Cuba entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Cuba: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply for an eVisa before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival
- Vaccines
- 2 recommended, 4 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Cuba embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Cuba
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa (eVisa) to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Cuba · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Cuba
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for outbreak areas, long-term or frequent travellers.
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Dengue Consider
-
4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for high-risk activities, long-stay travellers (>1 month), or those in areas with limited post-exposure treatment.
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Consider
Consider for those visiting friends/relatives, frequent/long-stay travellers, or laboratory personnel.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Cuba · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Cuba
To drive in Cuba with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
Cuba travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Cuba from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Cuba (specifically a eVisa). Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Cuba?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Cuba. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for Cuba?
No vaccines are listed as required for Cuba, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Cuba?
If you plan to drive in Cuba on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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