Practical Cuba Travel Checklist: Visas, Insurance, Money, Power, Connectivity

Traveling to Cuba still rewards planning more than last-minute improvisation. Verify your passport has at least six months’ validity and confirm whether you need an e-Visa, since Cuba’s e-Visa system has replaced the old tourist card in recent years. Check entry rules with the nearest Cuban consulate or embassy before booking flights or paying nonrefundable deposits.

Confirm required travel and medical insurance and carry proof. Bring all prescriptions and a basic first-aid kit, because some medicines are scarce locally. Print or screenshot any health paperwork you must show on arrival and keep copies in both your luggage and phone. Buy insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation and local treatment if your policy language is unclear.

When comparing flights, check routing and permit requirements. Some airlines require permits or route via third countries; verify connections and layover rules so you do not get rerouted unexpectedly. For ground transport, book reputable transfers or confirm pickup details with the accommodation. For island excursions and guided tours of historic centers, nature parks, and beaches, verify operator credentials, meeting points, and cancellation terms in writing.

Currency and payments remain practical concerns. Confirm which foreign cards work in Cuba, because many cards are restricted. Bring a mixture of widely accepted currencies in cash and plan for limited ATM availability outside Havana and other major cities. Expect card acceptance to be patchy at casas particulares, paladares, taxis, and local markets; cash remains king for everyday purchases.

Accommodations can face intermittent electricity. Read recent guest reviews for hotel performance and ask about backup power or generator policies before you book. Pack at least one power bank, a travel adapter, and a compact flashlight or headlamp for evenings when electricity dips. If you plan work or streaming, budget for lower reliability and slower speeds.

Connectivity is improving but can be limited and expensive. Download offline maps, PDF copies of travel documents, and entertainment before you go. Purchase local internet cards where available, but keep offline backups of itineraries and contact numbers. Carry a printed list of your hosts’ phone numbers and addresses in case mobile service is unreliable.

Respect local culture and rules. Learn a few Spanish phrases, carry ID at all times, be mindful of photography restrictions near certain installations, and confirm opening hours and performance schedules since they can change on short notice. This checklist is a practical planning tool and does not replace official consular advice or the latest travel advisories.

Proper preparation reduces common pain points and keeps your trip focused on music, architecture, beaches, and conversation. Verify visas and insurance, secure cash and backups for power and connectivity, and you will spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring.