagudo Javier. Take the 15 day road trip for a very full picture of Cuba.
PhilipMarch 19, 2026To sum up the trip and company in one word. PROFESSIONAL. Quick responses, great guide, great driver. We were well looked after, always felt safe and enjoyed learning about the people, history, culture and great countryside. Thank you Cuban Adventures.
ElizabethMarch 15, 2026I recommend anyone who wants to visit Cuba to do it with Cuban Adventures. I always felt really guided visiting this beautiful but foreigner country for me. They had an excellent organization and sense of responsibility. All the members of the team are very friendly and really cared about the travelers. I felt completely safe traveling with them.- Andrea SuzanneMarch 7, 2026This has been one of the most amazing trips I have been on. Between the Cuban people and culture it was so memorable.
- CliffordMarch 3, 2026Our tour of Cuba was fantastic! It was a fun, interesting, and memorable adventure. It was extremely well-organized and seamless, and our tour guide Estefan was phenomenal. I highly recommend visiting Cuba and hope that I can return there in the future.
- StephenieFebruary 25, 2026My 10-day tour of Cuba with Cuban Adventures was an amazing experience. I didn't know what to expect and I was a little anxious beforehand, but this became easily my favorite vacation ever. My Cuban Adventures guide, Estefan, was incredibly organized, knowledgeable, and friendly. The staff that supported him, Dayana (local guide) and Carlos (driver) were wonderful too. Our trip took us to Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, and I loved it all. Cuban Adventures made Cuba feel like home, and I was honestly sad to leave. I can't wait to return to Cuba, and when I do, I will definitely book my trip through Cuban Adventures.
Our signature Cuba tour package options
Cuban Adventures is a multi-award-winning tour operator with two decades of experience organising tours throughout Cuba. All our tour types and packages have been responsibly designed in partnership with local businesses and Cuban guides. Our tours share genuine, local insights into Cuba’s culture, its people and intriguing history. When you choose to travel with us, you can select from one of four immersive tour types:
Multi-Day Group Tours
Experience the highlights of Cuban culture and natural attractions with a small group of up to 16 people on 5 to 20-day tours of the island. Tours depart weekly from Havana. Places are limited to ensure personalised attention and genuine local interaction.
Cuba Day Tours
Discover insights into local life in Cuba on one of our half or full-day Cuba day tours. Choose from experiences in arts, culture, history, cuisine, events, entertainment or active adventures with activities such as salsa lessons and historic walks.
Short Stay Packages
Perfect as a standalone short getaway or add-on before or after a group tour. Stay in Havana, Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba and choose from language immersions, cooking or dance class packages, food tours, local events, photography tours and much more!
Custom and Private Cuba Tours
See Cuba the way you prefer, accompanied by a local guide. Take a private Cuba tour and travel solo, with a partner or in your own small group. Follow one of our existing tour schedules, or create a customised itinerary departing on a date that suits you.
Uncover more Cuba travel inspiration in our blog
If you've been dreaming of Cuba and want to learn more about this fascinating country before your trip, read our blog for a complete Cuban travel guide with tips and local insights.