Cuba

Specific Information

Tariff debt and duties on non-exempt goods: All tariff debt is calculated in Cuban pesos (CUP) based on the USD import value using ad-valorem rates. The exchange rate as of early 2026 is approximately 1 USD = 120 CUP. Non-exempt goods within shipments are subject to customs duty.

Essential goods allowance (February 2026 regulatory update): As of February 2026, essential goods including food, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies have special duty-free allowances for arriving travelers. These allowances are subject to periodic revision by the Cuban customs authority.

Packing list requirements: The packing list must be in Spanish. It must include package numbering, a detailed description of contents, brand name/model/serial number for all electronic items, and declared values for all items. Failure to provide a compliant packing list will delay or prevent customs clearance.

D'Viajeros form: All passengers arriving in Cuba must complete the D'Viajeros customs declaration form. This is mandatory regardless of whether goods are being imported.

New goods within shipments: Any new or unused items found within a household goods shipment that are not covered by the duty-free entitlement will be subject to customs duty.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Household goods may be imported duty-free only by the categories of persons listed above, and only once per person per category. "Household goods" is defined under Cuban customs law as domestic articles, furniture, and equipment for domestic use. The definition explicitly excludes: pumps, motors, food products, construction materials, spare parts, motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Specific Information

Private vehicle imports are effectively prohibited for most individuals. Cuba maintains strict controls on motor vehicle imports. The importation of motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft is excluded from the household goods duty-free entitlement. Vehicle imports are generally limited to state enterprises, diplomats, and specific government-authorized entities.

Customers planning to relocate to Cuba should not plan to ship a personal vehicle. Confirm any exceptions with the destination agent and Cuban customs authorities well in advance.

Pets

• Valid rabies vaccination certificate
• Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin
• Pet must be clinically inspected by a veterinarian before shipment

CDC high-risk rabies country: Cuba is on the U.S. CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. This is relevant for pets traveling from Cuba to the United States, as CDC dog import requirements for high-risk countries are significantly more stringent. Source: CDC High-Risk Countries List — verified 200.

Rabies vaccination: Required. Ensure the vaccination is current and documented on an official certificate.

Health certificate: Must confirm the pet is clinically healthy and free of infectious disease. Should be issued as close to the travel date as practical.

Quarantine: No mandatory quarantine period was identified in available sources for pets entering Cuba, provided documentation is in order. However, Cuban customs officials may inspect animals on arrival and can refuse entry if documentation is incomplete or the animal appears unwell.

Common mistakes: Failing to have documentation in Spanish or accompanied by a Spanish translation. Assuming US-standard veterinary certificates will be accepted without question. Not confirming current requirements directly with a Cuban destination agent given the difficulty of accessing Cuban government information online.