Travel from Canada or Quebec to Cuba may require an international connection while Canadian airline service remains suspended.
Verified August 28, 2026: the Government of Canada still says all Canadian airlines have suspended service to Cuba until further notice. Commercial flights remain available through international airlines. Travellers leaving Quebec currently need to examine international routes with a connection, ideally on one ticket, then verify the transit country, Cuban eVisa, D’Viajeros, baggage and onward transportation to Varadero. Canada continues to advise avoiding non-essential travel to Cuba.
How can you travel to Cuba from Quebec or Canada right now?
As of August 28, 2026, all Canadian airlines remain suspended from serving Cuba until further notice according to the Government of Canada. Travellers from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada currently need to compare international airlines and connecting itineraries. Never rely on an old restart date by itself: confirm that the exact flight appears in your booking and in the operating airline’s schedule.
For travel from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada, international itineraries through a third country may be necessary. Copa currently displays Montreal (YUL) to Havana (HAV) itineraries via Panama City. A connection can add transit requirements, separate-baggage risks and, in some cases, an overnight stay before the flight to Cuba.
Before comparing prices, confirm four things: the actual departure airport, the transit country, every required document and whether baggage must be collected and checked again.
Which route should you choose?
| Route | When it may be useful | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Canada → Cuba flight | Consider it only when a specific flight appears in your booking and the airline’s official schedule. | Operations vary by airline, destination, airport and date. Confirm the exact flight before paying. |
| Quebec City or Montreal → third country → Cuba | A route to examine when no suitable direct Canadian flight is operating. | Obtain the Cuban eVisa in advance, verify the transit country’s rules and use one ticket whenever possible. |
| Montreal → Panama → Cuba | An example of a possible route to Havana when schedules match your dates. | Long connections, arrival far from Varadero and an additional ground transfer. |
| Quebec City or Montreal → Mexico → Cuba | A possible route when both segments operate and connect realistically. | Separate tickets, baggage collection, an overnight stay, transit formalities and the risk of missing the second flight. |
| Through the United States | May offer useful schedules to Cuba. | Special U.S. rules, permitted travel categories, ESTA or visa questions and different consequences depending on the passport used. |
| Tour-operator package | Usually simpler when flight, hotel and transfer are bundled. | Confirm the hotel is operating, the transfer is included and the relocation or refund conditions are acceptable. |
Should you leave from Quebec City or Montreal?
- Quebec City: more convenient locally, but often requires an additional connection.
- Montreal: usually offers more choices, but you may need transportation, parking or a hotel night.
- Single ticket: preferable for multi-flight travel because protected connections are normally included.
- Separate tickets: sometimes cheaper, but you assume the delay, baggage and missed-connection risks.
What to verify before booking
- The operating airline.
- The real departure and arrival airports.
- Every connection and its duration.
- Baggage rules for each segment.
- Documents required by every country crossed.
- The Cuban eVisa when required.
- D’Viajeros and the QR code.
- Travel insurance.
- Refund, change and credit conditions.
- Transportation between the Cuban airport and your hotel.
Documents to prepare
| Document | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Passport | Your primary document for entering and leaving each country. |
| eVisa or visa | The Cuban eVisa must be obtained in advance when the route passes through a third country, including a connection. |
| D’Viajeros | Complete it within 72 hours before arrival, add the eVisa code and save the QR code. |
| Insurance proof | Keep an offline copy that is easy to access. |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel, casa particular or complete address. |
| Return or onward ticket | It may be requested. |
Common mistakes
- Booking a flight before checking document requirements.
- Assuming a connection does not change the rules.
- Forgetting that baggage may not transfer automatically.
- Choosing an itinerary with almost no delay buffer.
- Failing to confirm transportation after arrival in Cuba.
- Relying on airport Internet to retrieve documents.
- Keeping no printed or offline copies.
Useful English guides
| Need | Guide |
|---|---|
| Cuba eVisa | Cuba eVisa Guide |
| Entry documents | Cuba Entry Requirements |
| Travel insurance | Cuba Travel Insurance |
| Money | Cuba Currency Guide |
| Transportation | Transportation in Cuba |
| Packing | Cuba Packing List |
Checklist before payment
- Flight and itinerary confirmed.
- Baggage rules checked.
- Documents for every country checked.
- eVisa or visa confirmed when required.
- D’Viajeros planned.
- Insurance checked.
- Cuban airport transfer confirmed.
- Change and refund conditions understood.
- Documents saved offline.
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel to Cuba with a connection?
Yes, but you must check the document and transit requirements for the exact country and itinerary.
Does a connection change Cuba’s document requirements?
It can. For travel to Cuba through a third country, including a connection, the Government of Canada indicates that travellers must obtain the Cuban eVisa in advance and enter its 10-character code in D’Viajeros.
Should you print the documents?
Keep offline copies and, ideally, printed copies of the most important documents.
Summary
To travel to Cuba from Quebec, do not begin with price alone. First verify the route, documents, connections, baggage, insurance and ticket conditions.
Use Passion Varadero’s English guides to keep your documents, money, transportation and backup plans organized before departure.
Sources
- Government of Canada — Travel Advice for Cuba
- Air Transat — Cuba flight suspension
- WestJet and Sunwing guest updates
- Air Canada — Travel to and from Cuba
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