Visa and Mastercard cards blocked in Cuba: How to pay for your expenses in Cuba?

The Central Bank of Cuba has made a new measure official: the total suspension of Visa and Mastercard transactions throughout the island as of Saturday June 6, 2026.

Why is Cuba suspending the Visa and Mastercard networks?

This decision is a direct consequence of the tightening of economic sanctions imposed by the United States. Several foreign partner banks located outside Cuba have severed their business relations with FINCIMEX SA, the financial arm of the Cuban state-owned conglomerate GAESA (which manages a large part of the island's tourist infrastructure).

Faced with the technical and legal impossibility of clearing these payments, the Cuban Central Bank had no choice but to halt the use of payment terminals and ATMs linked to the two American payment giants.

Which passengers are affected by this measure?

Previously, only cards issued by US banks were blocked in Cuba. From now on, all Visa and Mastercard cards, whatever their country of issue (France, Spain, Canada, Mexico, China, United Arab Emirates, etc.) will no longer work on the island.

If you're traveling to Cuba for tourism (with a tourist visa / tourist card) or business, you'll need to adapt your financial logistics before boarding the plane.

What no longer works in Cuba (as of June 6, 2026)

• Cash withdrawal (Cuban Pesos - CUP) at ATMs (CADECA or local banks) with a Visa or Mastercard.
• Direct card payment in hotels, state-run restaurants, car rental stores and tour operators.

Practical solutions: How to pay and finance your trip to Cuba?

Although the use of Visa and Mastercard cards has been suspended, there are several legal and reliable alternatives for you to enjoy your stay with peace of mind.

Give preference to cash: Euros and US Dollars

• Which currencies to take with you? THE Euros (€) and U.S. dollars ($) are widely accepted throughout the island.
• Where to use them You can pay directly for your accommodation with local people (Casas Particulares), your meals in private restaurants (Paladares), cabs and souvenirs.
• Advice : Bring small and medium denominations (5, 10, 20 and 50 bills). Large bills are often difficult to change.

Buy a local prepaid card on site

You can buy local prepaid payment cards for your expenses at state-owned facilities (hotels, car rentals, fuel).

• La Carte Clásica or Tropical : These Cuban national cards can be purchased in foreign currency (Euros, Dollars) at official exchange offices. CADECA (available at the airport and in town centers). You top up the card with foreign currency, and use it for your official tourist spending on the island.

Alternative payment systems

If you live or have bank accounts outside the Euro/USA zone, you should know that some non-American networks are still operational:

• UnionPay (China) : The Chinese payment network remains functional in compatible terminals in Cuba.
• Mir (Russia) : The Russian payment system is also accepted in some of the island's facilities.

The special traveler's pre-departure checklist

To avoid getting stuck on arrival in Havana, Varadero or Santiago de Cuba, be sure to check these steps:

1. Estimate your overall budget (accommodation, food, transport, extras) and withdraw the full amount in cash (Euros or USD). Before to leave your home country.
2. Check the validity of your travel document: Your passport must be valid.
3. Order your Visa / Tourist Card : Don't let red tape spoil your trip.
4. Take out compulsory travel insurance: Cuba requires proof of medical insurance to cover local costs.

• Cuba

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