Guide to Traveling to Cuba: Mandatory Insurance and Paperwork
Cuba has a legal quirk that many travelers discover too late: travel medical insurance is not a recommendation, it's an entry requirement mandated by law for more than a decade and reinforced since the pandemic. Arriving without valid proof can mean they sell you one right there at the airport, at a price and with coverage you didn't choose.
On top of that is a very cash-dependent economy, with cards issued in the United States not working due to current sanctions, and a tourist card system that varies depending on where the visitor is coming from.
Here's what to sort out before flying to the island: paperwork, money, mandatory insurance, and health.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Almost all visitors need a tourist card in addition to a passport, obtained through the airline, a consulate, or an authorized agent depending on nationality and purpose of travel; requirements vary notably for travelers with a US connection under specific authorization categories.
Health & travel insurance: Cuba is one of the few countries in the world that legally requires valid travel medical insurance to enter; without valid proof, a traveler can be turned away at immigration or forced to buy a local policy at the airport.
When to travel
The dry season (November to April) is the most sought-after, with lower humidity and less chance of heavy rain. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with higher risk between August and October; it's worth checking forecasts if traveling during those dates and considering that travel insurance can cover cancellations related to weather events.
Tourist card and mandatory medical insurance
In addition to a passport, most visitors need a tourist card (tourist visa), obtained depending on nationality through the airline, an authorized agency, or a Cuban consulate. Less well known outside the island: Cuban immigration regulations require every visitor to carry valid travel medical insurance covering health expenses during their stay; authorities may ask for proof upon entry, and those without it may be forced to buy a local policy right at the airport.
- Valid passport
- Tourist card (depending on nationality and airline)
- Proof of valid travel medical insurance covering the entire stay
Money and cash
Credit and debit cards issued by US banks don't work in Cuba due to current sanctions; even cards from other countries may have limited acceptance outside large hotels. The practical recommendation is to bring enough cash (euros or whatever currency is used locally) for the whole stay, since ATMs can fail or have low withdrawal limits.
Health and why insurance isn't optional
The Cuban health system has specific clinics for international tourists, but medication availability can be limited, so it's recommended to bring your usual personal medications. Dengue circulates seasonally. Since travel medical insurance is a legal entry requirement and not just a precaution, it's best to buy it before traveling and carry the certificate printed or accessible without depending on internet access on the island, where connectivity can be limited. Assist-365 issues certificates accepted for this type of process and offers 24-hour medical assistance; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives an immediate discount when you get a quote.
Travel checklist for Cuba
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Cuba.
- Check the visa requirement for Cuba based on your passport: Almost all visitors need a tourist card in addition to a passport, obtained through the airline, a consulate, or an authorized agent depending on nationality and purpose of travel; requirements vary notably for travelers with a US connection under specific authorization categories.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Cuba is one of the few countries in the world that legally requires valid travel medical insurance to enter; without valid proof, a traveler can be turned away at immigration or forced to buy a local policy at the airport.
- Save Cuba's emergency number: 106 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Cuban Peso (CUP); a cash-dependent economy
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel medical insurance mandatory to enter Cuba?
Yes, it's an immigration requirement: visitors must prove they have valid travel medical insurance, and those without it may be forced to buy one at the airport.
Do bank cards work in Cuba?
Cards issued in the United States don't work due to current sanctions, and acceptance of other cards is limited; it's recommended to carry enough cash.
What is the Cuban tourist card?
It's a document in addition to the passport that most visitors need to enter as tourists; it's obtained depending on nationality through the airline, an agency, or a consulate.
What's the best time to travel to Cuba?
The dry season, November to April, avoids the highest hurricane risk, which is concentrated between August and October.
What does travel medical insurance cover in Cuba beyond the entry requirement?
Medical consultations, hospitalization, and evacuation if necessary, relevant given the limited availability of certain medications on the island.
