Passport book or copies?

[Lorain1]

We will be arriving in Havana on carnival cruise in a few weeks and I was reading that it is wise to take copies of your passport and leave them in the cabin safe. Is there any problems getting back and forth thru customs with just a photocopy of the passport along with the visa when we arrive at the terminal? Thank you

Edited March 2, 2019 by Lorain1

[chynnabow]

When you enter Cuba’s custom they have to stamp your passport. In addition to giving them your visit.

[gadaboutgal]

You absolutely must have your passport when entering Cuba Customs in the terminal.  It is not merely a formality for them to stamp it; they examine it closely.

 

[pbenjamin]

You do have to have your passport, however in our case we went ashore 5 times (Santiago, Cienfuegos, 3 times in Havana) and they never stamped our passports until the last time, when we specifically asked them to do so. 

[riffatsea]

Cuba is not like the other Caribbean islands. You must show your actual passport when entering that country! It is not about "stamping" but about showing your actual passport document. A paper copy is not the same as your passport!

If you fly to another country you must also show your actual passport.

Edited March 4, 2019 by riffatsea

[Lorain1]

Thank you for the responses - I thought Cuba might be the same as going  to Europe with your passport but after reading the tips on protecting your passport and using copies I thought I'd better check.