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Cuba Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens must obtain an e-visa (electronic Tourist visa) to visit Cuba; apply online at https://www.minrex.gob.cu for Cuba; fee from USD 25; processing typically 3–5 business days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to Cuba, and have at least one blank visa page or sufficient space for e-visa verification.
  • Specific forms: no separate UK form; complete the online e-visa application on the official Cuban Minrex portal at https://www.minrex.gob.cu/; no DS-160 or VAF1A required for the online process.
  • Financial proof: no fixed minimum bank balance is published for the e-visa; there is no mandatory funds threshold stated, but you should have funds sufficient to cover your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: provide proof of accommodation in Cuba (hotel reservation or invitation letter) and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: upload a digital passport-style photo meeting Cuba's requirements (front view, neutral expression, white background); size typically around 35x45 mm for the passport photo; ensure high resolution and clear identification data.
  • Biometrics: no in-person biometrics appointment is required for the e-visa; the visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport.
  • Travel health insurance: travel medical insurance is mandatory for entry; the policy should cover medical expenses up to at least 10,000 USD (often stated as minimum coverage) and be valid for the entire stay; proof of coverage may be uploaded or presented at entry.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visado de Turismo) – Official name: Visa de Turismo; typical validity: 30 days from entry; max stay: 30 days; entry: single-entry; approximate fee: USD 25; notes: e-visa portal primarily supports tourist travel.
  • Business visa (Visado de Negocios) – Official name: Visa de Negocios; typical validity: 30 days from entry; max stay: 30 days; entry: single-entry; approximate fee: USD 25; notes: often requires embassy processing rather than online e-visa; confirm with the Cuban embassy if your trip is business-related.
  • Student visa (Visado de Estudiante) – Official name: Visa de Estudiante; typical validity: tied to program duration; max stay: typically aligned with studies; entry: usually single-entry or multiple-entry per program specifics; approximate fee: USD 25; notes: usually requires consular processing at a Cuban embassy; not commonly issued via the online e-visa system.
  • Work visa (Visado de Trabajo) – Official name: Visa de Trabajo; typical validity: duration of employment contract; max stay: same as contract; entry: single-entry or multiple-entry per contract; approximate fee: USD 25; notes: requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; typically processed through a Cuban embassy rather than online.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: go to https://www.minrex.gob.cu/ and choose the e-visa or appropriate visa category; complete the online application form with personal details and travel plans; upload required documents (passport bio-data page, digital photo, proof of travel insurance, accommodation details, return ticket);
  • Fee and payment: pay the visa fee online (commonly USD 25) using an international card; ensure the payment reference is saved for your records;
  • Processing time: allow 3–5 working days for standard processing; longer during peak seasons; no separate express option is listed for the standard e-visa;
  • Approval and arrival: once approved, you will receive the e-visa by email; print the e-visa and carry it with your passport to Cuba; at immigration you present the e-visa along with your passport and supporting documents.
  • Special notes: if your trip requires a non-tourist visa (business, student, work), verify whether the e-visa platform supports your category or if you must apply through the Cuban embassy in London or a consular post.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 25 (per applicant) for e-visa categories commonly offered to UK applicants; payable online at the Minrex portal; local currency equivalents may vary if you pay via a bank card.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for the online e-visa approach; if you require a visa via a Cuban embassy for categories other than tourism, a separate consular fee may apply at the embassy.
  • Total cost estimate: around USD 25 for the e-visa; additional costs may apply if processing via an embassy for non-tourist categories.
  • Standard processing time: typically 3–5 working days for online e-visa approvals.
  • Express/priority option: not generally listed for the standard e-visa; consult the official Minrex portal or Cuban embassy for any expedited options if available.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: aim to apply at least 7–14 days before travel; allow up to 3–4 weeks during peak periods to be safe.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: passport validity under 6 months or not meeting the 6-month validity rule, name or date of birth mismatch between passport and online form, missing or non-conforming documents (photo, travel Insurance proof), or failure to meet the mandatory travel insurance requirement.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: the online e-visa route is the primary option for UK applicants; for non-tourist categories (business, work, student) or if online submission fails, contact the Cuban Embassy in London for consular processing.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office FCDO travel advice for Cuba and review any Cuban entry restrictions or changes to visa rules before travel.
  • Extension options inside Cuba: a 30-day Tourist visa can be extended once for up to an additional 30 days at Cuban Migration Offices; extension is subject to approval and requires payment of a fee (commonly around USD 25); ensure you stay compliant with immigration rules during an extension.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.