Cancún to Havana: flight, visa, currency
Entry rules checked on 22–23 October 2026 against Cuba’s official tourism portal and the Cuban Embassy in Mexico. By FlightsMX · 9 min read.
Bottom line: To enter Cuba as a tourist on a Mexican passport you need a tourist visa, now issued as an electronic visa (eVisa) that replaces the old Tourist Card; the Cuban Consulate in Mexico lists a fee of MXN 575. You also need health insurance and the D’Viajeros QR code. The official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP); cards issued in the US do not work. Aeromexico has the most CUN-HAV frequencies; Cubana is usually cheaper.
In this guide
- Airlines Cancún-Havana: price, frequency, reliability
- The tourist eVisa: what it is, where to get it
- Currency in Cuba: Cuban peso (CUP), cash and cards
- Havana airport (José Martí): arrival, immigration, transport
- Common 4-day itinerary: budget
- FAQs
Airlines Cancún-Havana
CUN-HAV is a short route (1h 45min) but the market has critical nuances:
Aeromexico (AM) — reliable option
- 4-5 flights/week
- Round-trip May 2026:
MXN $4,800-7,200 ($US 270-410) - 95% reliability
- 25 kg checked bag included + carry-on
Cubana de Aviación (CU) — cheap option
- 3-4/week
- Round-trip:
MXN $3,200-5,500 ($US 180-310) - 80-85% reliability (frequent cancellations)
- 20 kg included
VivaAerobus (VB) — middle
- 3/week
- Round-trip:
MXN $3,600-5,800 ($US 205-330) - 92% reliability
- LCC — pays for checked bag ($US 35-65)
Connecting options
- Copa Airlines (CM) via Panama: $US 320-450, +4 hours
- Avianca (AV) via Bogotá: $US 380-520
- JetBlue (B6) via Fort Lauderdale (NOT direct MX-Cuba due to US restrictions)
Verdict
For planned vacations with strict timeline: Aeromexico. For flexible backpackers: Cubana if you have 2-3 days margin.
The tourist eVisa: what it is, where to get it
What it is
According to Cuba’s official tourism portal, a tourist visa is mandatory to enter Cuba unless you hold Cuban residency. It is now issued online as an eVisa, which replaces the old paper Tourist Card. It is valid for one entry and a stay of 90 days, extendable by another 90.
Where to get it and what it costs
The official portal lists three routes: online at evisacuba.cu, at a consular office, or through a travel agency. The Cuban Consulate in Mexico lists a fee of MXN 575 for the online tourist card. If you buy it another way, confirm the price with the seller and avoid unofficial look-alike sites.
Also required on arrival
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Travel health insurance (mandatory since 2010; without it you must buy a policy from the state insurer Asistur).
- D’Viajeros digital form: completing it gives you a QR code to show on arrival.
- Return ticket.
Currency in Cuba: Cuban peso (CUP), cash and cards
According to Cuba’s official tourism portal, payments in Cuba are made in Cuban pesos (CUP) in cash or by bank card. The portal lists Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and other cards as accepted, but states that no card issued by a US institution works in Cuba and advises checking with your bank. With a Mexican card, ask your bank before travelling and carry backup cash. Foreign cash (US dollar, euro, Mexican peso and others accepted by the Central Bank of Cuba) can be exchanged into CUP at airports, banks, hotels, CADECA exchange offices and shopping centres at the current rate. The Cuban peso is not valid outside Cuba.
How much to bring (4 days Havana)
| Concept | Cost |
|---|---|
| Casa particular accommodation ($US 25-40/night × 4) | $US 100-160 |
| Food (paladares ~$US 25-40/day) | $US 100-160 |
| Airport + city taxi | $US 50-80 |
| Excursions (Viñales, Trinidad, cigar tour) | $US 60-150 |
| Shopping (cigars, rum, souvenirs) | $US 50-100 |
| Reserve | $US 50-100 |
| TOTAL 4 days | $US 410-750 |
If you plan to pay mostly in cash, budget around $US 600-800 for 4 days in Havana.
Havana airport (José Martí): arrival, immigration, transport
Immigration
- 30-90 min wait
- Mexican passport, tourist eVisa, health insurance and the D’Viajeros QR code
- Officer asks: travel purpose (“tourism”), accommodation address
Customs
- Generally lenient for tourists
- Don’t bring: drugs, weapons, unreported cash >$US 10,000
Money exchange + ATMs
- CADECA at airport: official exchange at the current rate
- ATMs: limited; cards issued by US institutions do not work
Airport → Havana
- Official yellow taxi: $US 25-35 to Havana Vieja, 25-40 min
- Shared taxi: $US 5-8/person, 15-30 min wait
- Public bus P-12: paid in Cuban pesos (CUP), 60 min (for adventurous backpackers)
- Uber/Cabify/DiDi: DON’T operate in Cuba
Tip: offer $US 25 to taxi and hold firm. Drivers try $30-35 to first-time tourists.
Wifi/mobile in Cuba
- Airport wifi: requires ETECSA card (~$US 1-2/hour)
- eSIM Cuba before traveling: Holafly $US 25-30 for 7 days
- Cuba’s internet is scarce and expensive — adjust expectations
Common 4-day itinerary
| Day | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Flight CUN-HAV + Plaza Vieja walking tour + paladar dinner | ~$US 110 |
| Day 2 | Classic car tour 1957 Chevrolet + Floridita + Bellas Artes museum | ~$US 130 |
| Day 3 | Excursion to Viñales valley + tobacco farm + caves | ~$US 75 |
| Day 4 | Shopping (cigars, rum) + return | ~$US 110-180 |
Total trip 4 days Havana: ~$US 785-905 (flight $US 360 + ~$US 425-545 itinerary), plus the tourist eVisa (MXN 575 per the Cuban Consulate in Mexico).
FAQs
Can I travel to Cuba with active US visa?
Yes — a trip to Cuba does not cancel your B1/B2 visa. The ESTA restriction for Cuba visits affects travellers who use ESTA; Mexican passport holders enter the US with a visa, not ESTA. Answer travel-history questions truthfully on your next visa application.
Spanish in Cuba vs. Mexican Spanish?
Cuban Spanish is fully understandable from Mexico. Words differ slightly: “guagua” = bus, “yuma” = foreigner, “chévere” = good. Pronunciation faster, aspirated.
Security risk for Mexicans?
Cuba is one of safest American countries for tourists. Petty theft minor in Havana Vieja, currency scam in informal exchanges. Avoid: cash large bills exhibited, taxis non-official at airport.
Can I use my Telcel cellphone in Cuba?
Yes via international roaming (~MXN $90/day) but limited and expensive. Better: buy eSIM Cuba before traveling (Holafly $US 25-30 for 7 days).
Best month for CUN-HAV?
November-March: dry season, 22-26°C, more expensive flights ($US 350-450). May + October: intermediate. June-September: hurricane season, cheaper (~$US 250-320) but cancellation risk.
Can I return from Cuba with Cuban cigars without declaring?
- Cuban cigars to Mexico: 50 cigars exempt; more requires declaration
- Cuban rum: 1 liter exempt
- Declare everything at Mexican customs on return
Does American Express work in Cuba?
Probably not. Cuba’s official tourism portal says no card issued by a US institution works in Cuba, and American Express is not on its list of accepted cards. Check with your bank and bring cash.
Sources
- Cuba.travel (MINTUR) — Regulations and procedures (checked 2026-10-22)
- Cuba.travel (MINTUR) — Currency (checked 2026-10-22)
- Embassy of Cuba in Mexico — consular services and fees (checked 2026-10-23)
- MINTUR Cuba (May 2026)
- DGM Cuba — Tourist info (May 2026)
- Aeromexico CUN-HAV policy (May 2026)
- Cubana de Aviación (May 2026)
- SRE Mexico — Consular Cuba (May 2026)
Related reading
Edited by FlightsMX. Entry rules and currency checked on 22–23 October 2026 against the official sources cited. Safe travels to the island.