Jose Marti International Airport (HAV): arrival & transit guide
What to expect landing at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba: the arrival flow, transit rules, and onward transport.
Jose Marti International Airport is Havana's main gateway; it has several terminal buildings, but essentially all international arrivals use Terminal 3, which is set up specifically for foreign visitors. From the aircraft, arriving passengers follow signage into that terminal's immigration hall.
Since late 2024, most visitors are expected to apply for Cuba's electronic visa online before departure rather than obtaining anything at the airport. US citizens are the notable exception, still using the paper Cuban Tourist Card instead of the e-visa. Whichever document applies to you, an immigration officer stamps or tears it on arrival, so keep it somewhere safe for the rest of the trip; you will need to hand it back to immigration when you leave.
Cuba also expects proof of travel medical insurance at entry, checked alongside your passport and visa document, and a passport valid for at least a couple of months beyond your arrival date. There is no dedicated airside transit area here, so anyone connecting onward internationally clears the same immigration and customs process as any other arrival.
Outside Terminal 3, taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the standard way into central Havana.
Data last verified: 2026-08-18
Not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change without notice and vary by circumstance - always confirm with the destination country’s embassy, consulate, or official government source before booking or traveling. Full disclaimer.