Cuba (CU)
Cuba is a unique socialist island nation of 11 million people in the Caribbean — a country of vintage American cars, world-famous cigars, Havana salsa, colonial architecture, and extraordinary natural beauty.
2026 Annual Changes — Cuba
Updated thresholds, benefits, and regulatory changes effective this year.
Cuba's 2026 expat environment is dominated by the ongoing electricity and economic crisis. Key changes from 2025 include: the paper Tourist Card replaced by an electronic eVisa (July 2025), sharply higher eVisa prices, a new BCC floating exchange rate replacing the fixed 120 CUP/USD (floating rate ~409–471 CUP/USD as of March 2026), continued expansion of MIPYMES and private-sector TCP operators, and full implementation of the September 2022 Family Code providing legal equality for same-sex couples.
Key Changes for 2026
| Category | 2026 Value | Previous | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa — Replaces Tourist Card Cuba replaced the paper Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista) with an electronic eVisa system effective July 1, 2025. Prices increased substantially. | Non-US travellers: approximately USD 45–50 for the eVisa. US-based travellers departing from a US airport: approximately USD 85–90. Apply before travel; physical card no longer issued. | Paper Tourist Card USD 25–30 (pre-July 2025) | 2025-07-01 (in effect throughout 2026) |
| CUP Exchange Rate — Floating Official (CADECA/BCC) Cuba replaced the fixed 120 CUP/USD rate with a new floating exchange rate system effective 18 December 2025 (BCC "transformed currency market"). The BCC publishes a daily floating rate; CADECA offices use appointment booking via MiTurno/Transfermóvil. | BCC floating rate: approximately 409–471 CUP/USD (as of March 2026 — updated daily). Informal market: approximately 490–510 CUP/USD. Check current rate at bcc.cu daily. CADECA is the only legal exchange channel. | Fixed 120 CUP/USD official CADECA rate (2021–December 2025) | 2025-12-18 (floating system in force throughout 2026) |
| Electricity Supply (Apagones) Cuba continues structured rotating blackouts (apagones) managed by UNE (Unión Eléctrica Nacional). Duration and frequency vary by province and season. | Havana: typically 4–8 hours of scheduled outages per day. Provinces: 8–14 hours per day. Weekly schedules published by UNE and shared in advance; check with your casa particular host or employer for current local schedule. | 2024 was the most severe year on record for outages | Ongoing throughout 2026 |
| MIPYMES and TCP Private Sector The number of licensed private businesses (Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas) and self-employed workers (Trabajadores por Cuenta Propia) continues to expand. | Estimated 10,000+ MIPYMES operating by mid-2026. Private restaurants (paladares), accommodation (casas particulares), transport and retail are the most visible sectors for expats. | MIPYMES legalised August 2021; rapidly growing since | Ongoing |
| ONAT Tax Filing — TCP and MIPYMES ONAT (Oficina Nacional de Administración Tributaria) continues to expand electronic filing options for private-sector operators. | Annual tax filing deadline: 30 April 2026 (for 2025 income). TCP and MIPYMES operators file with ONAT (onat.gob.cu). Electronic filing available in Havana and major cities. | — | 2026-04-30 |
| Servimed — Foreigner Healthcare Servimed rates at Clínica Cira García and affiliated facilities for foreigners are charged in hard currency (USD or equivalent). | GP consultation: approx. USD 25–60; Specialist consultation: approx. USD 50–150; Emergency care: USD 80–200+. Contact Cira García direct (cirag.cu) for current pricing as rates are updated periodically. Mandatory travel insurance with healthcare coverage is required for Cuba entry. | — | 2026 |
| State Sector Minimum Wage State-sector minimum wage established under the January 2021 Tarea Ordenamiento monetary reform remains unchanged in nominal CUP terms, despite severe inflation. | Statutory minimum: CUP 2,100/month. State-sector salary range: CUP 2,100–6,310/month depending on job classification. Average state salary approx. CUP 6,649/month. At the 120 CUP/USD CADECA rate, the minimum equals approx. USD 17.50/month. | Established January 2021; nominally unchanged since | 2026 |
| Same-Sex Marriage — Family Code Cuba's Código de las Familias (approved by referendum September 2022) is fully implemented. Same-sex couples have equal legal rights to marry, adopt and access family benefits. | Full legal equality for same-sex married couples under Cuban law. Expat same-sex partnerships with a Cuban citizen carry the same legal status as heterosexual partnerships for visa, residency, inheritance and family matters. | Código de las Familias approved by 66.9% in September 2022 referendum | 2022 (fully implemented by 2026) |
| US Embargo and OFAC The US embargo on Cuba continues unchanged in 2026. US-issued payment cards do not work in Cuba. OFAC general licences for travel (family visits, journalism, education, Support for the Cuban People) remain in effect. | US-issued debit and credit cards: not accepted anywhere in Cuba. Cash in EUR, CAD, GBP or MXN recommended. OFAC general licences allow authorised travel; check current OFAC guidance at home.treasury.gov before travel. | — | Ongoing |
January Checklist
Actions to take each January when new rates take effect.
- 1
Check eVisa or visa status and Tourist Card extension deadline — peak season means Inmigración queues are long.
- 2
Note ONAT filing deadline: 30 April 2026 for TCP/MIPYME 2025 income.
- 3
Confirm travel insurance is valid and Cuba healthcare coverage is included.
- 4
Stock any required medications — January can see pharmacy supply disruptions.
- 5
Check the current CADECA exchange rate for your currency to plan monthly cash needs.
- 6
Review the electricity outage schedule with your host — UNE publishes weekly schedules.
Where to Track Annual Changes
-
Gaceta Oficial de Cuba — gacetaoficial.gob.cu — official laws and regulatory changes
-
ONAT — onat.gob.cu — tax rules for TCP and MIPYMES operators
-
MINREX — minrex.gob.cu — foreign ministry for visa and immigration updates
-
Inmigración Cuba — cubadiplomatica.cu — visa extensions and residency
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ETECSA — etecsa.cu — internet and mobile service changes
-
Your home country embassy in Havana — travel advisories and consular updates
-
US Treasury OFAC — home.treasury.gov — Cuba sanctions and general licences (for US citizens)
Cuba's regulatory environment is highly fluid and official information can be difficult to access. Exchange rates, prices, visa rules and administrative procedures change without public notice. Always verify current requirements with your local contact, casa particular host, or your home-country embassy in Havana. The BCC floating rate (check bcc.cu daily — approximately 400–470+ CUP/USD in early 2026) is published daily; CADECA is the only legal exchange channel and the informal rate carries legal risk.
Annual Changes
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