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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.

Capital: Havana
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: CUP ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 20)
Emergency: 106
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Bringing Pets to Cuba

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies (mandatory — minimum 21 days before travel, within 12 months validity) Dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (recommended) Cats: Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP combo) Internal and external parasite treatment within 72 hours before departure (vet certificate required)

Restricted Breeds

Large parrot species (CITES Appendix II restrictions)Reptiles (case-by-case, CITES regulations apply)Rabbits (agricultural import restrictions)All wildlife species and protected animals

💰 Costs

Import permit (CENSA): $30–80 USD. Official vet health certificate: $50–200 USD. Airline cargo fees: $200–600 USD depending on airline/route. Airport inspection and customs: $50–150 USD. Optional quarantine facility (if required): $30–100 USD/day.

📋 Relocation Process

Step 1: Contact CENSA (Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria) through the Cuban embassy in your home country to obtain the current import requirements and official import permit application forms. Step 2: Obtain an official import permit (Permiso de Importación de Animales) before travel. Submit: proof of ownership, vet health certificate, vaccination records, microchip certificate. Step 3: Official vet health certificate no more than 10 days before departure. Step 4: Ensure rabies vaccination is current (min. 21 days before travel). Step 5: Confirm ISO 15-digit microchip is implanted and matches all documentation. Step 6: Book pet cargo transport with airline — Cuba generally requires pets as cargo (not cabin). Step 7: On arrival at José Martí International Airport, present all original documents to CENSA veterinary officials at customs. Step 8: Pay import duties and inspection fees.

Bringing pets to Cuba requires careful advance planning. Cuba's state veterinary authority (CENSA) controls all animal imports. The process typically takes 30–60 days for permits. Allowed animals: dogs, cats, small cage birds (limited species), ornamental fish (with permits). Dogs and cats are the most commonly imported pets. Exotic animals, birds, and reptiles face stricter restrictions under CITES regulations.