What You Can Bring to Cuba: Customs and Luggage 2026

Whether you're visiting family with a suitcase full of gifts or traveling as a tourist, here is what Cuban customs allows as of late October 2026, with links to the official rules.

Cuban customs rules change often, so check the latest official announcements before you fly.

Who sets the rules

Customs is run by the Aduana General de la República, and its rules are published in the Gaceta Oficial. The customs website (aduana.gob.cu) is often unreachable from outside Cuba, so the Gaceta is the most reliable reference.

The latest overhaul is in Gaceta Oficial No. 83 of October 5, 2026: Decree-Law 132, Finance Ministry Resolution 197 and Customs Resolution 340. They took effect around October 12, 2026, and replace the 2022 rules (Resolution 175).

D'Viajeros: declare before you land

Every traveler fills out the D'Viajeros form at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu. Its customs section covers cash above the threshold and goods such as appliances. You get a QR code to show on arrival, printed or on your phone. News reports say it opens 48 hours before your flight. Check the site for the current window.

Personal use vs. commercial imports

Cuba lets individuals bring "non-commercial" goods for personal, family or household use. Under Resolution 340/2026:

• Miscellany covers clothing, shoes, food, toiletries, household items, costume jewelry and perfume. Customs values it at 1 kg = US$10.
• It has to be varied. If you bring a lot of one item, only 5 kg of it is treated as non-commercial, or 1 kg for very small items.
• Phones: up to 5, each valued at US$80.
• Computers: up to 3 in total, counting desktops, laptops and tablets together. They are valued at US$200, US$250 and US$100.
• Appliances: up to 2 of the same type, at listed values. For example, a fridge is US$300 and a TV up to 32 inches is US$250.

Customs has told the press that the non-commercial cap is US$1,000 per traveler per entry, counting accompanied and unaccompanied baggage together. The same report says about 25 kg of personal effects are duty-free, including one laptop or tablet and your phone. Non-commercial duties are paid in Cuban pesos (CUP).

If you go over the limits, you have three options:

• Clear the excess as a commercial import and pay in U.S. dollars, by card or in cash at authorized airport points. Rates are tiered, from 15% up to US$2,000 rising to 30% on anything above US$6,000, plus a service fee of US$2 to US$50.
• Ship it back, where that is allowed.
• Lose the goods to confiscation if you do neither.

Frequent importing can be treated as commercial activity, and customs can temporarily restrict your right to import.

Food, toiletries and medicine: still duty-free

Resolution 9/2026 took effect February 1, 2026. It keeps food, toiletries, medicines and medical supplies in accompanied baggage free of customs duty, with no value limit.

• Pack them in separate bags from everything else.
• Unaccompanied baggage is capped at US$500 or 50 kg.
• Health Ministry Resolution 4/2026 keeps the old 10 kg cap on medicines suspended. Medicines must be in their original packaging.

There is no end date. The benefit lasts "while the conditions persist," and repealing it requires at least 30 days' notice. Some websites claim it expires December 31, 2026, but the resolution itself sets no such date.

Prohibited and restricted items

Cuba's new Customs Law (Decree-Law 108) bans:

• drugs;
• weapons;
• explosives and radioactive material;
• obscene material;
• counterfeit goods;
• items posing health or environmental risks;
• what the state considers hostile "propaganda."

Under Resolution 340/2026, some items need prior authorization:

• Drones and their parts need a permit from Cuba's aviation authority.
• Satellite phones, walkie-talkies and other radios, routers and wireless microphones need approval from the communications ministry (MINCOM).
• Plants, animals and fresh foods face sanitary controls, so check before packing them.

Cash

Press reports based on customs guidance say you must declare cash above US$5,000 or the equivalent in other currencies in D'Viajeros. To leave with more than that, you need proof that you declared it on entry.

Shipping instead of carrying

Personal shipments are capped at US$500. The first US$30 (3 kg) is duty-free and the rest is taxed at 30%. Shipments containing only food, toiletries or medicine are duty-free up to US$200 or 20 kg. You can send through Correos de Cuba or agencies such as Cubamax. Sending part of your luggage as cargo does not give you another US$1,000 allowance.

Taking things out of Cuba

• Cigars: Cuban press reports say you can take up to 50 in original, sealed packaging with the Habanos S.A. hologram. For larger amounts, a receipt from an authorized store has been required; confirm the current limit before you buy.
• Art: works of heritage value need an export certificate from Cuba's cultural heritage authorities. Official galleries usually arrange it with the purchase; ask before you pay.
• Returning to the U.S.: since September 24, 2020, OFAC has not allowed travelers to bring back alcohol or tobacco acquired in Cuba. Cuban cigars or rum bought in third countries can't be brought in either (FAQ 720). You can still enjoy them during your trip.

Airline limits are a separate matter

Your airline sets weight limits, extra-bag fees and rules on liquids and batteries. Paying for excess baggage does not exempt you from Cuban duties.

Pre-trip checklist

1. Check the Gaceta Oficial and customs announcements the week you travel.
2. Complete D'Viajeros and save the QR code.
3. Pack food, toiletries and medicine in separate bags.
4. Keep medicines in their original packaging.
5. Add up the value of your appliances and miscellany to stay under US$1,000.
6. Declare cash over US$5,000.
7. Keep receipts for electronics, cigars and art.

Frequently asked questions

How many kilos can I bring to Cuba without paying duty?

There is no single number. Food, toiletries and medicine packed separately are duty-free. Other miscellany is valued at US$10 per kg and counts toward the US$1,000 non-commercial cap, together with any appliances. Customs says roughly 25 kg of personal effects don't count.

Is food and medicine still duty-free in Cuba in 2026?

Yes. Resolution 9/2026 has no end date, and any repeal requires at least 30 days' notice.

How many phones can I bring to Cuba?

Up to five. Each is valued at US$80 against your allowance.

Can I bring a drone to Cuba?

Only with prior authorization from Cuba's aviation authority. Without it, customs can hold the drone.

Can I bring Cuban cigars into the United States?

No. Since 2020, OFAC rules don't allow alcohol or tobacco from Cuba, or Cuban cigars and rum bought in third countries, to be brought into the U.S.

Last reviewed: October 2026.