Embassy
Embassy of South Africa in Cuba
Avenida 5ta, No 4201, esq 42
Cuba visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need an eVisa for Cuba. Apply on the official website.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
CUB
Cuba
eVisa
An electronic visa for people visiting Cuba for a holiday.
- Visa
- eVisa
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Apply on Cuba's official eVisa portal with a scan of your passport and a photo.
Leave time for processing before you travel, and print the approval.
Enter on the dates and through the ports the eVisa allows.
Get your Cuba visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Cuba
Tourist visas allow 90 days and 1 entry.
eVisaTourist eVisaAn electronic visa for people visiting Cuba for a holiday.
- Stay
- 90–365 days
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Apply through a Cuban consulate or approved travel service.
- Get your visa details.
- Complete the D’Viajeros form before leaving.
- Keep the form’s QR code.
Documents required
- Passport
- Medical insurance
- Return flight ticket
- Visa
- D’Viajeros form and QR code
- Travel insurance
- Approved extensions add 90 days, then 30 days each, up to 365 days total.
- Stay in a hotel or other place approved for tourists.
eVisaTourist eVisa applicationApply for the tourist visa linked to your passport.
- Stay
- 90–365 days
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Apply through a Cuban consulate or approved travel service.
- Get your electronic visa.
- Complete the traveller form before leaving.
- Keep the form’s QR code.
Documents required
- Passport
- Medical insurance
- Return flight ticket
- Traveller form and QR code
- This is the same tourist eVisa listed under tourism.
- The portal, fee and full processing time could not be checked.
Visa on arrivalExceptional border visa purchaseImmigration may let some visitors buy a visa at the border.
How to apply
- Explain your situation to immigration at the border.
- Ask for special approval to buy a visa.
- If approved, buy it from the border travel agency.
- Approval and visa availability are not guaranteed.
- Arrange your visa before travel.
Sources (4)Last updated 11 November 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs A B C LAdapter for some
- MoneyCUP $
- Time−7h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageSpanish
- Emergency106 police104 ambulance
Planning your Cuba trip
- Old HavanaA major highlight for exploring Cuba's historic streets and colonial buildings.
- Varadero BeachOne of the country's highlighted beach destinations.
- Valle de ViñalesA lush valley recognised as a World Heritage cultural landscape for traditional tobacco farming.
- Bay of PigsThe site of the failed 1961 invasion is also known for diving and marine life.
Scams to watch for in Cuba
- Taxi fare inflation and price switchingA driver quotes an inflated fare before departure or demands more on arrival. They may claim you misunderstood the agreed amount. Airport fares agreed in advance may also be inflated.
- Friendly invitations that lead to an inflated billA friendly stranger invites you for food or drinks. The venue charges you two to three times the normal price and shares the extra money with them. In Central Havana, a person or couple may offer to practise English and suggest drinks while waiting for a supposed Buena Vista Social Club performance. Some also demand payment for their company.
- Fake or dubious discount cigarsTouts sell convincing-looking cigars of uncertain authenticity. Some may be genuine but stolen or untaxed. In Habana Vieja, sellers may claim a Cigar Festival is happening today or offer access to a Cigar Cooperativa selling from homes. They may pressure you to buy a whole box.
About Cuba
Cuba is a single-party socialist republic on the largest island in the Caribbean, south of Florida.
- Capital
- Havana
- Money
- Cuban peso ($)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Time zone
- UTC-05:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +53
Other Africa passports
Going to Cuba
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Cuba with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Cuba?
South African citizens need an eVisa for Cuba. Apply on the official website.
How long can south african citizens stay in Cuba?
Up to 90 days each visit with the evisa rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply online for Cuba?
Only on Cuba's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter Cuba?
We have no record of Cuba relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do cuban citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Cuban citizens need an eVisa for South Africa. Apply on the official website.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Cuba?
Benin, Kenya and Namibia can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Cuba are easier for south african citizens?
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Cuba?
Apply on Cuba's official eVisa portal with a scan of your passport and a photo. Leave time for processing before you travel, and print the approval.
What money is used in Cuba?
Cuban peso ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Cuba?
Spanish.
Reviewed by @snuck