Cuba - Customs

Arriving by Yacht:

Visiting yachts can stay up to five years in Cuba and even longer with the marina's approval. The boat, regardless where it is flagged, is permitted to stay in Cuba while the owners return home as long as the marina fees are paid in advance.

Due to the increasing use of Cuba as a staging post for drugs, a sniffer dog may be used to search the boat on arrival.

Firearms:

If a yacht is staying a long time in one of the marinas, firearms will be impounded by the Coast Guard (Guarda Frontera). If the yacht is cruising along the coast, firearms must be declared every time the boat checks in at a new port and may be confiscated until departure or alternatively sealed on board, placed under the responsibility of the captain. The seals and arms will be inspected when clearing out.

Other Items:

Customs will ask if you have a satellite phone. If you do, it will be sealed on-board and you cannot use it during your stay in Cuba. Anything else satellite dependent, keep out of sight.

Other items such as drones, portable GPS, radios, flares and telephones may be sealed on-board by Customs until departure.

All plant, animal and meat products that are not canned must be declared to the health authorities on arrival. Fresh meat products may not be imported (however hard-frozen is probably OK). Reasonable quantities of canned meat, eggs, dairy or vegetable produce can be imported for the crew's own consumption, but be prepared for any fresh food to be destroyed. In most places Customs officers will ask you not to take any of this type of food ashore, and only consume on board.

Useful links:

• Cruising FB group Cuba, Land and Sea is an excellent source for the latest situation.
• General Customs of the Republic of Cuba

Last updated:  November 2023