Cuba

Cuba does not require private, non-commercial pet owners to obtain a pre-travel import permit through a Cuban embassy. The key document needed is a Veterinary Export Certificate issued by the competent veterinary authority in the country of origin. This certificate must include the animal's identification (tag, tattoo, or microchip), confirmation of current rabies vaccination, and a declaration of good health. All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation.

A microchip is not listed as a mandatory requirement for entry by Cuba's official customs authority (Aduana General) or the Ministry of Agriculture. The export certificate must include animal identification, which may be a tag, tattoo, or microchip. Note: a microchip is required if the animal is destined onward for EU countries or the US.

The Official Export Certificate issued in the country of origin is valid for 15 days. Pet owners should ensure travel is arranged within this 15-day validity window.

On arrival at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana, Border Veterinary Service officers inspect the animal and issue a Liberation Certificate authorising entry if all requirements are met. Following entry, epizootiology officials from Cuban animal health authorities conduct a follow-up home visit within 15 days of arrival to verify the animal's continued health at the owner's address or accommodation, as part of standard epidemiological surveillance under Cuban law.

The body responsible for regulating pet import procedures is the Centro Nacional de Sanidad Animal (CENASA), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG), in coordination with the Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria (IMV) Border Veterinary Service. CENASA is the correct authority to contact for import and export queries.