Cuban Customs and Immigration

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
For up-to-date information on what travelers can import and export to/from Cuba, please visit the official Aduana Cuba website and the D’Viajeros Traveler Manuel.

Here’s a video on how to fill out the D’Viajeros Advance Information for Travelers online form
Here’s an example of the Tourist Card (Visa Tarjeta del Turista)
Here’s an example of the Custom Declaration Form

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

The following information applies to a traveller entering Cuba for tourism purposes and is based on our personal experience.

How to get through Immigration, Security, and Customs, on ARRIVAL:

• After leaving the aircraft you will be guided by officials to the Arrivals building where you will find Immigration Control. The zone is composed of several short enclosed halls with a booth where the Immigration Officer is sitting behind a tall counter. You have to go to the booth one person at the time, young children can go with an adult.

• The officer will check your documents (Passport, Tourist Card, D’Viajeros QR Code), and may ask a few basic questions such as: Is it your first time in Cuba? What is the purpose of your trip? Where are you going in Cuba? What do you do for living? ...

• The officer will ask you to step back, remove hat or glasses, and look at the camera whilst he/she take your photo

• Since 2010 all foreigners who want to travel to Cuba must be covered by a travel insurance that includes a medical care benefit. Travelers MAY be required to present a proof of medical coverage valid for the entire period of their stay in Cuba; in the form of an insurance policy, insurance certificate, medical assistance card, etc. If you don't have one, you will have to purchase a health insurance plan from the Cuban travelers aid company called ASISTUR S.A. (www.asistur.cu) at the point of entry.

• When immigration checks are completed, the officer will press a buzzer button to unlock the door beside you, exit the booth through this door.

• The next step is to go through a security checkpoint where you and your hand luggage are scanned in the x-ray machine and metal detector arch to check if you are carrying any prohibited or restricted item. Every checked baggage is also being scanned (in another area) and sniffed by trained dogs.

• Then proceed to the Baggage Claim area to collect your checked baggage.

• Once you have claimed your baggage. A Customs officer will check if your bag was marked (after X-ray scanning) for a manual search (only if they suspect something). If you have nothing to declare then proceed to the exit.

How to get through Passport Control and Security, on DEPARTURE:

• After you've checked-in for your flight and received your boarding pass, then proceed to the Passport Control booth. You’ll have to show your passport and boarding pass, and turn in your Tourist Card (Visa Tarjeta del Turista). The Officer will then unlock the door so you can move to the security checkpoint.

• Your carry-on bag will be scanned (X-ray machine with conveyor belt) and you'll have to walk through the metal detector arch, as in any other airport. In Cuban airports it's usually not required to remove your shoes, unless you've been ask to do so.

• You can then exit the Screening area to get to the Departure Gate Lounge.

• When you flight is called for boarding, they will check your boarding pass at the Gate. In airports with no jet-bridges, you'll have to show again your boarding pass when you get to the staircase to board the aircraft.