Cuba travel guide for Australians

Australians do not need a visa for Cuba. You need a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), which you can get from the Cuban embassy in Canberra or from your airline before departure. The card allows a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

The bigger question is whether to travel at all. The Australian government advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and flight disruptions. If you do go, plan for cash, reliable flights and extra time.

Entry requirements for Cuba are the same for Australians as for most nationalities: a valid passport, a tourist card, proof of onward travel and enough money for your stay. The tourist card is not a visa; it is a simple form you fill in and present on arrival. You can get it from the Cuban embassy or from your airline, often at check‑in.

The tourist card is valid for 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines and difficulties leaving. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at a Cuban immigration office, but this is rarely needed for a standard trip.

Australia does not have an embassy in Cuba. The nearest Australian embassy is in Mexico City, Mexico. In an emergency, contact the embassy in Mexico City or the 24‑hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

The Cuban embassy in Canberra handles visa and tourist card matters. For consular help while in Cuba, the Australian embassy in Mexico City is your point of contact.

A trip to Cuba is not cheap for Australians. The Cuban peso (CUP) is the official currency, but prices for tourists are often quoted in US dollars or euros. Cash is essential; credit and debit cards issued by Australian banks do not work in Cuba because of US sanctions. Bring enough cash for the whole trip.

Flights from Australia to Cuba are expensive and involve at least two connections, usually via the US, Mexico or Canada. The US travel ban means you cannot fly directly from the US to Cuba on a US airline; you would need to fly via Mexico or Canada. Budget for a long journey and a high fare.

There are no direct flights from Australia to Cuba. You will need at least one connection, usually in the US (if you have a US visa or ESTA), Mexico or Canada. From Sydney or Melbourne, expect a journey of 24 to 30 hours including layovers.

The US trade embargo means US airlines do not fly to Cuba, so routing through the US is not possible for the final leg. Instead, fly to Mexico City, Cancún, Toronto or Panama City, then take a connecting flight to Havana. Check current flight schedules, as airlines have reduced service to Cuba because of fuel shortages.

Cuba uses plug types A, B, C and L. The voltage is 110 V and 220 V, so check your devices. Most modern chargers handle both, but some appliances (like hairdryers) may need a converter. Bring a universal adapter.

Power cuts are common, especially outside Havana. Carry a power bank and a torch. Hotels and casas particulares often have generators, but not always.

Tipping is expected in Cuba. In restaurants, leave about 10 % of the bill. For musicians, guides and taxi drivers, a dollar or two is appreciated. In US dollars or euros, tips are welcome; in Cuban pesos, they are less useful for locals who prefer hard currency.

Tipping supplements low wages of service workers, so carry small bills for this purpose.

In an emergency in Cuba, call 106 for police, 104 for ambulance and 105 for fire. These numbers work from any phone. For consular help, contact the Australian embassy in Mexico City or the 24‑hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

Medical care in Cuba is generally good, but private clinics are better equipped for tourists. Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as serious cases may need to be flown to another country.