Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at José Martí International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your HAV Layover at a Glance

City AccessAccessible

Minimum layover for city360 hours

Best use of a long layover

Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is the classic draw for a longer layover; Revolution Square is a quicker stop at about 25 minutes by taxi.

Inside the airport

Terminal 3 has duty-free shopping, cigar and rum shops, and a Cuban coffee cafe.

No airside sleep pods exist; small hotels near the airport (in Boyeros) or a casa particular in the city are the practical options for an overnight.

As of 1 July 2025, Cuba retired its old paper tourist card in favor of a mandatory e-Visa (apply via the eVisaCuba portal, about 72-hour processing, single entry up to 90 days) plus a separate digital 'D'Viajeros' entry form with a QR code completed within 7 days of arrival, along with proof of travel insurance. This is a significant, relatively recent regime change -- older information referencing a 'tourist card' is outdated.

Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Cuba before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs

Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs

Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs

Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit Havana city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+

Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore Havana properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near HAV

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels

Find Hotels Near HAV

Airport hotels, transit stays and Havana city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

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City Tours from HAV

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours

Havana Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of Havana without missing your connection.

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Practical Tips for Your HAV Layover

Use left-luggage storage at José Martí International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.

Get a Cuba eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.

Download offline maps for Havana in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.

Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.

Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.

Recommended · eSIM

Stay Connected in Cuba

Activate a Cuba eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

Browse Cuba plans →

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