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Travel Advisory January 5, 2024

Cuba - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to  crime .

Country Summary:  Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Travel outside of the Havana area for U.S. Embassy employees requires a special notification process which may affect the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Cuba.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Cuba.

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad:

• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Cuba.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have six months validity at the time of entry.

Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps.

Yes. Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. See 31 C.F.R 515.560 and OFAC's Frequently Asked Questions .

None. See CDC for recommendations.

U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. You should bring U.S. dollars or Euros to Cuba and exchange them for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at authorized banks, CADECA offices, airports or hotels. Travelers should confirm alternative payment options before traveling, as policies concerning the use of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

When departing Cuba, we advise U.S. travelers to spend or exchange CUP to a foreign currency well before reaching airport security checkpoints. Currency exchange houses in the departure area at airports are currently closed and Cuban pesos are not internationally convertible outside of Cuba.. International airlines flying to the United States include departure fees and taxes in the price of airline tickets. U.S. dollars are not accepted for payment of any additional products purchased at the airport. Under Cuban law, travelers may export up to the equivalent of 5,000 USD out of the country. Anyone wishing to depart Cuba with more than this amount of cash must demonstrate evidence that the currency was acquired legitimately from a Cuban bank.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba Telephone:  + (53) (7) 839-4100 (Monday- Friday 0830-1630, except holidays) Emergency after-hours telephone:  + (53) (7) 839-4100 and dial 1 to speak with the emergency operator Fax:  + (53) (7) 839-4247 Website:  https:cu.usembassy.gov

Email:   [email protected] (for concerns with U.S. citizens)

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Travel to Cuba from or transiting through the United States by persons under U.S. jurisdiction (defined as [BE1] U.S. citizens located anywhere, and anyone located in the United States regardless of citizenship and nationality) , is regulated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  All travelers falling under U.S. jurisdiction must comply with these regulations.  Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered under the 12 travel categories authorized by a general OFAC license.  If travel is not covered by a general license, you must seek OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license .  Travelers who fail to comply with regulations may face penalties and criminal prosecution.  For travel-specific questions, please see  31 C.F.R. 515.560  and  OFAC’s Frequently Asked Questions .

Visit the  Embassy of Cuba  website for the most current visa information.

Cuba requires visitors to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States. If you do not have insurance, it can be purchased upon arrival to Cuba at an airport kiosk.  Asistur Medical Insurance is the official company that airlines contract.  Please confirm your coverage with your airline prior to arrival in Cuba and seek additional medical insurance if needed.

Cuba does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain residency status in Cuba.  The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain their residency status in Cuba will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to Cuban restrictions and legal obligations.  

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Cuba.  Foreign students on scholarships are required to test for HIV/AIDS.  Please verify this information with the  Embassy of Cuba  before you travel.

Information about  dual nationality , the  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  can be found on our websites. 

Cuban Requirements for Authorized Travelers:   Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are prohibited.  Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters, or airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest.  Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four to thirty years. 

Temporary Sojourn License:  Most aircraft and maritime vessels on temporary sojourn to Cuba are no longer eligible for an Aircraft, Vessels, and Spacecraft (AVS) License Exception.  See 15 C.F.R. § 740.15.  If you are planning to enter Cuba with a U.S. or foreign-registered aircraft or maritime vessel on temporary sojourn, you must meet the criteria set forth in 15 C.F.R. § 740.15. Please see the U.S. Department of Commerce’s  Bureau of Industry and Security website  for additional information. 

In addition, a vessel of the United States, as defined in 33 C.F.R. §107.200, may not enter Cuban territorial waters without advance permission from the U.S. Coast Guard.  The U.S. Coast Guard provides permission information at (305) 415-6920. 

Safety and Security

The security environment in Cuba is relatively stable and characterized by a strong military and police presence.  Demonstrations are infrequent but can draw violent responses from government forces.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without warning.  Avoid demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Demonstration Alerts are posted on the  Embassy’s website .  Review the  Cuba Travel Advisory .

The Cuban government has detained U.S. citizens suspected of engaging in activities perceived to undermine state security.  The Cuban government may detain individuals for activities that would not be considered criminal or offensive in the United States.

Crime:   With the recent influx of travelers, there has been an increase in the number of property crimes. Crimes of opportunity, such as pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins, are on the rise. Exercise vigilance everywhere . Do not display large amounts of cash.  Do not leave your valuables unattended.  Carry money in your front pockets, hold your purse and cellular phone securely and be mindful of purses or bags when dining out. 

• Do not leave a beverage unattended or accept beverages from persons unknown to you. 
• Locations such as Habana Vieja, Playas del Este, Varadero, and other attractions tend to have a higher incidence of property crime than other parts of Cuba. 
• Be wary of misdirection schemes where someone attempts to gain your attention while another comes from behind to steal your purse, wallet, or other valuable items. 
• If confronted by criminals, do not resist, try to remain calm, clearly display your hands and do not make any sudden moves that could be interpreted as resistance. 
• Carry a cell phone with Cuban cellular service for emergency communications and travel in groups if possible. 
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when traveling in an unfamiliar area. 
• While in your car, place valuables out of sight or in a locked trunk.  When unattended, avoid leaving items in the car, especially on the seat or in plain view.
• Only use marked taxis. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and secure the original. 
• Beware of scam artists, who may speak English and appear friendly. 
• When exchanging currency, use the state-run offices known as CADECAs or official banks.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. 

Victims of Crime:   We strongly urge U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 106 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +53 7839-4100.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• help you find medical care 
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• provide a list of local attorneys 
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, even basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens should maintain health insurance in Cuba.  If stays exceed 30 days, [CM1] U.S. citizens should purchase medical insurance when they process their visa extensions. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Cuban penalties for the following are particularly severe: 

• Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs. 
• Suspicion of assisting Cubans to leave the country illegally. 
• Drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death, regardless of fault. 
• Importing weapons or ammunition. 
• Photographing military or police installations or personnel, or harbor, rail, or airport facilities. 
• Crimes against minors.

The Government of Cuba does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain residency in Cuba and may not allow U.S. consular access to Cuban-American prisoners. 

Telecommunications:  Many U.S. mobile service carriers provide roaming services in Cuba.  Your U.S. mobile phone will work in Cuba if your mobile phone is capable of roaming in Cuba and your mobile service provider has an international roaming agreement with ETECSA, Cuba's state-owned telecommunications provider.  Currently AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile have roaming agreements with ETECSA. Wi-Fi is often slow and unreliable. Be sure to confirm your carrier’s coverage before traveling.

SIM cards with a data plan can be purchased at Havana-José Martí International Airport (HAV) and local ETESCA telecommunications offices. To ensure family and friends can reach you in Cuba, check with your mobile provider about roaming options and cost or purchase a Cuban SIM card. See the  FCC Travel FAQs  for more information. 

Cuba-related Travel Transactions:  Only persons whose travel falls into the 12 OFAC approved travel categories or who have received a specific license from OFAC are authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to travel to, from, or within Cuba.  Direct financial transactions with certain entities and sub-entities under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services are also generally prohibited. For more information see the Department of State’s ﷟ Cuba Restricted List .  Additionally, lodging, paying for lodging, or making reservations on behalf of others to lodge, at certain accommodations in Cuba are prohibited; for a full list of such accommodations, see the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .   For more information about licenses, visit OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website .   Additionally, lodging, paying for lodging, or making reservations on behalf of others to lodge, at certain accommodations in Cuba are prohibited; for a full list of such accommodations, see the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .   For more information about licenses, visit OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website . 

Licenses for Remittances:   In June 2022, OFAC published updated Cuba-related regulations .  The new regulations eliminated a cap on remittances to family members in Cuba, and authorized remittances to non-family recipients as well.  Certain Prohibited Officials of the Government of Cuba , Prohibited Members of the Cuban Communist Party , and the close relatives of these two groups, are not eligible to receive remittances.  For information on remittance authorizations, see OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website .

What May Be Brought Back From Cuba:  Importation of Cuban merchandise for commercial purposes is restricted, with very limited exceptions.  Certain imports of goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs are authorized, as set forth on the Department of State’s  Section 515.582 List  (see 31 C.F.R 515.582).  There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials.  For more information related to imports, including merchandise entering the United States for personal use as accompanied baggage, please see the  CBP Public Notice .

Cuban law requires foreigners to obtain authorization to remove souvenir paintings and sculptures out of Cuba. Most authorized points of sale, such as galleries and art studios, should be familiar with this process and should provide the proper documentation at the time of purchase.  You can also apply for an export permit via the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets. Travelers without a valid export permit may have their items confiscated at the port of departure. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist in these cases.  For more information, please contact the embassy of Cuba . 

Travelers may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption in Cuba, but may not enter the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba. Persons subject to United States jurisdiction may purchase or acquire Cuban-origin merchandise for personal consumption, including alcohol and tobacco products, while in a third country, but may not import such products into the United States.  For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see  31 CFR § 515.585(c) and (d).

Storm Season:  Tropical storms and hurricanes between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. See our  page on disaster and crisis preparedness for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Cuba, and on September 26, 2022 Cubans passed the referendum legalizing same sex marriage.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  Individuals with mobility issues are likely to find accessibility difficult .   Few facilities or services are available, and information is limited. Most roads and sidewalks are poorly maintained.

Students:   See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Currency Restrictions:  Be advised that policies concerning the use and convertibility of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change.  Obtaining U.S. dollar cash is nearly impossible through official channels.  The Cuban Central Bank prohibits certain U.S. dollar cash transactions, including conversion of U.S. dollars to Cuban pesos, the use of U.S. dollars for cash payments, including in government-run establishments such as hotels and restaurants, and the purchase of pre-paid debit cards.. U.S.-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba.  Travelers should bring sufficient cash for the duration of their trip, and consider bringing multiple currencies, such as Euros.

For emergency services in Cuba, dial: 

• 104 for an ambulance or contact the nearest  hospital  directly
• 105 for fire 
• 106 for police 

Ambulance services are

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Hospitals and doctors in Cuba do not accept U.S. health insurance.  Most hospitals require payment up front before services are rendered.

Medical Insurance:   Ensure your airline ticket includes health insurance.  Cuba requires all U.S. airlines departing the United States to pay for health insurance for each passenger.  The health insurance from airlines is valid for 30 days upon your arrival in Cuba.  If you are planning to stay in Cuba for more than 30 days, you will need to extend your coverage before you can extend your visa.   It is important to keep a record of your arrival into Cuba, such as your airline ticket, so that the Asistur agency can coordinate with the hospital on payment MEDEVAC flights from Cuba are difficult to arrange, with costs starting at $15,000 U.S. dollars.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Ensure you have all medicine you require for your time in Cuba.  Medicine (prescription and over the counter) is not readily available in Cuba.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the embassy of Cuba to ensure the medication is legal in Cuba.  Note: This site is in Spanish only.

Diarrheal illness is common among travelers, even in luxury accommodations.  Travelers should wash their hands, drink bottled water, and avoid street and undercooked food.

The following diseases are prevalent: 

• Dengue Fever 
• Hepatitis-A 
• Traveler’s diarrhea 
• Chikungunya 
• Typhoid 
• Rabies 
• Zika Virus 

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific medical issues in  Cuba . 

Vaccinations:  Be up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals  here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Pharmaceuticals:  Even the most common over the counter medications are unavailable in Cuba. Other medication, medical equipment or supplies are also unavailable on the island.  If you are able to find medicine, exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Counterfeit medication may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality:  Tap water is not potable.  Bottled water is often unavailable for purchase and you should be aware that some restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

General Health Issues

• There are severe shortages of food, potable water, medicine, medical supplies, etc.  throughout Cuba.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Cuba.

Air Quality:  Air pollution is a problem in several major cities in Cuba. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road accidents, many involving pedestrians and bicyclists, are Cuba’s leading cause of death.  Cuban authorities may prohibit drivers from leaving the country until claims associated with an accident are settled.  Drivers found responsible for accidents resulting in serious injury or death may receive long prison sentences.  U.S. citizen drivers are often found at fault for accidents they are involved in. 

Drive with extreme care.  Major streets are generally well-maintained, but secondary streets are not.  Major potholes and obstacles are common on all roads.  After heavy rains in 2022, several bridges collapsed.  Damaged bridges may not be well marked.  

Outside of major cities, avoid driving at night as many roads are unlit. Emergency lights or signals are rare, making it virtually impossible to detect hazards after dark.  Street signage is insufficient and confusing. Many Cuban cars are old, in poor condition, and lack reliable safety equipment.  Heed caution throughout the country as there are rolling blackouts which may leave streets dark and without traffic lights, even in major cities.

The principal Cuban east-west highway is in good condition but extends only part of the way from Havana to the eastern end of the island.  Hazards – including unfenced livestock and farm vehicles – are common. 

When traveling by road, you should carry a printed map of the area, as electronic (smartphone) maps frequently fail due to connectivity issues.

Traffic Laws:   Speed limits are sometimes posted and passengers in automobiles are required to wear seatbelts, if available.  All motorcyclists are required to wear helmets.  Traffic from major roads generally does not stop when entering roundabouts.  Use care at intersections: stop signs are often hard to see. 

Public Transportation:  Buses designated for tourist travel, both between and within cities, generally meet international standards.  

The public bus and rail system in Cuba is under-resourced and in poor condition.  Public buses used by Cubans, known as "guaguas," are crowded, unreliable, and are sometimes preyed upon by petty criminals. There is a heightened threat of pickpocketing on crowded buses and trains. Embassy personnel are advised not to use public transportation.

Avoid using informal taxis or hailing private vehicles for rides as they are unregulated, the vehicles are often in disrepair, and usually do not have normal vehicle safety equipment such as seat belts and air bags.  “Cocos,” smaller, yellow ball-shaped “tuk-tuk” style vehicles, are not safe, and the Embassy advises its personnel not to use them.

Rental car agencies provide roadside assistance to their clients as a condition of rental contracts.  Travelers should not permit unauthorized persons to drive their rental vehicles.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cuba, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cuba’s Civil Aviation Authority under its International Aviation Safety Assessment program (IASA) for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s IASA website.  The U.S. Embassy in Havana prohibits U.S. government personnel from using any commercial airline for domestic flights within Cuba due to safety concerns.  The Embassy does not authorize government personnel to travel via Cubana Airlines.

Maritime Travel:  The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Cuba.  Until those concerns can be addressed, the Coast Guard advises that Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Cuba should exercise caution.  Mariners planning travel to Cuba should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warn ings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Cuba .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see  the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Cuba travel advice

Latest updates: Risk levels – updated information on risk levels; Safety and security – removed information on health incidents

Last updated: September 11, 2024 12:28 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, cuba - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel.

Archipelago of Jardines del Rey - Take normal security precautions

• Cayo Guillermo
• Cayo Paredon Grande
• Cayo Santa Maria

Resort areas - Take normal security precautions

• Cayo Largo del Sur
• Guardalavaca coastline, between Playa Pesquero and Playa Bani
• Marea del Portillo
• Playa Ancon
• Playa Santa Lucia
• Varadero Peninsula

Havana - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in the city of Havana.

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Theft generally occurs in crowded places such as:

• tourist areas
• public buses
• night clubs

It can also occur in isolated areas.

Theft from hotel rooms, particularly in private accommodations ( casas particulares ), and from cars is common.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep electronic devices out of sight
• Carry valid identification at all times
• Keep a digital and a hard copy of your ID and travel documents
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Violent crime

Incidents of violent crime are not frequent, but assaults may occur. They mainly occur during a burglary or robbery.

• Stay in accommodations with good security
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
• If threatened by robbers, don't resist

Credit card and ATM fraud may occur.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Some businesses may try to charge exorbitant prices, namely taxis and classic car rentals. Disputes about overcharging may lead to violence.

• Always confirm prices before consuming or taking up a service
• Avoid running a tab
• Avoid leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill to make sure it’s exact

Some hustlers specialize in defrauding tourists. Most of them speak some English or French and go out of their way to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cigars. Some have used violence in their efforts to steal tourists.

Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers also operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport. Thefts of luggage from taxi trunks have occurred.

In bars, sex workers, including minors, may be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who refuse their advances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been the victim of theft after engaging in sexual relations, and some of them have faced child sex accusations.  

• Use reputable tour operators and registered taxis only
• Avoid independent street vendors
• Be wary of strangers who seem too friendly

Overseas fraud

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including:

• bottled water
• public water supply
• hard-currency

Fuel shortages are currently critical and affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. Intermittent shortages of tap water provided by municipalities happen, including in Havana and in resorts.

Hotels and resorts, that often use generators during power outages, may not be able to maintain their services. Fuel shortages may also affect government services.

Local authorities enforce the rationing of food and medications, which could also affect travellers.

Shortages may lead to disruptions to other essential services. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.

• Plan accordingly
• Bring some basic necessities with you such as toiletries and medication
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Make sure you always have access to a complete emergency kit

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly outside of Havana and touristic areas.

Obtaining services during an outage is challenging.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of sexual harassment

Incidents of sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts.

If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and seek medical assistance. You should also report the incident to Cuban authorities and ensure that local police provide you with a Comprobante de Denuncia. This document confirms that a report has been filed.

A criminal investigation will likely not be possible if no formal complaint is made to Cuban authorities before you depart the country.

Police officers may speak only Spanish.

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor. Connections are unreliable and may be intermittent.

Some Canadian cell phones may not work, even in large cities. Internet access is limited across the island.

Local authorities control telecommunications. They may block access to mobile phone and Internet in case of civil unrest or before demonstrations.

• Don’t rely on your mobile phone for emergencies, especially outside major cities
• Subscribe to and install a VPN service before leaving Canada
• Avoid travelling alone
• Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary

Online transactions

Online banking or shopping may be challenging in Cuba, if at all possible. Most Cuban websites are unsecure. Many are inaccessible.

Some travellers, who bought their travel package online on a travel website in Canada, found out on arrival in Cuba that their hotel received no reservation or payment.

• Avoid online shopping
• Check with the hotel if they accept online reservations and payments if you plan to book online

Demonstrations

Demonstrations sometimes occur, even if taking part in them may be illegal. Local authorities will break up political demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government. They may also block access to the Internet, including social media, without notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic, public transportation.

• Don’t participate in demonstrations
• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents, and riptides are common. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags to warn of hazardous conditions.

• Never swim alone or after hours
• Don’t swim outside marked areas
• Monitor weather warnings
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards.

If you undertake adventure sports, such as diving:

• choose a reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• don’t use the equipment if you have any doubts about its safety

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the navigation rules
• make sure life jackets are available for all passengers
• follow safe practices for all water activities such as jet-skiing, water-skiing or fishing
• don’t overload your boat capacity
• carry a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road safety standards are poor throughout the country. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Road conditions

Road conditions are poor throughout the island, with the exception of the Central Highway, which runs west to east across the country. Driving may be dangerous due to:

• poorly maintained roads
• lack of signage
• Inadequate lighting
• roaming livestock
• horse-drawn carts
• pedestrians
• slow-moving traffic

Most Cuban cars are old and in poor condition. They often lack standard safety equipment. Some cars and most bicycles don’t have functioning lights.

Driving habits

Some drivers don’t respect traffic laws. Many of them, driving an electric vehicle for which licence and registration are not required, are inexperienced and unqualified. Drinking and driving is also common.  

If you choose to drive in Cuba:

• do so defensively at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• travel in groups when possible
• never pick up hitchhikers, who have been known to assault drivers

Public transportation

City buses are scarce, overcrowded and poorly maintained. Bus service is not reliable.

Incidents of pickpocketing are frequent.

Tour companies offer good bus service between airports and the all-inclusive resorts. Buses used for organized day trips from hotels are usually in good condition.

Official taxis are generally reliable.

Old-model private vehicles offered as taxis are not equipped with standard safety features. They have no insurance coverage for passengers in case of an accident.

• Use only registered taxis
• Avoid flagging a taxi down on the street
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Agree on a fare before departure, as taxis are not equipped with meters

The rail network is comprehensive, connecting most of the island, but it’s unreliable and slow. Train service is limited to Cuban nationals only.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Cuban authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Cuba.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Family visa: required Business visa: required

Tourist card

Canadian tourists travelling to Cuba need a visa, known as tourist card. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. The tourist card is generally included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines providing direct flights from Canada. If you go to Cuba on your own or transit via another country, you are responsible for obtaining the tourist card from a Cuban government office in Canada. You may also buy it at some airports in Canada and in the United States.

Length of stay

As a Canadian tourist, you may stay in Cuba for up to 6 months.

However, you must obtain an extension of stay if you intend to stay longer than the initial 90-day period allowed by the standard tourist card.

D’Viajeros traveller information portal  – Government of Cuba

Arrival form

You must provide information on your arrival in Cuba via an online form within 72 hours before entering the country.

Once done, you will receive a QR code by email.

You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to authorities upon arrival.

Health insurance

You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

• an insurance policy
• an insurance certificate
• a Canadian provincial health insurance card

If you don’t have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn’t satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you may have to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company upon arrival. This insurance may have limited coverage. Local authorities may refuse your entry to the country.

Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won’t pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.

Cuban authorities won’t let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, which are payable by credit card only. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

• Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford
• Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays

More on Travel insurance

Other entry requirements

Customs officials will ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof that you have a place to stay if arriving with “air only” tickets

Dual citizenship

If you’re both a Canadian and Cuban citizen, you must:

• present your valid Cuban passport to the immigration authorities to enter Cuba
• have a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada

If you were born in Cuba, you should contact a Cuban government office in Canada before you leave to ensure compliance with Cuban regulations, regardless of your current citizenship. Failure to do so may result in your being refused entry into Cuba or being detained upon entry.

Canadian permanent residents

You will not be able to leave Cuba if you are a Canadian permanent resident and are without a valid permanent resident card. If your card is lost or stolen, you must contact the Canadian Embassy in Havana to obtain a travel document that will allow you to leave the country. This procedure can take up to 10 working days. Once the document is ready, you'll need to make an appointment with the immigration section of the Canadian Embassy in Havana to collect it before returning to Canada.

Permanent resident travel document: How to apply

Health screening

You may be subjected to a medical screening or interrogation by public health authorities when you enter or exit Cuba, or when reporting for domestic flights.

You may be subject to a mandatory quarantine for medical observation for up to 7 days if local authorities believe that:

• you have come in contact with a suspected carrier of one of these viruses
• you’re arriving from a country with a known epidemic
• Children and travel

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Oropouche fever in the Americas - 3 September, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 9 September, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability.

The health system is government-owned. The Cuban government operates hospitals and clinics throughout the island.

Medical professionals are generally adequately trained. However, facilities are in poor condition. They lack basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment. Hygiene practices may be inadequate.

Medical services are also available at most hotels and international clinics located in resort areas, where doctors and nurses provide initial emergency medical care reserved for foreigners. Health care provided in those clinics is usually better than services offered in public facilities.

Mental health care facilities are extremely limited. There are no hotlines available for this type of care in the country.

Emergency and ambulance services are limited. Response times may be slow, especially outside tourist areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

 Many prescription medications may not be available in Cuba.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring enough of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a paper and an electronic copy of your prescriptions

Cuba faces severe medicine shortages, including antibiotics and common pain killers. In addition of your prescription medication, you should also bring your own basic medicine in sufficient quantities to last beyond the length of your intended stay.

Public health authorities implement insect control measures including periodic fumigation and aerial spraying.

• Consult your doctor before traveling to see if the situation could affect you, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• Stay away from a nearby fumigation process

Death abroad

Standards of mortuary services in Cuba differ from those in Canada. Cultural and religious beliefs are not taken into consideration. Autopsies are mandatory.

There is one funeral home and one morgue in the country which cater to foreigners. Both are located in Havana. Only these facilities have the authorization to issue appropriate documentation to accompany human remains. Timelines for the repatriation of human remains are long and costly.

The capacity for refrigeration is limited, as well as the availability of coffins and urns. Embalming materials and techniques are unlike those in Canada. Embalming may not be an option in some circumstances.

Ensure your insurance includes coverage for the repatriation of human remains.

Death Abroad Factsheet

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Cuba accede the Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Cuba on the Serving of Penal Sentences. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Cuba to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Cuban authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Cuban criminal justice

The criminal justice system in Cuba differs significantly from that in Canada. Charges are not laid until the investigation is complete. If you’re arrested in Cuba, you will likely be detained during the entire period of investigation. You should expect long delays to resolve your case. You will not be allowed to leave the country during this period.

Cuba’s constitution allows the death penalty, but since 2003, the country has effectively had a moratorium on carrying out death sentences.

Investments

Private property rights in Cuba are strictly controlled. Only Cubans and permanent residents can buy a property in Cuba or register a privately owned vehicle. Be wary of strangers or acquaintances offering to purchase these items on your behalf. If you plan on making investments in Cuba, seek legal advice in Canada and Cuba. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Don’t transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Child sex tourism

It's a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Cuba.

Local authorities are actively working to prevent child sex tourism. Tourists, including Canadians, have been convicted of offences related to the corruption of minors aged 16 and under.

Prison sentences for this type of crime range from 7 to 25 years. Release on bail before trial is unlikely.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

 To get married in Cuba, you must provide several documents including:

• your birth certificate
• a copy of your passport
• your decree absolute certificate if divorced
• a death certificate for your spouse and a marriage certificate if widowed
• an affidavit of your single status if you have never been married before

All documents must be translated into Spanish, certified, authenticated and legalised by the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.

 Consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada if you wish to marry in Cuba, including to a Cuban national.

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Marriage overseas factsheet

Drones are prohibited.

They will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.

Photography

Professional photographers require a visa to work in Cuba. They may also need a permit to import their equipment.

It’s forbidden to photograph, including with drones:

• military and police installations or personnel
• harbour, rail and airport facilities

Military zones and any other restricted or heavily guarded areas are not always identified.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Cuba.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Cuba, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cuba.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cuba by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cuba to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Imports and exports

Personal effects and medicine.

Tourists are allowed to enter Cuba with personal effects but items entering the country for donations may be subject to import rules. They could be seized and taxed in accordance with local legislation. This includes:

• new or used material goods
• personal care products
• medications

Cuban customs officials have the authority to decide what they deem to be for the tourist's personal use. They may apply steep tariffs for personal baggage exceeding the allowable weight.

You may export:

• up to 20 cigars without documentation
•  up to 50 cigars if they are in their original container, closed and sealed with the official hologram

If exceeding these amounts, you must provide a guarantee of origin certificate.

Failure to comply with this regulation will lead to the seizure of the cigars without compensation.

Art objects

Art objects, including artifacts and paintings purchased in Cuba, must be accompanied by an export permit. It’s usually provided by state-owned galleries.

In the absence of such a permit, items must be registered with the Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales.

Ministry of Culture – Government of Cuba

Electronic devices

Electronic devices with GPS technology may be confiscated upon entry and returned upon departure.

Satellite telephones are forbidden.

Electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers

You cannot bring electronic cigarettes or personal vaporizers to Cuba.

Customs officials will seize these items upon arrival.

Black market

Street vendors may offer you black-market goods, such as cigars, or ask to change dollars for Cuban currency.

Engaging in black-market transactions is illegal and can lead to difficulties with the Cuban authorities.

Cuban Customs Administration  – Government of Cuba

Boat traffic

The U.S. government closely monitors boat traffic in the Straits of Florida. It will seize any vessel not bearing a licence from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) if it believes it’s headed for Cuba.

You’re subject to these measures if you dock your Canadian-registered boat in Florida. You’ll be exempted if you are simply en route to Cuba via the U.S.

If travelling by boat to Cuba from the US:

• Make sure to know the regulation related to docking and port controls
• Expect thorough search and interrogations

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Traffic accidents

Traffic accidents have led to arrest and detentions of Canadians in the past.

Accidents resulting in death or injury are treated as crimes. The onus is on the driver to prove innocence. If you’re found to bear responsibility in a traffic accident resulting in serious injury or death, you may face up to 10 years in prison.

If you’re involved in an accident:

• don’t leave the scene
• don’t move your vehicle
• call the police

While car insurance is mandatory for foreign drivers and foreign-registered vehicles, it's not for Cuban citizens. As a result, most local drivers don't carry a car insurance. You shouldn’t expect compensation for vehicle damage or personal injury from a Cuban driver following a car accident.

Vehicle rentals

Car insurance coverage in Cuba differs from that in Canada.

Rental agencies are government-controlled. If you’re found to be at fault in an accident, the rental agency will nullify your coverage and seek compensation to cover the cost of repairs.

Cuban authorities can prohibit you from leaving the country unless the rental agency receives payment or until all claims associated with an accident are settled.

Contract agreements don’t cover occasional drivers. As a result, the signatory is responsible for all people driving the vehicle.

• Be cautious if you rent a vehicle in Cuba
• Avoid renting a scooter; thieves target them and you may be responsible for the cost of its replacement
• Make sure to obtain a receipt when returning a rental vehicle

The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP).

Credit cards issued by U.S. financial institutions or affiliated with U.S. banks are not accepted in Cuba.

Canadian credit cards are increasingly accepted at restaurants and hotels. However, the system is unreliable and bank cards may not work or may stop working without notice.

ATMs are rare and also unreliable. Each withdrawal is limited to 5 000 CUP, when possible.

You may obtain credit card cash advances at banks, hotels or a state-run exchange bureau, but in CUP only.

When travelling to Cuba, you should plan to bring enough currency to cover the duration of your stay. You should also plan for small bank notes to facilitate daily transactions such as, street food, taxis and tips.  

You can easily exchange Canadian and American dollars, as well as euros for CUP at:

• the money exchange bureaus in Cuba’s international airports
• major hotels
• official exchange bureaus

It’s illegal to change money on the street or anywhere else other than authorized entities.

You cannot go through Cuban customs with more than 5 000 CUP.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to October.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

Earthquakes

Cuba is located in an active seismic zone.

Earthquakes may occur. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 106
• medical assistance: 104
• firefighters: 105

Consular assistance

Guardalavaca, Varadero

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Cuba, in Havana, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

20 things to know before visiting Cuba

Jan 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Be ready for your visit to Cuba with these top tips on what to expect © Westend61 / Getty Images

To a first-time traveler, Cuba can seem like a confusing jigsaw puzzle, particularly if you’re breaking free of the resorts and traveling around on your own.

The Spanish spoken here is fast and hard to decipher, many streets have two different names and the country’s fickle and highly complicated monetary situation could fill its own guidebook. Yet the country’s pleasures are well worth the research you should do before you set off.

To help you be prepared, here is everything you need to know before planning a trip to Cuba.

1. Double-check your insurance

You are required to have medical insurance to visit Cuba and will need to bring digital or printed proof of your policy. Random checks are made at the airport. If you arrive without insurance, you’ll be asked to buy a Cuban policy at the airport for US$30.

2. Fill out your passenger information in advance

Cuba uses an online form called  D’Viajeros  to gather traveler information, including immigration and health data, in advance of travel. Fill out the form digitally up to 72 hours before your arrival in Cuba.

3. Every visitor needs a tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed tourist card . It’s usually available through your airline (ask when booking) and included in the price of your ticket.

If not, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85. Citizens of 20 African and Asian countries require a formal visa to enter Cuba. Check the situation for your country before booking.

4. Cash and currency: it’s complicated!

Money in Cuba is confusing, even to Cubans . Since the country abolished convertibles (CUC) in January 2021 and took the US dollar out of circulation in June 2021, there has been massive inflation and the emergence of a rampant black market. The knock-on effect is a bewildering dual economy.

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses who need hard cash to buy non-rationed goods in MLC (freely convertible currency) shops.

State-run enterprises and banks use official exchange rates. However, the prices of the superior services offered by private businesses generally reflect black market exchange rates.

Hence a main dish in a private restaurant in Havana will cost around CUP$500 (US$21). That’s an expensive meal if you’re paying in pesos bought from a Cuban bank.

However, most private restaurants will also accept payment in euros using a more favorable exchange rate. Some will even have a separate menu with prices printed in euros.    

When buying something from a private business – be it a restaurant, casa particular (private accommodation) or taxi service – it’s usually best to pay in a foreign currency. Always ask upfront what currencies they accept and what exchange rate they use for their published peso prices.

Euros is the most interchangeable currency and the one preferred by Cubans. You can also use and exchange Canadian dollars and pound sterling.

US dollars still circulate on the black market, but we don’t recommend bringing them. The best bet, when you arrive, is to keep most of your money in a foreign currency and only change small amounts into pesos for incidentals like museum entry, concert tickets and tips.

5. MLC is a currency with no cash form

The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) is a currency approved by the Cuban government in 2020 that can be used in certain shops to buy higher-end goods.

The currency doesn’t exist as cash and its value is pegged with the US dollar. It’s used mainly by Cubans with special magnetic cards. 

Tourists needn’t worry too much about MLC$, although prices will sometimes be displayed in the currency in state-run enterprises such as cigar shops or airport souvenir stores where you can pay with a non-US credit card.

6. Only some credit cards will work

Credit cards are increasingly popular in Cuba and in many state-run businesses are the preferred (and sometimes only) method of payment.

Despite promises made in the Obama era, credit cards linked to US banks are not accepted. Private businesses almost never have credit card machines, meaning your only option is cash.

7. Pack your favorite casual clothes – and men need a shirt

Dress in Cuba is casual, so you can leave your high heels and tux behind. The only real dress code is in cinemas, theaters and nightclubs, where male patrons are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves or half-sleeves.  

8. Cuban Spanish is fast and often informal

If you speak Spanish, you’ll find that Cubans mostly use the informal tú form of address, rather than usted . In the plural, ustedes is used over vosotros .

If you don’t know someone, it’s best to address them as señor or señora , though you’ll hear Cubans use all kinds of substitutes such as socio , hermano , papa , chica/o  and asere .

9. Cuban cities are where the streets have two names

In most Cuban cities , the streets have two names: a contemporary one that is noted on maps and marked on street signs, and a pre-revolutionary one that is still used widely by the locals.

This can become confusing, especially when locals, unaware of the new street names, start giving out directions or addresses using the colloquial nomenclature. Always double-check addresses and, if possible, get two potential names for the street you’re looking for.

10. Understand the local art of queueing

Cubans have to endure a lot of long waits in boring queues, so they’ve invented a way of doing it that doesn’t involve standing in line. In a Cuban queue, you simply roll up at the bakery/clinic/visa office and yell out to the assembled masses, "Quien es último?" (Who’s last?).

Hopefully, someone in a 400m vicinity will answer your polite entreaty with the word, "yo" (me). That person is your yardstick. As long as they’re still around, feel free to go for a walk, sit in the lotus position or buy ice cream. When they get called up, be on your toes, you’re next!

11. Ask questions more than once  

Thanks to heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests aren’t always straightforward – or even correct. Probe politely and ask at least five different people before you make important decisions.

12. Bring something to keep you warm on a cold bus journey

Cuba has a countrywide state-run bus service called  Víazul that connects all of the main cities and some of the smaller towns. Prices are charged in MLC$ (the same rate as the US$) and tickets must be paid for with a credit card either in person or online.

A second service called Conectando, run by Cubanacán, also puts on buses in peak season along some of the more popular routes. Bring a sweater/jacket for long bus rides – the air-conditioning is akin to a chilly day in Vancouver.

13. Cuba is considered a safe place to travel

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Americas in terms of violent crime. Pick-pocketing is more common but not rampant, and is mostly avoidable if you follow a few basic precautions: Wear a money belt, use safe boxes in hotel rooms and don’t flash your cash in public.

14. Solo female travelers report receiving unwanted attention

Solo female travelers report experiencing a good deal of unwanted attention, but it didn't necessarily spoil their enjoyment of traveling in Cuba.

There is a fine line between being open and friendly and harassment, and some men can cross that line by being overly familiar or asking too many personal questions. Learn some key phrases in Spanish that make it clear when you're not interested.

15. Beware of forgeries

Never change money with unlicensed traders on the streets. You run the risk of receiving estafas (forged notes).

16. Bring your own medicines

On one level, Cuba has a good health system (it invented and quickly distributed three COVID-19 vaccines); on the other, it is perennially short of pharmaceuticals.

Bring all the prescription medications you think you’ll need, as well others you might like ibuprofen or paracetamol. If you’d like to donate some medicines to the people of Cuba, it is currently possible to bring in 10kg of medical supplies tax-free (pack them in a separate bag). 

17. Avoid dodgy cigars

Cuba has its share of jineteros (touts) spinning elaborate stories about super-cheap, high-quality cigars procured by their brother/mother/cousin from the factory. Don’t believe them. Instead, buy your cigars in state-run shops such as the Casa del Habano chain. Cigars sold on the street are invariably factory cast-offs and not genuine.

18. Driving is not as easy as you think

With light traffic on the road, driving might seem like an easy proposition , but with elevated rental prices and cars often in short supply, it’s not always so.

Add in sporadic signposting, potholed roads and a wide array of hazards – goats, horses, bicycles, kids and slow-moving, fume-belching trucks – and you might want to consider getting the bus or, at least, employing the services of a chauffeur .

19. Bring toilet paper and sanitary products

The pandemic made the provision of antiseptic hand lotion more common, but the same can’t be said of toilet paper. Carry your own roll and/or gravitate to four- or five-star hotels when you’re caught short in the city.

Re-usable pads and silicon cups, or disposable pads and tampons are must-pack items if you're expecting your period while you're in Cuba. These are in high demand here.

20. Don’t drink the water

The water won’t kill you, but it might give you a little queasiness or an upset stomach. Fortunately, bottled water is abundant and cheap. An even better idea is to bring your own filter bottle or water purification tablets.

This article was first published Feb 5, 2022 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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Cuba Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Cuba. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• New   Oropouche in Cuba August 16, 2024 There is an outbreak of Oropouche in Cuba. Oropouche is spread by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Dengue August 14, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), and Bora-Bora), Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, El Salvador, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Laos, Mali, Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), Mauritius, Mexico, Moorea, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Counsel your patients on actions they can take on their trip to stay healthy and safe.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Cuba. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Cuba include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Cuba’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Cuba may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Cuba, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Remind your patients to pack health and safety items. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Cuba for a list of health-related items they should consider packing.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to the threat of violent crime.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba.

• Violent crime, such as robbery and assault, occurs. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Petty crime, such as theft, is common on public transport, in tourist areas and at the airport. Only use established tour operators and registered taxis. Don't put valuables in your checked luggage.
• The hurricane season is from June to November. Hurricanes can cause flooding and disrupt services. Know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan. Find your nearest shelter.
• Cuba is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis can also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Many medications are in short supply or unavailable. Ensure you bring enough for your entire trip.
• Insect-borne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya, are common. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. 
• Zika virus is a risk but isn't widespread. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
• Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are common. These include typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Public medical facilities in Havana are basic. Private clinics are well-equipped, but only one in Havana treats foreigners. All clinics require an upfront payment. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences.
• Always carry a photo ID. Officials can detain you if you don't have it.
• It's illegal to photograph military or police sites, harbours, and rail and airport facilities. Check with officials before taking photos.
• Get local legal advice before preaching religion or importing religious material. It may be illegal.
• Cuba doesn't recognise dual nationality. Contact a  Cuban embassy, consulate  or local authorities for details before travelling.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cuba for the latest details.
• You need a visa to enter Cuba. If your visit is for tourism, you can get a 'tourist card' through your travel agent, airline or the  embassy or consulate of Cuba . The tourist card includes a tourist visa.
• You're required to fill in an  online declaration form . 
• If you've travelled to Cuba since January 2021, you won't be eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You also won't be able to enter or transit the US on an ESTA, and you’ll need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy .
• Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos and euros can be exchanged at currency exchange stores. There's a large commission fee if you want to change US currency. Australian currency can't be exchanged in Cuba. Other currencies may be difficult to exchange.
• Cuba's banking arrangements can make it hard to access money through US banking systems. This may include your Australian bank cards. Carry cash, cards and traveller's cheques from non-US banks. Take an emergency supply of cash, including enough to leave Cuba if your bank cards don't work.
• There's currently a severe shortage of fuel in Cuba. This is disrupting transport and other services.
• There's a severe shortages of food and bottled water. Keep a supply with you.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Cuba. The  Embassy of Canada  in Havana provides consular help to Australians in Cuba. They can also issue Australian  provisional travel documents .
• You can also get consular assistance from the  Australian Embassy in Mexico . 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime.

Foreigners may experience violent crimes, such as  assault ,  sexual assault  and  robbery .

Petty crime

Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime is common, especially on public transport and intercity buses.

It also happens at major tourist areas such as:

• the Malecon
• the beaches of Playa del Este, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba

Power outages are common and can last from minutes to several hours. The opportunity for theft increases during these outages.

Thefts from hotels and guesthouses occur. Keep the doors and windows at your accommodation locked.

Airport-based crime

People have reported thefts from checked baggage at Cuban airports.

When travelling through airports, keep a close eye on your valuables, including during security screening. Keep your valuables on you or place them in your carry-on baggage on flights. Don't check in jewellery, cameras or electronic devices.

Criminals posing as tour agents or taxi drivers operate at the airport and in Havana.

Road-based crime

Thieves may slash car tyres and help with repairs while an accomplice steals from the vehicle. Thieves who pose as hitchhikers are also common.

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• only use established tour operators and registered taxis
• keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• don't pick up hitchhikers
• be wary of people who offer to help if your car is damaged

If you're a victim of crime or theft, get a written police report (Comprobante de Denuncia) from the Cuban police (Policia Nacional) before you leave Cuba. Be aware that you can't get a police report once you leave Cuba.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Be careful when using debit or credit cards:

Overcharging

Some establishments, particularly taxis and classic car rentals, may attempt to impose excessive fees, potentially leading to disputes and violence.

• Confirm prices before using a service or consuming goods 
• Avoid running tabs
• Refrain from leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill to ensure accuracy.

Some individuals specialise in deceiving tourists, often presenting as friendly English speakers. They may offer tour guide services or assistance purchasing items and resorting to violence to achieve their objectives. Only use reputable tour operators and registered taxis 

Solo travellers

If you're a victim of sexual assault, promptly report the incident to the nearest Australian Embassy or Canadian Embassy in Havana and seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, reporting the incident to Cuban authorities is essential, ensuring that local police provide you with a 'Comprobante de Denuncia' confirming the report filing.

A criminal investigation may not be possible if a formal complaint is not made to Cuban authorities before departing the country. 

Food and drink spiking

Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network in Cuba may be unreliable and intermittent.

Some international cell phones may not work, especially in rural areas. Internet access is limited across the island. Local authorities control telecommunications and may block access during civil unrest or before demonstrations.

Civil unrest and political tension

Local authorities may break up demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government. They may also block access to the Internet, including social media, without notice. Be aware that participating in demonstrations in Cuba might be illegal.      

To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:

• avoid protests, demonstrations and public gatherings
• monitor the media for reports of potential unrest, and avoid those areas
• leave an affected area as soon as it's safe
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Tours and adventure activities

Rescue services may not consistently meet international standards and unpredictable tidal changes can result in powerful currents and rips. Lifeguards and warning flags may not be present on all beaches to signal hazardous conditions. Avoid swimming alone or after hours.

Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards. Choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.

Recreational Boating

If planning a boating excursion, familiarise yourself with navigation rules and carry a VHF marine radio that can relay your position in case of an emergency.

Climate and natural disasters

Cuba experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• severe storms
• earthquakes

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media 
• follow the advice of local emergency officials
• keep in contact with friends and family 

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

If you're travelling to Cuba during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports. Contact your tour operator or airline to check if the severe weather has affected your travel plans.

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is from June to November. Landslides, mudslides and flooding also occur. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may not be able to leave the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• you may not be able to access ports
• roads could be blocked

Natural disasters can disrupt essential services. This includes power, communication systems, emergency and medical care, food, fuel and water supplies.

In some areas, adequate shelter from a hurricane may not be available if you stay.

If a hurricane is approaching:

• know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plans
• identify your local shelter
• closely monitor alerts and advice from the  US National Hurricane Center  and local authorities

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Cuba is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis can also happen.

Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .

Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Do not wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

• US Geological Survey

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cuba. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Many medications are in short supply or unavailable in Cuba.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use
• Embassy or consulate of Cuba

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Outbreaks of  dengue  and  chikungunya  are common. Risks are higher during the wet season, from April to November.

Zika and oropouche  are a risk. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you discuss travel plans with your doctor. Consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical help if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other  infectious diseases  are common. These include:

• leptospirosis
• viral meningitis
• conjunctivitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Outbreaks of  cholera  are seasonal and common.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Public medical facilities in Havana are basic. 

Standards are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

Private medical facilities are well-equipped. However, the only private hospital for travellers in Havana is the Cira Garcia Hospital.

State-run Servimed clinics can provide emergency medical care in major tourist areas.

Doctors and hospitals require cash payment before treating you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.

• Carrying or using drugs

You must always carry photo ID. Authorities can detain you if you're found without it.

Contact the  Embassy of Canada  in Havana if you lose your Australian passport or other identification documents.

Serious crimes, such as espionage and mass murder, can attract the death penalty.

Under Cuban law, charges aren't laid until the investigation is complete.

If you're accused, you can be jailed during the investigation.

In Cuba, it's illegal to:

• drink-drive
• engage in black-market activities
• take photos of military or police sites, harbours, rail or airport facilities

Get local legal advice before preaching religion or importing religious material. Doing so may be illegal.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Cuba doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visitor visas

You need a visa to enter Cuba.

If your visit is for tourism, you can get a 'tourist card' through:

• your travel agent or airline
• an  embassy or consulate of Cuba

The tourist card includes a tourist visa.

In other situations, you need to apply for a visa.

You're required to fill in an  online declaration form . 

Entry and exit conditions change can at short notice. Contact an  embassy or consulate of Cuba  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements. 

More information: 

• Travel advice for Canada  

Travel via the United States

If you're  travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, even if you are transiting through Hawaii. 

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

• Travel advice for Chile

Impact on US ESTA by travelling to Cuba

If you've travelled to Cuba since January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You can’t enter or transit the US on an ESTA, including for medical evacuations. You’ll need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy . Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for details.

Other formalities

You must show proof of comprehensive travel insurance to enter.

You need to purchase extra insurance from Asistur, the Cuban insurance provider if you:

• plan to do a high-risk sport or compete in a sport
• are aged 70 years or older

To contact Asistur, call +53 7866 4499.

The list of duty-free items that you can take into Cuba is limited. If customs authorities consider any item isn't for personal use, they can seize it. Equipment that draws heavily on electricity or uses satellite technology can also be confiscated.

Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of Cuba  for details about official requirements for minors travelling without their parents.

A departure tax is included in the cost of your airline ticket.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

Cuba's official currency is:

• the National Peso (moneda nacional or CUP)

Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos and Euros can be exchanged at currency exchange stores. There's a large commission fee to exchange US currency. Australian currency can't be exchanged in Cuba. Other currencies may be difficult to exchange. 

Due to the banking arrangements in Cuba, you may have difficulty accessing funds.

Credit cards, debit cards and traveller's cheques aren't accepted in Cuba if they're issued by US banks or Australian banks affiliated with US banks. This includes:

• all American Express cards
• all Westpac Bank cards
• some Visa and MasterCard cards, depending on the issuing bank

Before you travel, check with your bank if your cards will work in Cuba.

International money transfer agencies aren't available to Australians in Cuba.

Authorities have detained and deported travellers without access to funds. If you run out of money in Cuba, you can try to have funds transferred via Asistur. Services don't run on weekends and can take several days. To contact Asistur, call +53 7866 4499.

ATMs are limited outside Havana. Make sure you have a variety of ways of accessing your money, including:

• cash, debit or credit cards from various non-US banks
• traveller's cheques issued by non-US banks

Take an emergency supply of cash, including enough to leave Cuba if your bank cards don't work.

Local travel

Due to severe shortages, Cuban authorities are rationing food and medication. This can affect travellers. Plan ahead and keep a supply of drinking water, food and medication with you.  

Driving permit

To drive in Cuba, you'll need both:

• your valid Australian driver's licence
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

To hire a motor vehicle, you must be at least 21 years old.

Road travel

Cuba is facing a chronic shortage of fuel, which is impacting transport and other government services throughout the country. You can expect disruptions to your visit. 

Driving in Cuba is dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include:

• poor street signs and lighting
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• pedestrians, farm animals, bicycles and unlit carts on roads

If you're involved in an accident, you're likely to be detained, regardless of who's at fault.

You may not be allowed to leave Cuba until the case is resolved.

If you drive in Cuba:

• check you have adequate insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night

Cuba has strict alcohol laws. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Criminals posing as drivers operate at the airport and in Havana.

Mopeds and 3-wheeled 'Coco-taxis' are particularly dangerous.

To protect yourself from crime:

• only use registered taxis
• avoid unlicensed private taxis
• avoid mopeds or 3-wheeled 'Coco-taxis'

Public transport

Avoid public transport. Many vehicles are poorly maintained.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Cuba's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

The  Consular Services Charter  explains what the Australian Government can and can't do to help Australians overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Cuba. The  Embassy of Canada  in Havana provides consular help to Australians in Cuba. They can also issue Australian  provisional travel documents .

You can also get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

Canadian Embassy, Havana

Calle 30 No.518 (esq. 7ma)  Miramar (Playa)  Ciudad de la Habana, 11300, Cuba Telephone: +53 7 204 2516  Email:  [email protected]   Website:  canadainternational.gc.ca/cuba

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario 55, Polanco  Colonia Bosques de Chapultepec, CP  11580 CDMX Mexico Telephone: +52 55 1101 2200  Email:  [email protected]   Website:  mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: @AusEmbMex X:  @AusEmbMex

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Cuba Travel Tips: 58 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Cuba (2023)

Traveling to Cuba? You probably already realized there’s a distinct lack of solid, practical Cuba travel tips for first-time visitors. Worse, the information may not be accurate at all in 2023!

Figuring out things like the Cuban currency, how to save money, what to pack, how to dress, how to access the Internet, or even how to stay safe and healthy can be confusing! This can be especially difficult for Americans since visiting Cuba was strictly forbidden for many years.

Until now! We’ve compiled the most complete list of things to know before traveling to Cuba, and they all work in 2023! We also cover the latest Cuba travel restrictions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Absolutely everything you must know.

Travel planning tips for Cuba

1. Travel in the dry season (November to April)

Although the beaches in Cuba remain absolutely beautiful at any time of the year, the rainy season in Cuba (May to October) can bring hotter and more humid weather. The tail end of the rainy season is also well-known for hurricanes and lots of mosquitoes!

Therefore, if the weather is a big priority for you, the best time to go to Cuba is the dry season.

2. Get the Cuban Tourist Card

Travelers from most countries will need a Cuba Tourist Card or Cuba Visa to enter the country.

Cuban Tourist Cards come in two colors: pink and green. If you travel directly from the U.S. to Cuba, you’ll need a pink Cuban Tourist Card. Otherwise, get a green Tourist Card.

You can get the Cuban Tourist Card online (through sites like  EasyTouristCard) , from your airline or travel agency, or at your country’s Cuban Embassy. Technically, you can also buy the Tourist Card at Cuban airports for about 25 USD, but the reality is that you can’t even board your flight if you don’t have it.

3. Get travel health insurance

Travel health insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba , so you can’t skip it. Visitors to Cuba are required to have travel insurance to cover medical expenses on the island. Companies like Insubuy offer travel health insurance for Cuba starting at 8 USD per week per person.

Before you land in Cuba, review the medical portions of your insurance plan, so you know exactly what situations you’re covered for during your trip. If an emergency strikes, the last thing you want to do is have to shuffle through your insurance paperwork.

4. Bring the essential packing list for Cuba. Packing tips for Cuba

There are certain things you don’t want to travel to Cuba without.

With Cuba’s rationed economy, supplies are limited on the island. So, you may be unable to pick up some of your travel necessities if you forget to pack them in your bag. Double check this list to make sure your bags are ready to go before you board your flight!

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Convenience kit
• Water bottle with filter
• Microfiber towels
• Mosquito repellent
• Portable charger
• Pin adapter (for Europeans)
• Travel guide
• Spanish-English phrasebook

For a full rundown of what you need to bring to Cuba, check out our ultimate packing guide for Cuba .

5. Bring appropriate clothes to Cuba. Dressing tips for Cuba

Dressing for Cuba will vary based on your style. Still, two things to consider are the weather and the kinds of activities you’d like to do while in Cuba.

Cuba has two seasons: the wet season (May – October) and the dry season (November – April). The wet season brings lots of rain, humidity, and high temperatures, so dress accordingly!

Here are recommended clothes for the hot, humid weather in Cuba:

For a woman traveling to Cuba:

• Light summer dresses
• Walking sandals

For male travelers to Cuba:

6. Rent your car in advance

If you stay a few days in a city, you won’t want to get into the hassle of renting a car in Cuba . Believe me, it can be complicated.

However, if you want to rent a car to visit all the fantastic places on the island, you better do it in advance. Car inventory is always limited, fleet management is inefficient, and the service is terrible. This is especially true during peak season.

Therefore, at least three months in advance, rent your car from online travel agencies like Cuba Travel Network , or  Holiplus .

7. Fill out the health and customs forms online

Instead of borrowing pens, filing out annoying forms, and wasting your precious time in the airport, sign up for D’Viajeros .

D’Viajeros is the official website of the Cuban Customs, where you can complete all the required documentation to enter Cuba. Then, just print the documents and bring them with you.

8. Brace for arrival

There are a few things that you need to know about airports in Cuba:

• They are pretty disorganized: long lines, poorly-maintained bathrooms, and hot!
• There are certain items that you cannot take through customs. Check the Cuban Customs website for more details.
• If you want to exchange your home currency for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at the airport, prepare for a long line.
• Don’t count on ATMs! There are a few, but they are not reliable.
• You can connect to WiFi at 25 CUP/hour.
• Outside the airport, you can hire state or private taxis for transfers to the city. There are also car rental offices in most Cuban airports.

To learn more about arriving at Cuban airports, read our guide to Havana Airport .

Cuban currency tips

9. Understand the Cuban currency

Two official Cuban currencies circulated on the island until January 2021: the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) and the CUP (Cuban Peso). Contrary to what many outdated articles say, you can no longer use the CUC in Cuba! You must use the CUP instead (also known as “moneda nacional” or MN), which is accepted at most facilities and tourist attractions.

However, you must consider that all-inclusive hotels and some resorts won’t accept cash for non-covered services or products. They will still charge you in Cuban Pesos, but you must pay with your credit card and assume the currency conversion fees.

The CUP is available in bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000. You should always have bills in lower denominations to pay for:

• Street vendors and food stalls
• Bus tickets
• Purchases at a flea market
• Purchases made at small local bodegas and convenience marts

Remember that the US dollar and other foreign currencies are not accepted at state facilities such as hotels, airports, and restaurants. You will have to use CUP to pay for products and services from these state facilities. However, most private businesses in Cuba welcome hard currencies.

You can exchange your currency for CUP at state currency exchange offices (CADECA) , airports, banks, hotels, and resorts.

For more Cuba travel tips related to Cuba’s currency system, check out this Ultimate Guide for Travelers .

10. Bring cash to Cuba, a lot

You can pay for all things in Cuba in cash. In fact, just a few businesses accept credit and debit cards, so you should always carry cash.

Due to US restrictions, credit cards issued by U.S. banks are not accepted in Cuba.

If you need to re-stock up on cash during your visit, Cuba has about 780 ATMs. They are mostly located in larger cities like Havana , Matanzas (Varadero), Santiago de Cuba, and Holguin. Again, credit cards issued by American banks won’t work.

11. Don’t count on bringing Cuban Pesos

The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the official currency in Cuba. You can’t get it in advance! And if you do, you can import only 2,000 CUP, which is like 80 USD. It’s better to wait until you land on the island to exchange.

12. Bring Euros if you can, but USD dollars are fine

If it’s not a hassle for you, bring Euros to Cuba. Euros have one of the highest exchange rates in Cuba and are widely accepted. They also incur the lowest exchange rate fee of 2%.

You can also bring US dollars and sell them to CADECA or in the informal market. Just consider that US dollars may not be accepted at some state-owned facilities in Cuba, and they will incur the highest exchange fee (8%).

How much money to bring to Cuba?

13. Calculate the approximate daily budget

Cuba can be quite affordable if you plan correctly.

Before you arrive in the country, you should get a feel for major expenses like accommodations, transportation, and food & drink costs. Here are the most common expenses to incur on a trip to Cuba:

• Accommodation costs: “casas particulares” cost between 20-50 USD/night. Hotels and resorts cost anywhere between 100-500 USD/night.
• Transportation costs: private taxis cost around 1.50-3 USD/kilometer. The Viazul bus ticket costs anywhere from 6 USD to 51 USD, depending on your interprovincial route. Renting a car will cost around 85 USD/day.
• Food and drink costs: Vary quite a bit! Breakfast at your casa can cost anywhere between 5-12 USD, while a sit-down restaurant meal can range from 10-30 USD.
• Entertainment costs: A tour of Havana in a classic car costs around 50 USD. Tickets to a baseball game cost 3 USD/each. Some museums are free, and others can cost up to 10 USD.

For a full breakdown of a realistic daily budget, check out our guide on the trip to Cuba cost .

14. Tipping in Cuba: who and how

Like many destinations throughout the Caribbean, tipping is common and even encouraged in Cuba .

Popular tippling locations include hotels, resorts, restaurants, guided tours, taxis, and spas. Anytime someone provides a service for you, like cleaning your room, waiting for your table, or transporting you in a taxi, you should strongly consider offering a tip to that person–especially if they do an outstanding job!

We recommend at least 1-3 USD for maids, porters, receptionists, street musicians, and taxi drivers. Local guides generally expect 5-10 USD, while 10% of the bill is the gratuity standard at restaurants in Cuba.

Money-saving tips for Cuba

15. Stay in casas particulares (private accommodations)

This is a piece of Cuba travel advice you shouldn’t ignore!

Casas particulares are popular and highly authentic places to stay during your Cuba trip. A casa particular is similar to a bed-and-breakfast. Usually, it costs between 20-50 USD per night, making them much more affordable than resorts on the island. Check out availabilities!

For more on this, read our 13 tips to booking an Airbnb in Cuba .

Bonus tip: Be aware! You may be tempted to save money by staying at someone’s place for free. It’s illegal! Avoid trouble with the law and overpriced hotels by staying at a homey casa particular instead.

16. Book flights to Cuba with a flights search engine

Direct flights to Cuba–especially from the United States–are limited, and many airlines don’t fly to Cuba.

To book a flight to Cuba, it’s easiest to see ticket options from multiple airlines. You can check out a flight search engine like Skyscanner that covers flights to Cuba.

17. Eat at paladares (private restaurants)

Cuba has a growing restaurant scene where you can find everything from gourmet meals to comfort food.

Paladares are private restaurants typically owned by families. Paladares are an excellent way to get authentic Cuban food at an affordable price.

Cuba travel guides like this one from Lonely Planet often have lists of paladares you can choose from. It also includes culinary facts about Cuba and advice for its best restaurants.

18. Share urban taxis in Cuba

Cuba’s taxis are a convenient and authentic way to get around the cities, especially if you are on a backpacking adventure . Plus, Cuba’s almendrones (classic American cars) are world-famous and unique to the island.

Although it may be a little uncomfortable, sharing an urban taxi for short rides is a cheap and authentic way to experience Cuban.

19. Book the tours to Cuba before you leave

Guided tours offer an unparalleled, authentic experience of Cuba.

From walking tours of history-rich cities like Havana to hiking or horseback riding in the stunning countryside, an experienced guide can show you parts of Cuba that you’d miss out on if you traveled solo.

Tours can book up fast, so plan the itinerary and book your tour in advance . Plus, tour guides are experts in Cuban traditions and culture , so they’ll have tons of more helpful Cuba travel tips!

Cuba Travel Restrictions During COVID-19

20. no need to bring proof of covid-19 vaccination or a negative pcr test.

As of April 4th, 2022, you are not required to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test at arrival. For a full rundown of COVID-related restrictions, check our guide to the current set of Cuba travel restrictions .

21. Fill out the Sanitary Statement for Travelers

If you didn’t complete the online documentation with D’Viajeros, as explained earlier, you would need to fill out the Sanitary Statement for Travelers ( Declaración de Sanidad del Viajero ), a sort of health declaration form. You will be asked to complete the form before checking in for your flight to Cuba or during the flight.

22. There are restrictions on facilities, attractions, and mobility

Like any other country struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba has imposed tight internal restrictions that may affect your stay on the island, specifically:

• Social distancing (5 ft) and face masks may be required at some establishments.
• You may be subject to contact tracing or random temperature checks.
• There is limited capacity and operating hours at most tourist facilities.
• Large gatherings are not allowed.
• Travel within and between cities and provinces may be restricted.

23. Avoid the fines for non-compliance

You read that right. You may be fined and even prosecuted if you violate the above measures. However, honestly, that would be very rare for international travelers.

Tips to avoid getting sick in Cuba

24. Bring your medications

Cuba’s physicians have a good worldwide reputation. However, you should still be prepared for minor illnesses or injuries that don’t necessarily warrant a hospital visit.

Pack an all-purpose First Aid kit with all the necessities like bandages, aspirin, and bismuth.

25. Don’t drink tap water in Cuba

We don’t recommend drinking tap water in Cuba!

Cuba’s water supply is home to its unique bacteria and microorganisms. The bacteria itself isn’t dangerous per se, but your body isn’t used to it, and it can make you very ill. Nausea, cramps, upset stomach, and other gastrointestinal issues that could wreck your trip are common.

Using water bottles with built-in filters is an easy way to keep your water clean and safe to drink during your stay.

26. Don’t buy street food

Cuba is home to delicious local food, but buying food from a street stall or vendor can make you sick. Street stalls are simple set-ups and don’t have the luxury of refrigeration and sanitation that restaurants have.

If you fancy yourself a dare-devil and indulge in street food anyway, you should be extremely careful about what kind of fish you eat. Certain local fish from Cuba’s southern shore can be poisonous ( siguato ) because they eat toxic sea vegetation.

27. Eat at the recommended restaurants in Cuba

Since food from street vendors can be iffy, you should instead eat at one of Cuba’s many private restaurants, referred to on the island as paladares .

Cuba travel guides like this one from Lonely Planet often have lists of paladares you can choose from. It also offers tons of Cuba travel tips for getting the best of Cuba’s culinary scene.

28. Take basic food safety precautions

You can avoid many potential illnesses in Cuba by exercising basic safety precautions regarding food, sanitation, and hygiene.

For example, washing your hands before meals will help eliminate harmful bacteria. When it comes to food, you should avoid eating anything raw or undercooked and forgo consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Washing and peeling your fruits and veggies also helps eliminate harmful germs.

29. Protect against mosquitoes in Cuba

You’ve probably heard of Zika or Dengue outbreaks in the media.

Cuba is a humid, tropical island home to lots and lots of mosquitoes –bugs are just one of those unfortunate facts about Cuba . And since Cuba is warm all year round, mosquitoes will be around no matter what time of year you visit.

The International Association of Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) recommends “taking meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant travelers should seek counseling from a travel medicine practitioner and consider postponing travel to this country.”

Bring a potent insect repellant to keep away mosquitoes during your trip!

30. Write down the hospitals and physicians available

If you find yourself sick or injured in Cuba, you don’t want to be left scared and helpless because you don’t know who to turn to for help.

Did you know that the U.S. State Department put together a list of hospitals and physicians for all of Cuba’s major cities? Bookmark the list so you can use it as a quick reference if you or one of your travel companions needs medical attention.

Travel safety tips for Cuba

31. Get the emergency numbers

We don’t like to think about getting into emergencies while traveling, but the truth is, they can happen anytime. Write down these important phone numbers just in case of an emergency.

• Police: 106
• Fire Department: 105
• U.S. Embassy in Cuba: +53 7839-4100
• For Canadians traveling to Cuba , Canadian Embassy in Cuba: +53 7204-2516

32. Don’t exchange money with street vendors

Visitors to Cuba sometimes fall prey to currency scams. You should always exchange currencies at a legitimate location. CADECAs are located at hotels, airports, and banks.

Avoid exchanging money through informal means like street vendors. You might get the wrong amount of cashback or counterfeit money.

33. Don’t carry too much cash on you

It’s smart to carry cash on you while in Cuba, but it’s not smart to carry too much all at once. The more cash you have in your pocket, the more you could lose if you are pickpocketed.

Instead, carry what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe place back in your room.

34. Avoid pickpockets

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean to visit, but petty theft is commonplace. This is especially true in major tourist areas where thieves seek “easy” targets.

The best way to deter pickpockets and protect your valuables is with a money belt like this one from Peak Gear . A money belt is subtle, secure, and lightweight, so you can always keep your valuables hidden and close to you.

35. Don’t go to impoverished neighborhoods

Like any other country you visit, some parts of Cuba are safer than others.

Poor neighborhoods, especially in large cities like Havana, could be dangerous to tourists due to muggers and robbers. In Havana, certain neighborhoods in Centro Habana, Marianao, and Guanabacoa are especially dangerous. You should only consider going if you have a knowledgeable, trustworthy local friend.

If it helps, you should consider carrying a travel whistle like this NOOPEL Emergency Whistle.

36. Don’t show off

There’s something about vacation that sometimes makes people want to show off, but Cuba is not the place to do that.

Showing off symbols of wealth or status like luxury clothes, bags, watches, or expensive electronic devices, can attract the wrong kind of attention and mark you as a target for thieves or muggers.

Instead, keep your valuables home and bring only what’s practical and comfortable for your trip.

37. Hire only professional Cuban guides

Cuba is full of guides willing to take you on tours of the cities and beyond, but only some of them are legitimate.

Instead of hiring someone on the street, stick to reputable guides. Hiring the wrong guide can be a waste of money and potentially dangerous.

38. Lock your luggage

Locking your luggage can make the difference between keeping your stuff safe while traveling and having it stolen.

Although Cuba is a safe country to visit, it’s not unheard of for things to go missing from unattended bags. Keep your things safe with a TSA lock like this one .

39. Use your common sense

Cuba is a safe country with relatively low crime rates. That said, you should exercise common sense when traveling throughout the country to protect yourself from trouble.

Avoid walking alone at night, and don’t invite strangers back to your room. These are just a few Cuba safety tips you can learn from the Ultimate Guide to Stay Safe in Cuba .

Transportation tips for Cuba

40. Plan your local transportation in advance

Cuba has a variety of transportation options for getting around the island. Your choice will depend on your budget and the distance you want to travel.

Taxis (state taxis or almendrones) are the most affordable option for getting around within a city or between two nearby cities. You can rent a car, but be aware that daily fees are pricey and road conditions in Cuba mean they’re not always safe to drive on.

For longer trips between cities or other parts of the island, you can take the Viazul bus . If your trip is longer than you’re comfortable traveling by bus, you can skip the Viazul and book a domestic flight across the island.

41. Get a street map of Cuba

You’ll probably spend a lot of time traveling on foot. With Cuba’s year-round warm weather and the beautiful old architecture of its cities, you’d be missing out if you didn’t hit the pavement.

For getting around Cuba on foot, a paper street map will be your best friend. Internet access in Cuba is spotty, so don’t assume you’ll have access to Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone.

How to get Internet access in Cuba?

42. Don’t expect easy Internet access in Cuba

Cuba does have internet, but access is limited, and service isn’t available everywhere. The only Internet provider in Cuba is Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA). The best spots to find reliable internet access are hotels, airports, and public hotspots in the biggest cities.

Once you get connected, don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. Bandwidth is limited, so you should be fine making basic web searches and sending emails, but don’t expect to stream music and videos.

To know more about getting access to the Internet in Cuba, check out our detailed guide to get Internet in Cuba for tourists .

43. Know your options

You’ve got some options for connecting to the Web in Cuba.

A. Buy a NAUTA card

You can purchase a NAUTA card at ETECSA offices, but be prepared to wait in a long line. Travelers have reported that the lines in Havana can take up to two hours!

Some hotels also sell NAUTA cards, so you may be able to skip the trip to the local ETECSA center. A 5-hour card costs 125 CUP, and a one-hour card costs 25 CUP. Note: bring your passport! You’ll need it to buy the card. Also, if you buy the card at ETECSA, you must pay in CUP.

While we don’t recommend this option, you can also purchase an internet access card on the black market. If you go this route, expect to pay an extremely inflated price!

Once you have your NAUTA card in hand, you can connect to the web at any of these places:

• Public wifi hotspots. Here is a list of all the WiFi hotspots in Cuba .
• Hotels and resorts
• Salas de Navegación: d esktop computers at ETECSA offices .

B. Hotel and resorts that offer free Internet

Some upscale hotels and resorts offer free WiFi and desktop computers with internet access. In this case, you don’t need a NAUTA card.

However, this isn’t a universal commodity for all hotels in Cuba. You’ll want to research the hotel beforehand if this is your choice. A site like Skyscanner lists many of the services and features each hotel has to offer.

C. Ask your host to share Nauta Hogar

Nauta Hogar offers Cuban homeowners WiFi access in their homes and public hotspots. They need to pay a monthly subscription, which is not free and very limited.

For a price, your host may be willing to share their username and password with you. With access to a Nauta Hogar account, you can connect in your room, public hotspots, and airports!

D. Get the Cubacel Tur SIM Card

The Cubacel Tur SIM Card is a temporary phone line for tourists that ETECSA offers. It lasts for 30 days. The minimum package starts at 25 USD, including 2.5 GB of data, 20 minutes of international and national calls, and 20 SMS.

You can get the Cubacel Tur SIM Card in advance from ETECSA’s authorized providers , or buy it once you land in Cuba at any of ETECSA’s offices.

E. Rent a SIM card from your host

Some casa owners may be able to rent you a SIM card with Internet access for a price.

F. Buy or rent a SIM card online

A few online companies also offer Cuba SIM cards you can purchase ahead of your trip. Cellomobile and OneSimCard are popular companies that allow you to purchase or rent a SIM card for Cuba.

Cellomobile prices: Incoming calls $2.19/minute; outgoing calls $2.19/minute; free incoming SMS text messages; outgoing SMS messages $0.49/each.

OneSimCard prices: Incoming calls $0.65/minute; outgoing calls $1.25/minute; free incoming SMS text messages.

G. International roaming

Some major cell carriers like AT&T offer roaming coverage in Cuba. You can get an idea of what calls, texts, and data in Cuba cost by checking out the plan here .

T-Mobile’s Global Plus 15GB Plan also covers cell service in Cuba. Verizon and Sprint also have coverage but no roaming packages for Cuba.

AT&T prices: $3.00/minute for calls; $0.50/text; $2.05/MB for data

T-Mobile prices: $2.00/minute for calls; $0.50/text; $2.00/MB for data

Cuba travel tips for dealing with the ugly

44. Be prepared for the long lines

Many goods and services on the island are still rationed and distributed via the state bureaucracy. Be prepared to wait in line at the bus stop, bodegas, banks, and cultural attractions like museums.

45. Many bathrooms are paperless

If you’ve spent a lot of time in North America or Europe, you probably take toilet paper for granted.

Many bathrooms in Cuba don’t have toilet paper or have toilet paper outside the stall near the washing basin. If you find toilet paper, there’s a chance it will be low-quality.

Instead of finding yourself S.O.L., you may prefer to bring a small supply of your own or a packet of travel kleenex when you’re out in town.

46. Don’t expect the entire menu to be available

Cuban restaurants are often working with limited ingredients depending on what’s available. This is mostly because the Cuban government still controls the availability of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. This can impact the availability of certain meals and dishes on the menu.

47. Don’t expect high-quality service everywhere

Cuba is undergoing many changes, many of which you’ll notice during your stay on the island.

One of the most noticeable signs is the difference in the quality of service you’ll experience. While there are many outstanding businesses, restaurants, and hotels in Cuba, others may not meet what you’re used to experiencing in your home country.

48. Catcalling is common

Lady travelers to Cuba should know that catcalling (called piropo in Spanish) is common. Expect to hear lots of compliments like guapa , linda , and chula .

This is more likely to happen if you’re traveling as a solo female than in a group with males. Keep in mind that as annoying as the practice is, catcalling is typically harmless behavior and doesn’t lead to harassment or violence.

Respect and support the locals

49. Learn some Spanish

Although some Cubans have conversational skills in foreign languages like English, it’s best to learn some Spanish to communicate in the local language.

Pack a Spanish-English phrasebook like this one that specializes in the Cuban dialect.

50. Avoid talking about politics

Politics is a passionate and complicated subject in Cuba. We recommend steering clear from politics while chatting with your new Cuban friends to keep the conversation light-hearted and pleasant.

51. Support Cuban local businesses

If you’re an American visitor traveling to Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People travel category , you’ll need to show that you’re supporting the Cuban people during your visit. Regardless of your travel designation, supporting local businesses is just a good thing to do!

A few popular ways visitors can support Cuban businesses include: staying in a casa particular; eat at paladares ; taking a dance class; and supporting local artists and musicians by attending their shows or purchasing their hand-crafted goods.

Airport tips

52. don’t bring huge amounts of cups to the airport.

CADECA offices in Cuban airports are no longer selling foreign currencies. Carefully plan your trip to Cuba budget , and don’t count on exchanging your leftover Cuban pesos back for your home currency.

If you end up with huge cash in CUP, exchange them in your hotel or at any CADECA office in the city. Don’t bring your leftover cash to the airport!

53. You can use mixed currencies in Cuban airports

Before the security check, you can spend only Cuban pesos. Past the security checkpoint, everything is in foreign currency only, but the change is in Cuban pesos!

Crazy, right? Well, don’t ask me!

Additional Cuba travel tips for Americans

54. Make sure that your travel category covers your itinerary

Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have thawed significantly over the past decade. However, technically Americans traveling to Cuba for tourism is still illegal.

That said, you can still travel to Cuba from the US , and in fact, many Americans still visit Cuba each year. Among other things, you must declare your travels under one of twelve categories authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury .

55. Don’t stay at the prohibited accommodations

Remember that you must not stay at any accommodation listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List . The list even includes some casas particulares !

56. Don’t spend money at restricted businesses

This is a heads-up for all American visitors to Cuba.

Due to lingering restrictions between the two countries, American visitors can’t spend money at Cuban businesses forbidden by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Any business affiliated with the Cuban military or security services is off-limits. You can view the full list here .

57. Keep your records

When possible, keep records of your travels, including accommodations, transportation, food, and miscellaneous purchases.

American travelers may be asked to provide documentation of their Cuban travels upon returning to the U.S. While anecdotally, this seems pretty rare, you should be prepared just in case it happens to you!

58. Don’t plan to bring back rum and cigars

You read that right! You can’t import Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco products into the US , not even from third-party countries.

Buen viaje !

If this list had a #59, that’s what it would be! Armed with all the things you need to know before traveling to Cuba, you’ll be more prepared than ever for your trip. Now comes the fun part–packing and getting ready for your flight. Cuba awaits!

Have you been to Cuba before? Share your most helpful Cuba travel tips and advice in the comments below!

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About the Author

Tour republic.

Tour Republic is a marketplace where you can discover, book, and review the very best experiences Cuba has to offer. We are a team of tourism professionals and journalists who have partnered with Cuban entrepreneurs to provide travel experiences that can transform your trip into a life-changing adventure. We also share our profound love for Cuba through in-depth travel guides, myth-busting articles, and captivating narratives. Whether you want to explore Cuba's wonders or understand its intricacies, our blog posts are your gateway to the heart of this extraordinary country.

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33 comments.

What is the current travel advice? Am planning to visit this December ’23, but am reading about critical shortages and rationing of fuel and possibility of getting stranded travelling through the country. What is the best way to stay up to date with the current situation?

Can you take your own fishing Equipment with you and fish on the beach

Ladies carry toilet paper/tissue. Bathrooms are very clean but rarely provide it. Also be prepared to leave a tip.. 50-200cup to help out.

hey thee – I just got back from 8 days in Cuba. ONE AND DONE FOR ME. Supposed 4-star hotels on Expedia or other services would be below a Motel 6 standard here. Think road side rural Alabama cleanliness. If you want good Cuban food go to Miami. Chicken is malnourished, beef is like chewing on your shoe sole and most of the lobster was chewing on rubber bands.

Everything I’ve read is that 2 main items you cannot bring back to the states are Rum and Cigars. Guess what – it’s ALL tobacco and ALL alcohol. Going through Customs last night in Tampa the agent asked me if I had any fresh fruit, vegetables, food, tobacco or alcohol. I said I had 2 cans of beer.

I got pulled into a room, was given 3 sheets of paper to fill out. Name, address, passport number, SSN, email and phone. A different agent then went through my bag and asked me if I had permission to enter Cuba. I said yes, I finished all the paperwork. He said no – from the US DOJ? I said no….I spoke with the airline and they told me all I needed was a tourist card – same as this website. He said NOOOO. You need to get a license to travel from the USA to Cuba and that I can be fined up to $250,000 for not having the correct approvals and potentially I could have federal agents knock on my door.

Info here is partially correct but more and better research.

Hi RR, Thanks for sharing your experience! In most cases, you do not need an actual “license” or authorization to go to Cuba. The only two travel categories that need authorization from OFAC are “Professional research and professional meetings” and “Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions”. If you travel under any of those categories, then yes, you need a permit from OFAC. Otherwise, there is no legal paperwork required. Everything is explained here .

Thank you for a great article. A bookmark for sure! I travel April 11 to April 20 to meet family for the second and first times! I’ve only met my Aunt in the US. First timer.

Question – thanks for the list of prohibited resorts. Are any allowed? I’d like to treat them to a vacation Seems like it would be harder for me to get access than them… Advise if possible? TIA

Great information tips , Thank you . I have a french passport and a valid Esta visa . Can I Fly from Miami Cuba and enter back to USA with the same ESTA visa .

Hi Joseph, Unfortunately, it appears that you will need to apply for a visa to re-enter the United States. Read more here .

Wow I love this article, so very helpful.. When you say Americans, it’s inclusive only of US Passport holders right? I’m Canadian and hold a Canadian passport, not sure if we also fall on some prohibitions that you had listed in this article? thank you

Hi Nicole, That’s right. US citizens are subject to tougher travel restrictions to Cuba. If you are traveling from Canada, check out our Cuba travel guide for Canadians .

Thanks for a helpful article. As this was updated early 2022…wondering if any insight to bringing back rum or cigars to US? The article link is from 2020. Thanks

Hi Rosalba, You still can’t bring Cuban cigars and rum back to the US.

Just came back from Cuba on 1/1/2023. Most points in the article is right. 1) USD is accepted everywhere cash is accepted. Rate 120-170 CUP to $1. 1 euro = 1 USD. Bring lots of cash (no way for Americans to get money in Cuba!!!). Exchange at a restaurant and you get the good rate. 2) most large stores do not accept cash, only non-US visa/ Mastercard. 2) Get the local SIM (1 year), 1000 CUP ($8.5) for new SIM and 3.5GB data. Add 500 CUP get you total 10.5GB data, should be enough for the trip. Do not buy the wifi card.3) book casa particular through Airbnb, paid in the US before going. Same for Viazul bus. 4) use your casa host to hire taxis or tours.

Hello, I was told Cuba was a very poor country and that bringing gifts such as toothpaste or headwear like caps, even kitchen tools are highly appreciated by the cooks and room service. Is this true?

Hi Nancy, Gitfs are welcome in Cuba. Please, read our guide to bringing gifts to Cuba . Thanks!

We’re going in next month mid-October and staying all inclusive in Valedaro – is there any tips for getting to Havana for the day? ideally we’d like to stay in a hotel for one night and have two days in Havana and then travel back

Thank you for this – and the related posts. GREAT detail, most helpful for trip-planning.

My daughter is travelling around Cuba at the moment (and loving it). But money (cash) has quickly become a serious issue. The official exchange rate at the bank is £1=26 pesos. The “unofficial” rate is £1=100 pesos – as apparently Cubans need foreign currency to be able to purchase certain items but cannot get hold of it officially themselves. She had planned on simply getting money from ATMs / banks but now realises that this will make everything four times as expensive. So the message is definitely pay for things in advance where you can and take as much cash with you as you think you will need. Don’t rely on local banks / ATMs. Euros and sterling in particular seem to be popular (I’m not sure about USD).

Those are great tips, Richard. Thanks for sharing! By the way, we wrote a whole guide to using money in Cuba here . Check it out!

Be sure to keep some local currency coins available at all times for public bathroom attendants. It is expected always!

Ohh dear!! – How can I experience the Wonders of Beautiful Cuba if it is this much trouble to get there (getting a pink Cuban tourist card) getting currency exchanged, finding a direct flight to Cuba from US, flights are limited, and many airlines don’t fly to Cuba?

Yes we want to “support the locals” and “local businesses” ….How, if its sooo difficult to get there?

What is wrong with the Cuban Government? Clearly they dont want tourists or our money??…. Poor Cubans – your great and detailed article has sort of soured our hopes to travel there??

Hi Mini, Yeah, Cuba is not your regular travel destination. It’s been challenging to get there since the beginning of the pandemic. However, the Cuban Government recently eased some travel restrictions, and the island is opening up for tourism again. To answer your answers: – Cuban Tourist Card: it’s not that complicated. Most of the time, airlines include it in the ticket price. For more, read our guide to the Cuban Tourist Card . – Cuban currency: definitely one of the most complex matters for travelers. You basically need to know that 1) you will need to use CUP (or “Moneda Nacional”) everywhere in Cuba; 2) US credit/debit cards are not accepted; 3) ATMs are scattered so bring some cash (Cuba is a cash country!); 4) tip in your home currency. Read our detailed article about the Cuban currency . – Flights from the US: actually, it’s the US Government who restricted flights to Cuba in 2019. The Cuban Government did limit flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are now allowing the usual number of regular flights. Hope this is helpful!

Good article. I haven’t been to Cuba in 21 years (sigh) Last time I was there, US dollars and baseballs were great tips. Much has changed in 21 years–my weight for one (LOL) Thanks for putting this together, As a Canadian I will be adding an extra layer of confusion by converting my tip money to Pounds. 1 Pound per night for Housekeeping? Or more?

Hi Dan, One Pound per night is enough. Thanks for your nice words!

This blog is really helpful. It is comprehensive, tackles all the essential travel in Cuba essentials, and it is very informative.

Hello. Can I bring into Cuba 83 CUC that is equal to almost 2000 CUP? I see on the customs website it says export of CUC in any amount is prohibited but says nothing about bringing in CUC? Can I exchange the CUC to CUP through official currency exchange or black market? Where do the locals exchange the CUC to CUP? Can I spend it at shops and then the shop owner exchange it? It must still have value until july? Thanks Paul

Hi Paul, Unfortunately, importing CUC into Cuba is also forbidden. Even you managed to get the CUCs into Cuba, it will be hard to get rid of them once you are in the country because almost no one wants CUCs anymore. You won’t be able to spend it at shops either because only Cuban residents enjoy the 6-months timeframe to exchange or spend the spare CUCs. Please, read our guide to the Cuban currency to understand the latest changes in the Cuban monetary system and how they impact you as a visitor.

Please be aware that as of 6 months ago there is no longer convertible pesos in cuba it is just pesos. ALSO FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE MEDICATIONS YOU NEED A DOCTOR NOTE SAYING THAT YOU ARE PRESCRIBED THIS TO BRING INTO CUBA ESPECIALLY PAIN MEDICATIONS AND HEART MEDICATIONS BLOOD PRESSURE ETC OR YOU WILL HAVE THE MILITARY AT THE AIRPORT SEIZING IT AS THEY TRIED WITH ME AND WIFE

Hi Tom, That is correct – as a traveler, you can no longer use CUC in Cuba. We are working on updating this article as we get more information about the reform of the Cuban monetary system. In the meantime, please read our updated guide to the Cuban currency , which covers the latest changes.

Hello all … I would like to send some money to my cuban friend during these hard times of The Covid19. He is not working because the hotel is closed however receives a bit of help from them. I sent 15cuc which was 25 CAD. Does 15cuc help?

Looking forward to all responses. TTFN 🙂

Hi Natalina,

Any help is appreciated, especially during this crisis. Please, learn more about the value of the Cuban currency and the exchange rate in our guide to the Cuban money .

Thanks for helping!

very helpful

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Cuba Up-Close

Six Essential Tips for Your Trip to Cuba 2023

Traveler taking photos in Havana

Photo: Alamy

Six Things to Know Before You Go!

Let's be honest, major cities worldwide are becoming ever more identical. Whether you're in central London or downtown Bangkok, you're almost sure to stumble across the same major brands and outlets in malls worldwide.

Thankfully, we still have Cuba, undoubtedly one of the most culturally well-preserved travel destinations on Earth. Here, you'll discover a society like no other, surrounded by truly epic natural beauty. This singularity means that traveling to Cuba brings subtleties that you may not have encountered on previous trips.

Here are six Cuban travel tips for enjoying the uniqueness of the island without sacrificing comfort:

Interior view of a casa particular in Trinidad

1. Look for alternative accommodation: "Casas Particulares"

You're unlikely to have traveled to a place where the government plays such an active role in the day-to-day running of its economy. As a result, service to tourists can occasionally feel slightly choreographed and play to different standards than you might initially expect.

Fortunately, smaller, independent businesses offer a far better service and the chance to make genuine connections with locals. How? Book a homestay at a private home, known as a Casa Particular, rather than a state-owned hotel. Many of these are completely private or hostless. However, we highly recommend you choose one with a Cuban family.

And don't worry, when we say "stay with a Cuban family," we're not expecting you to top and tail with the grandparents. Many are grand colonial buildings with private courtyards and balconies. Cubans are incredibly respectful of visitors who choose to stay with them, so you'll have no privacy problems and have space to unwind.

Staying at a casa particular also offers the chance to eat home-cooked Cuban food, which will vary in the local region: If you're staying by the coast, expect to be served enormous succulent langosta (lobster), or if further in-land, slow-cooked lechón (pork) accompanied by juicy chunks of ripe platano (plantain).

Your Cuban hosts can help you access a wider variety of places to eat, drink, rent a bike, or book a tour - basically, more or less everything that the government provides but with a far more personal touch.

Taking this extra step to immerse yourself in Cuban culture will allow you to see beyond the stereotypes while making an enormous contribution to Cuba's local economies.

Cuban men surfing on the internet, Santa Clara

Photo: Shutterstock

2. Get a VPN

No doubt, when planning your trip, you may have heard about the heavy internet restrictions that make streaming platforms, online banking, and social networks unreachable. Fortunately, there is an easy workaround if you need to stay connected during your trip.

Before you head to the island, download a VPN onto your phone and any other devices you plan on taking. Psiphon is currently the most popular among Cubans; however, tons of companies out there offer free trials and cheap monthly subscriptions.

Once that's all sorted, you'll be free to access your sites and accounts with relative ease. Cuba's internet speed may be not on par with central Tokyo, but what's wrong with letting your photos upload while heading to the bar for a Cuba Libre ?

Cuban pesos and dollars

3. Keep a few USD tucked away

We've all been there at some point: Arrive in a new country, head over to the Currency Exchange desk, change up all of your money, and walk away with a sizable chunk missing, thanks to exchange rates and commission.

In recent years, companies such as Monzo have looked to bypass annoying overseas withdrawal and transaction fees. Sadly, this isn't an option in Cuba, as most places can't take payments from international debit cards.

The Cuban Peso can only be purchased on the island, so you’ll need to change money upon arrival – there's no escaping that!

Government-owned hotels and restaurants, as well as national transport companies, will only accept the Cuban Peso, so make sure you change up enough upon arrival to set you up for your trip around the island, and avoid wasting time in long ATM queues.

On the other hand, many smaller private businesses such as restaurants, stores, and guest houses are more than happy to accept American Dollars, British pounds, Euros, and Canadian dollars. They will offer you favorable rates, and you’ll also save on exchange rates and commissions.

Our advice: keep a few dollars tucked away in your backpack. That way, when the opportunity comes along, you get yourself a good price while avoiding lining the pockets of currency exchange businesses.

First aid kit

4. Bring a medical kit

No one wants to think about getting sick on vacation; however, it'd be wrong not to give you a quick heads up about the difficulties of finding medicine when in Cuba.

Sometimes many things that you would typically be able to buy at your average grocery store can be pretty tough to find here.

In case of an emergency, you're always welcome to try your luck with one of Cuba's many homemade alternatives known as medicinas caseras. If you want to avoid setbacks, it's best to have a backup supply of basic painkillers, repellent, band-aids, common antibiotics, antibacterial gel, and disinfectant wipes.

To keep yourself in the loop, you can contact your airline directly, or take a look at the Cuban Ministry of Health website.

A taxi in Santiago de Cuba

5. Alternative transport in Havana

Like any big city, Havana's public transport can be challenging for first-time visitors.

Tourist sites and travel blogs tend to lean towards government-owned taxis and pricey trips in classic cars. Fortunately, there are other viable alternatives that often slip under the radar!

Looking for an Urban taxi in Cuba? Download the La Nave , Bajanda and D' Taxi apps. These are linked to private taxi companies that offer a 24-hour service and fixed prices.

Government drivers are known for hiking the price to cream off a little extra from the "official" fee. Having these apps on your phone will help you avoid any awkward negotiations, especially if your Spanish is a work in progress.

If you prefer a more environmentally friendly way to travel, Velo Cuba , Ciclo Cuba , and Citykleta , will be your best bet for reasonably priced bike rental. All three companies offer an hourly service in addition to long rental periods.

Tourist at the Malecón, Havana

6. Keep an eye out

Cuba is one of the safest island nations in the Caribbean for tourists - but like most other countries, even the safest places can have dark sides with shady individuals.

Along your travels in Cuba, you might be coerced to eat at certain questionable restaurants, to drink at run-down bars, or buy souvenirs at particular stores on the busy avenues.  Be aware not to consume any foods that look unsanitary, be careful with non-name brand alcohol, and compare all prices you see around for comparison.

Try to hire an official or trusted local guide who knows all of the “tourist traps”, and can most likely take you to authentic locales where the music is blasting, and the prices are modest.  Also, negotiate any cost of services or products beforehand firmly. You don’t want any additional charges to start popping up all over the place.

Find out more about the best tips on How to Travel Safe in Cuba , and what other tricks to look out for!

Written by Gabriela Rey.

Published October 2022.

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cuba

• Eating and drinking in Cuba
• How to get to Cuba
• Getting around Cuba: Transportation Tips

In general, Cuba is not a particularly cheap place to visit. A comfortable weekly budget for two travellers sharing a room, who eat out and go out every night, stay in cheap hotels or Cuban homes and move around the country using buses and trains, works out at around $500CUC per person. However, with some considerable effort and a willingness to sacrifice some quality and comfort, it is possible to get by on much less. The key to living on a shoestring budget is to stick as much as possible to national-peso goods and services, though often you’ll be obliged to pay in convertible pesos.

Crime and personal safety

Emergencies, electricity, entry requirements, embassies and consulates in cuba, opening hours and public holidays, national holidays, tourist information, travellers with disabilities, working and studying in cuba, money in cuba, travelling with children, jineterismo and the escort industry, cuban festivals, sports and outdoor activities in cuba, culture and etiquette in cuba, shopping in cuba, the media in cuba, travel ideas for cuba, created by local experts.

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A moderately challenging cycling holiday through Cuban countryside visiting the tobacco fields of Viñales Valley and a pristine Caribbean beach in Cayo Jutias.

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Given the prevalence of fresh-food markets, street vendors and house-front caterers, all of which accept national pesos, the biggest savings can be made when buying food and drink. Stick to the above and you can survive on just $40–50CUP per day, equivalent to less than $3CUC. In the more likely event that you eat in restaurants, paladars or casas particulares, $20–40CUC should cover breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You’ll have to pay for accommodation in convertible pesos, since national-peso hotels are for Cubans only; casas particulares can be let to national-peso-paying Cubans or convertible-peso-paying foreigners, but not to both. You’re unlikely to find a hotel room for less than $25CUC, though some of the older, more basic hotels that cater to Cubans as much as foreign visitors offer lower rates.

When travelling long distances non-Cubans are, on the whole, obliged to use convertible-peso services, whether on buses, long-distance taxis, trains or planes. If you travel by Víazul bus, expect to pay between $10CUC and $50CUC for most journeys. Long-distance private taxis can sometimes work out cheaper than buses if you share them with three or four other hard-currency-paying travellers. The cost of public transport is more flexible within the towns and cities, where local buses cost next to nothing, though most foreign visitors use taxis or tourist buses.

Crimes against visitors are on the rise in many Cuban cities, particularly Havana (including some violent crime), so it pays to be careful. That said, gun crime is virtually unheard of and murder rates are estimated to be way below those of most Latin American countries, though official crime statistics are kept under wraps by the Cuban government. In the vast majority of cases, the worst you’re likely to experience is incessant attention from jineteros, but a few simple precautions will help ensure that you don’t fall prey to any petty crime. While there’s no need to be suspicious of everyone who tries to strike up a conversation with you (and many people will), a measure of caution is still advisable. You should always carry a photocopy of your passport (or the passport itself), as the police sometimes ask to inspect them.

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching

The most common assault upon tourists is bag-snatching or pickpocketing (particularly in Habana Vieja and Centro Habana), so always make sure you sling bags across your body rather than letting them dangle from one shoulder. Unfortunately, bag snatches in which cross-body straps have been slashed are becoming more common; the ultimate self-protection is to carry no visible bag at all. Keep cameras concealed whenever possible, don’t carry valuables in easy-to-reach pockets and always carry only the minimum amount of cash. A common trick is for thieves on bicycles to ride past and snatch at bags, hats and sunglasses, so wear these at your discretion. Needless to say, don’t leave bags and possessions unattended anywhere, but be especially vigilant on beaches, where theft is common.

Other than this, watch out for scams from street operators. Never accept the offer of moneychangers on the street, as some will take your money and run – literally – or try to confuse you by mixing up national pesos with convertible pesos, or palm you off with counterfeit notes. Exercise extra caution when using unofficial taxis, particularly when riding in a cab where “a friend” is accompanying the driver. Although you’re unlikely to suffer a violent attack, you may well find yourself pickpocketed. This is a particularly common trick on arrival at the airport, where you should be especially vigilant. Even if you are on a tight budget, it’s well worth getting a tourist taxi into the centre when you’re loaded with all your valuables and possessions.

Hotels and airports

Some hotels are not entirely secure, so be sure to put any valuables in the hotel security box, if there is one, or at least stash them out of sight. Registered casas particulares are, as a rule, safe, but you stay in an unregistered one at your peril.

At airports, thefts from luggage during baggage handling both on arrival and departure are a significant possibility, so consider carrying valuables in your hand luggage, using suitcase locks and having bags shrink-wrapped before check-in.

Though car theft is rare, rental-car break-ins are much more common. Take all the usual sensible precautions: leave nothing visible in your car – including items you may consider worthless like maps, snacks or CDs – even if you’re only away from it for a short period of time. Furthermore, thieves are not just interested in your personal possessions but will break into and damage cars to take the radios, break off wing mirrors, wrench off spare parts and even take the wheels. To avoid this, always park your vehicle in a car park, guarded compound or other secure place. Car rental agencies will be able to advise you on those nearest to you, or, failing that, ask at a large hotel. Casa particular owners will also be able to tell you where to park safely. If the worst happens and you suffer a break-in, call the rental company first, which should have supplied you with an emergency number. They can advise you how to proceed from there and will either inform the police themselves or direct you to the correct police station. You must report the crime to be able to get a replacement car and for your own insurance purposes.

Women travellers

Though violent sexual attacks against female tourists are virtually unheard of, women travellers in Cuba should brace themselves for a quite remarkable level of attention. The nonstop attention can be unnerving, but in general, Cuban men manage to combine a courtly romanticism with wit and charm, meaning the persistent come-ons will probably leave you irritated rather than threatened. If you’re not interested, there’s no sure-fire way to stop the flow of comments and approaches, but decisively saying “no”, not wearing skimpy clothing and avoiding eye contact with men you don’t know will lessen the flow of attention a little. Even a few hours of friendship with a Cuban man can lead to pledges of eternal love but bear in mind that marriage to a foreigner is a tried-and-tested method of emigrating. Aside from this, women travelling in Cuba are treated with a great deal of courtesy and respect. The country is remarkably safe and you are able to move around freely, particularly at night, with more ease than in many Western cities, and you should encounter few problems.

Should you be unfortunate enough to be robbed and want to make an insurance claim, you must report the crime to the police and get a statement. Be aware, though, that the police in Cuba can be surprisingly uncooperative and sometimes indifferent to non-violent crime – they may even try to blame you for not being more vigilant. You must insist upon getting the statement there and then, as there is little chance of receiving anything from them at a later date. Unfortunately, the chance of your possessions being recovered is equally remote. The emergency number for the Cuban police differs from place to place, though 106 has now become standardized in most provinces.

Following any kind of emergency, whether medical, financial or legal, you should, at some point, contact Asistur, the tourist-assistance agency. It has branches in most provincial capitals and can arrange replacement travel documents, help with insurance issues and recover lost luggage as well as provide a host of other services. In the case of a serious emergency, you should also notify your foreign consul or embassy.

The electricity supply is generally 110V 60Hz, but always check, as in some hotels it is 220V, and in a significant number of casas particulares there is both. Plug adaptors and voltage converters are almost impossible to buy in Cuba, so if you intend to use electrical items from the UK or the rest of Europe, Australia or New Zealand, then you should, as a minimum, bring a plug adaptor and maybe voltage converter too.

To enter Cuba, you must have a ten-year passport, valid for two months after your departure from Cuba, an onward or return plane ticket and health insurance. You’ll also need a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), essentially a visa. Although you can buy tourist cards from Cuban consulates outside Cuba, some tour operators, airlines and travel agents also sell them and you can purchase them online. Consulates can usually sell tourist cards instantly, but in some countries you may have to wait for a week. In addition to the completed application form, you’ll need your passport (and sometimes a photocopy of its main page) plus confirmation of your travel arrangements, specifically a return plane ticket and an accommodation booking, though the latter is rarely checked. Please always check with your local embassy for the most accurate travel information.

For full details of import and export regulations, consult the Cuban Customs website .

There are no consulates or embassies in Cuba for Australia or New Zealand. The local Canadian Embassy and the Australian and New Zealand embassies in Mexico provide consular assistance to Australians and New Zealanders in Cuba. Please visit the websites for the British Embassy, Canadian Embassy and the US Embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Travel insurance covering medical expenses is mandatory when visiting Cuba. Immigration authorities have been known to do spot-checks when you are entering the country. Those without insurance are required to take out an insurance policy with Asistur, the tourist-assistance agency, before they are granted entrance.

For all insurance issues within Cuba, including the purchase of policies, contact Asistur. It has branches in most provincial capitals. Asistur may be the logical place to buy a policy for many US citizens as US insurance providers generally don’t cover Cuba.

Getting internet access in Cuba is still not particularly easy or cheap and wi-fi barely exists at all outside of the upmarket hotels. There are cybercafés in all the major Cuban cities and resorts but usually just one or two, and in many towns there are none at all. Finding somewhere with a reliable, fast connection is an even greater challenge. The hotels offer the fastest and most robust connections but their rates can be exorbitant. ETECSA, which runs the national telephone network, operates Telepunto centres where you can get online; there’s one in most provincial capitals, but connections are often painstakingly slow and, particularly in Havana, you’re sometimes better off at a hotel. Note that wherever you access the internet, you may occasionally be required to show a passport.

Having always been keen to control the flow of information to the Cuban public, the government has, unsurprisingly, restricted its citizens’ access to the internet. However, though internet connections in private homes are illegal, some Cuban homes do have them, and anyone can go online in Telepuntos. Locals also have access to Cuban-based email accounts, and there is an increasing number of Cuban homes using email, mostly casas particulares. All hotels now have email addresses and online booking, but most restaurants do not.

There are few public laundry services in Cuba. Most foreign visitors do their own or rely on the hotel service, although if you are staying in a casa particular your hosts are likely to offer to do yours for you for a small extra charge.

There’s a good chance you’ll get back home from Cuba before your postcards do. Don’t expect airmail to reach Europe or North America in less than two weeks, while it is not unknown for letters to arrive a month or more after they have been sent. Theft is so widespread within the postal system that if you send anything other than a letter there’s a significant chance that it won’t arrive at all. You should also be aware that letters and packages coming into Cuba are sometimes opened as a matter of government policy.

Stamps are sold in both convertible and national pesos at post offices, white-and-blue post office kiosks (marked Correos de Cuba) and in many hotels ($CUC only at the latter). Convertible peso rates are reasonable. However, if you request national-peso stamps, which you are entitled to do, it can work out over 15 times cheaper.

All large towns and cities have a post office, normally open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Most provincial capitals and major tourist resorts have a branch with DHL and EMS courier services. Some of the larger hotels offer a full range of postal services, including DHL, EMS and the Cuban equivalent Cubanacán Express, usually at the desk marked Telecorreos. What post offices there are in smaller towns and villages offer services in national pesos only and are more likely to be closed at the weekend.

If you’re sending packages overseas, stick to DHL, by far the safest and most reliable option.

In general, Cuban maps are infrequently updated, a little unreliable and hard to find. The exception is the national road map book, the Guía de Carreteras, which covers the whole country and also carries basic street maps for many of the major cities – invaluable if you plan to make any long-distance car or bike journeys around the island. You can buy it in bookshops, tourist gift shops and some branches of Infotur. However, some minor roads are not marked on this or any other map and there is still a gap in the market for a fully comprehensive national road map or street atlas. Geographical and orienteering maps are nonexistent.

Opening hours in Cuba are far from an exact science and should generally be taken with a generous pinch of salt. Office hours are normally 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with one-hour lunchtime closures common, anytime between noon and 2pm. Standard opening hours for state restaurants and paladars are from noon to 11pm. but it’s not unusual for places to close early, depending on the level of business. Museums are usually open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and many also close for an hour at lunch. Those open on Sunday generally close in the afternoon. Expect museums, especially in Havana, to keep longer opening hours in July and August and sometimes in January, February and March too. Shops are generally open 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, a minority closing for lunch, while the shopping malls and department stores in Havana and Varadero stay open as late as 8pm. Sunday trading is increasingly common, with most places open until noon or 1pm, longer in the major resorts. Hotel shops stay open all day. Banks generally operate Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, but this varies. There is no culture of siesta in Cuba.

• Jan 1: Liberation Day. Anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.
• May 1: International Workers’ Day.
• July 25-27: Celebration of the day of national rebellion.
• Oct 10: Anniversary of the start of the Wars of Independence.
• Dec 25: Christmas Day.

The chances are that it will be cheaper to use your mobile phone than a payphone to ring abroad from Cuba, though US travellers may encounter added complications. However, if you are making a call to a Cuban number then it’s usually much more economical to use a payphone.

Mobile phones

Cubacel, part of national telecommunications company ETECSA, is the sole mobile phone service provider in Cuba. If you intend to bring your own handset to Cuba you should check first whether or not your service provider has a roaming agreement with Cubacel, either by contacting your own provider or consulting the list on the ETECSA website.

Most of the major British, Australasian and Canadian operators now have such agreements and, as of September 2015, Verizon became the first US-based mobile phone company to offer roaming in Cuba to its customers.

There are significant parts of the country, such as much of Pinar del Río province, where you are unlikely to get any mobile phone network coverage at all, rendering your phone useless for calls and texts in these parts.

There are various kinds of payphones in Cuba, and several distinct ways that you can make and pay for calls. National rates for payphones are reasonable. International rates are exorbitant.

Prepaid phone cards

Prepaid cards, known as Chip cards and priced in convertible pesos, can be bought from post offices, hotels, travel agents, some banks, Telepuntos and large walk-in phone booths known as Minipuntos. They only work in Chip card phones, most of which are coloured blue and found in hotels, Telepuntos, Minipuntos and other tourist establishments.

Propia cards are sold in both national and convertible pesos and are compatible with all phones besides the Chip card phones. They are compatible with all phones besides the Chip card phones. Rather than inserting the card in a phone, when calling you enter the unique account code found on the card.

Coin-operated phones

The new generation of coin-operated phones, grey in colour and with a digital display, are an easy and cheap way to make a local call – international calls aren’t permitted. They only accept national peso coins, in denominations of 5¢, 20¢ and $1CUP, and can also take Propia cards. Coin-operated phones can be hard to find and tend to be located outside in the street and rarely in call centres. There are also still some rusty old analogue payphones, especially in small towns, which only accept 5 centavo coins, have no digital display and have a slim chance of working at all.

Making calls

To make a call within the same province but to a different municipality you may need an exit code (código de salida) for the place from where you are making the call. Exit codes are available from the operator. If you are calling from a prepaid card phone simply dial t0 followed by the area code and number and this will put you through directly.

Some interprovincial calls are only possible through the operator. If you’re consistently failing to get through on a direct line, dial 00 or 110.

You may see Cuban telephone numbers written as, for example, “48 7711 al 18”, meaning that when dialling the final two digits you may have to try all the numbers in between and including 11 and 18 before you get through.

Making an overseas phone call from a private phone in a house has its own special procedure and can be quite confusing, not to mention very costly – use a payphone if at all possible.

Cuba is on Eastern Standard Time in winter and Eastern Daylight Time in summer. It is five hours behind London, fifteen hours behind Sydney and on the same time as New York.

The national tourist information network is Infotur, and has desks in many hotels and at the larger airports and branches in most major cities and resorts, though many are rudimentary affairs. The friendly staff are generally willing to help with all sorts of queries, though they do try to steer visitors towards the state-run tourist apparatus. They carry a few basic guides and maps but are generally low on free literature and printed information. You can, however, book hotel rooms, rental cars, organized excursions and long distance bus tickets through them. Officially they do not supply information on paladars or casas particulares, though the staff are often willing to help with their own recommendations.

The three principal national travel agents, Cubanacán, Cubatur and Havanatur, have offices in most major cities and resorts and effectively double up as information offices, particularly in those places where there is no Infotur office. Though their principal aim is to sell you their own packages and organized excursions, the staff are accustomed to supplying any kind of tourist information. These agencies can also book hotel rooms and are usually the most convenient place to book Víazul bus tickets. Be aware that all information outlets and travel agents in Cuba, including Cuban websites, are run by the state and are unlikely to offer impartial advice on, for example, accommodation deals or places to eat.

With very little printed tourist literature it’s well worth checking the internet for tourist information. The official Cuban sites, cubaweb.cu and dtcuba.com are worthwhile but foreign sites tend to be more reliable. Among the best are lahabana.com and cuba-junky.com.

An international network of tourist information offices is run by the Cuban Tourist Board. There are branches in several Latin American and European countries, including the UK, as well as in Canada and China.

Away from the package holiday resorts, life for disabled travellers in Cuba is very tricky: there are very few amenities or services provided for people with disabilities; pavements are generally poor, paths uneven and dropped kerbs extremely scarce (you rarely see anyone in a wheelchair in the street in Cuba); disabled toilets are more or less nonexistent outside the resorts and public buses are not modified for wheelchair users, while the tourist buses do not have ramps. To get around, using a taxi is the best option, as accessible car hire is difficult to find. On the brighter side, Cubans are generally very helpful and accommodating, while most upmarket hotels are well equipped for disabled travellers, each with at least one specially designed room and all the necessary lifts and ramps.

Working in Cuba as a foreign national is more complicated than in most countries, and anyone thinking of picking up a casual job on the island can pretty much forget it. All wages in Cuba are paid by the state in national pesos, so if the bureaucracy doesn’t stop you the hourly rates probably will. The majority of foreign workers here are either diplomats or in big business, and the only realistic chance most people have of working is to join one of the voluntary brigades. Studying here is easier, as Spanish classes are offered at universities, by tour operators and also represent a significant niche in the private enterprise market.

If you plan to study or work in Cuba then you must have the relevant visas organized before you arrive. Students must have a student visa entitling them to stay in the country for longer than a month; these can be arranged through the Cuban consulate, though sometimes language schools can assist you with this.

There is an array of organizations that send people to Cuba to study, mostly to learn Spanish. You can, however, take Spanish classes independently without too much hassle. The most obvious place to go is the University of Havana, where the Faculty of Modern Languages has been running courses aimed specifically at foreign students and visitors for many years. You can also combine Spanish studies with courses in dance or Cuban culture, or even just study Cuban culture on its own. The university provides full-board on-campus accommodation for two weeks, including the cost of lessons.

Aside from the universities, the best way to arrange a proper course of Spanish classes in Cuba is through professional organizations based outside the country, like Caledonia or Cactus Language.

Providing you take common-sense precautions, visiting Cuba poses no particular health risks. In fact, some of the most impressive advances made by the revolutionary government since 1959 have been in the field of medicine and the free healthcare provided to all Cuban citizens. Despite all the investment, Cuba’s health service has been hit hard by the US trade embargo, particularly in terms of the supply of medicines. It’s essential to bring your own medical kit from home, including painkillers and any prescription drugs that you use, as availability is limited in Cuba.

No vaccinations are legally required to visit Cuba, unless you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever and cholera are endemic, in which case you’ll need a vaccination certificate. It is still advisable, however, to get inoculations for hepatitis A, cholera, tetanus and to a lesser extent rabies and typhoid. A booster dose of the hepatitis A vaccination within six to 12 months of the first dose will provide immunity for approximately 10 years.

Bites and stings

Despite Cuba’s colourful variety of fauna, there are no dangerously venomous animals on the island – the occasional scorpion is about as scary as it gets, while the chances of contracting diseases from bites and stings are extremely slim. Cuba is not malarial and mosquitoes are relatively absent from towns and cities due to regular fumigation. They are, however, prevalent in many rural areas. Basic, common-sense precautions include covering your skin, not sitting out at dusk, closing windows at this time, and using DEET repellent.

There are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It can occasionally be fatal, though usually only among the very young or old or those with compromised immunity; reported number of deaths in Cuba have been in single figures, and serious cases are rare. There’s no vaccine, so prevention is the best policy. Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, and be aware that though more common after dusk, mosquitoes can strike throughout the day. Symptoms develop rapidly following infection and include extreme aches and pains in the bones and joints, severe headaches, dizziness, fever and vomiting. Should you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical advice immediately – early detection and access to proper medical care eases symptoms and lowers fatality rates to below 1%.

More widespread wherever there is livestock, ticks lie in the grass waiting for passing victims and burrow into the skin of any mammal they can get hold of. Repellent is ineffective, so your best form of defence is to wear trousers tucked into socks. It is possible to remove ticks with tweezers, but make sure that the head, which can easily get left behind, is plucked out along with the body. Smearing them first with Vaseline or even strong alcohol leaves less of a margin for error. Minuscule sand flies can make their presence felt on beaches at dusk by inflicting bites that cause prolonged itchiness.

A cholera outbreak in eastern Cuba in 2012 caused three fatalities, while another in Havana in early 2013 was the country’s biggest outbreak in decades; dozens of people were infected, but none fatally so. As cholera appears in epidemics rather than isolated cases, you will probably hear about it should it be present when you visit. The disease is carried by contaminated water or food and is characterized by sudden attacks of diarrhoea with severe cramps and debilitation. Cholera can prove fatal if untreated, but foreign visitors are at a very low risk of contracting it.

Food and water

Due to the risk of parasites, drinking tap water is never a good idea in Cuba, even in the swankiest hotels. Whenever you are offered water, whether in a restaurant, paladar or private house, it’s a good idea to check if it has been boiled – in most cases it will have been. Bottled water is available in convertible-peso shops and most tourist bars and restaurants.

Although reports of food poisoning are few and far between, there are good reasons for exercising caution when eating in Cuba. Food bought on the street is in the highest-risk category and you should be aware that there is no official regulatory system ensuring acceptable levels of hygiene. Self-regulation does seem to be enough in most cases, but you should still be cautious when buying pizzas, meat-based snacks or ice cream from street-sellers. Power cuts are common and there is no guarantee that defrosted food is not subsequently refrozen. National-peso restaurants can be equally suspect, particularly those in out-of-the-way places.

Sun exposure and heat issues

Cuba’s humid tropical climate means you should take all the usual common-sense precautions: drink plenty of water, limit exposure to the sun (especially between 11am and 3pm) and don’t use a sunscreen with a protection factor of less than 15, and if you’re fair-skinned or burn easily, no lower than 25. You may find sunscreen difficult to find away from hotels and convertible-peso shops, so be sure to pack some before taking any trips into less-visited areas.

Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies

Don’t assume that Cuba’s world-famous free health service extends to foreign visitors – far from it. In fact, the government has used the advances made in medicine to earn extra revenue for the regime through a system of health tourism. Each year, thousands of foreigners come to Cuba for everything from surgery to relaxation at a network of anti-stress clinics, and these services don’t come cheap. There are specific hospitals for foreign patients and a network of clinics, pharmacies and other health services targeted specifically at tourists, run by Servimed. The only general hospital for foreigners, as compared to the smaller clinics found in around half-a-dozen cities and resorts across the island, is the Clínica Central Cira García in Havana.

If you do wind up in hospital in Cuba, one of the first things you or someone you know should do is contact Asistur, which usually deals with insurance claims on behalf of the hospital, as well as offering various kinds of assistance, from supplying ambulances and wheelchairs to obtaining and sending medical reports. However, for minor complaints you shouldn’t have to go further than the hotel doctor, who will give you a consultation. If you’re staying in a casa particular your best bet, if you feel ill, is to inform your hosts, who should be able to call the family doctor, the médico de la familia, and arrange a house-call. This is common practice in Cuba where, with one doctor for every 169 inhabitants, it’s possible for them to personally visit all their patients.

There is no single emergency number for ringing an ambulance, but you can call 105 from most provinces and 7 838 1185 or 7 838 2185 to get one in Havana. You can also try Asistur’s emergency Havana numbers (7 866 8339 and and 7 866 8527).

There are two types of pharmacy in Cuba: national-peso places for the population at large; and Servimed pharmacies aimed primarily at tourists, charging in convertible pesos and usually located within a clínica internacional. Tourists are permitted to use the antiquated national-peso establishments but will rarely find anything of use besides aspirin, as they primarily deal in prescription-only drugs. The Servimed pharmacies only exist in some of the largest towns (as detailed throughout the guide), but even these don’t have the range of medicines that you might expect.

Cuba has two units of currency: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), neither of which can be bought or sold outside Cuba itself so you can’t get your hands on either until you arrive. While Cuban salaries are paid in CUP, the vast majority of foreign visitors use CUC. This dual-currency system is unpopular among Cubans and its elimination has been on the cards for years but for now it still pays to get your head around it.

The colour and images on convertible peso banknotes are distinct from those on regular pesos and the notes clearly feature the words “pesos convertibles”. The banknote denominations are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1. The CUC is divided into centavos and there are $1CUC, 50c, 25c, 10c and 5c coins. The Cuban peso, which is also referred to as the national peso (peso nacional or moneda nacional), is divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1. The lowest-value coin is the virtually worthless 1c, followed by the 5c, 20c, 1-peso and 3-peso coins, the last adorned with the face of Che Guevara.

Hard currency is king in Cuba, and wherever you are it pays to always have at least some money in cash. It’s best to carry convertible pesos in low denominations, as many shops and restaurants simply won’t have enough change. Be particularly wary of this at bus and train stations or you may find yourself unable to buy a ticket. If you do end up having to use a $50CUC or $100CUC note, you will usually be asked to show your passport for security. The slightest tear in any banknote means it is likely to be refused.

There is a 10% charge applied when exchanging US dollars in cash. Scottish, Northern Irish and Australian banknotes and coins cannot be exchanged in Cuba.

Credit cards, debit cards and ATMs

Visa and MasterCard credit cards and debit cards are more widely accepted than travellers’ cheques for purchases. However, Maestro and Cirrus debit cards are not accepted at all, nor are any cards issued by a US bank or credit card company; American Express and Diners Club are generally unusable regardless of the country of issue. Although you’ll generally be OK using cards in upmarket hotels, restaurants and touristy shops, when dealing with any kind of private enterprise, from paladars to puncture repairs, anything other than cash isn’t worth a centavo. For most Cubans, plastic remains an unfamiliar alternative, and in most small- to medium-sized towns, cards are absolutely useless. Bear in mind also that power cuts are common in Cuba and sometimes render cards unusable.

The number of ATMs in Cuba is slowly increasing but there are still relatively few, and some of them only accept cards issued by Cuban banks. Among those that do accept foreign cards, very few take anything other than Visa, and again none accept cards issued by US banks. Most ATMs display stickers stating clearly the cards they accept. Those that take foreign cards are generally found in top-class hotels, branches of the Banco Financiero Internacional, the Banco de Crédito y Comercio and some CADECA casas de cambio.

As the CUC is not traded internationally, all transactions (including cash withdrawals) involving a foreign credit or debit card in Cuba will be converted into US dollars, for which a commission will be charged. At the current three percent rate, if you withdraw $100CUC from an ATM it will appear as US$103 on your transaction receipt. Some ATMs have a $200CUC withdrawal limit, including the commission charge, effectively making the limit $190CUC in most instances. There is no such limit if you withdraw cash through a bank teller, but the commission for this type of transaction is sometimes around one percent higher. Credit cards are more useful for obtaining cash advances, though be aware of the interest charges that these will incur. For most cash advances you’ll need to deal with a bank clerk.

Banks and exchange

Banking hours in Cuba are generally Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, while a tiny minority of banks are open Saturday mornings. However, in touristy areas opening hours are sometimes longer for foreign currency transactions, referred to at banks as the “servicio de caja especial”. Not all Cuban banks readily handle foreign currency transactions; those most accustomed to doing so are the Banco Financiero Internacional and the Banco de Crédito y Comercio, both with branches in all the major cities. Whether withdrawing money with a credit or debit card or cashing travellers’ cheques, you’ll need to show your passport for any transaction at a bank.

The government body CADECA runs the country’s bureaux de change, known as casas de cambio, found in hotels, roadside kiosks and buildings that look more like banks. These establishments are where you should change convertible pesos into national pesos, though you can exchange foreign currency too and travellers’ cheques, and use a Visa card or MasterCard to withdraw cash. They have more flexible opening hours than the banks – generally Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 8am until noon. No commission is charged for buying national pesos.

Black market salesmen often hang around outside casas de cambio and may offer a favourable exchange rate or, sometimes more temptingly, the opportunity to buy pesos without having to queue. Although dealing with a black market salesman is unlikely to get you into any trouble, it could result in a prison sentence for the Cuban. You may also be approached by people on the street offering to exchange your money, sometimes at an exceptionally good rate. This is always a con.

Current exchange rates can be checked at xe.com .

Financial difficulties

For any kind of money problems, most people are directed to Asistur, set up specifically to provide assistance to tourists with financial difficulties, as well as offering advice on legal and other matters. Asistur can arrange to have money sent to you from abroad as well as provide loans or cash advances. There are branches in a few of the big cities and resorts.

Other than Asistur, the firm to contact if you have problems with your credit or debit cards is FINCIMEX, which has offices in at least ten Cuban cities and can provide records of recent card transactions and shed light on problems such as a credit card being declined in a shop.

Convertible or national pesos?

Cuba’s confusing dual-currency system has its own vocabulary, consisting of a collection of widely used terms and slang words. The first thing to learn when trying to make sense of it all is that both national pesos and convertible pesos are represented with the dollar sign ($). Often common sense is the only indicator you have to determine which of the two currencies a price is given in when written down, but sometimes prices are specified as CUC, MN or CUP. Thus one national peso is sometimes written $1MN. In spoken language, the most common word for convertible pesos is simply CUCs (pronounced “kooks”). Other commonly used qualifiers are divisas for convertible pesos and moneda nacional for national pesos. However, many Cubans refer to either currency as pesos, in which case you may have to ask if they mean pesos cubanos or pesos convertibles.

The general rule for most visitors is to assume that everything will be paid for with convertible pesos. Ninety-nine percent of state-run hotels, many state-run restaurants, museums, most bars, nightclubs and music venues and the vast majority of products in shops are priced in convertible pesos, though you can use euros in one or two restaurants and other establishments. You’ll be expected to use CUC to pay for a room in a casa particular, a meal in a paladar and most private taxi fares, though there is occasionally some flexibility.

Entrance to most cinemas and sports arenas, plus rides on local buses, street snacks and food from agromercados are all paid for with national pesos, while some shops away from the touristy areas stock products priced in national pesos too. There are also goods and services priced in both currencies. Usually this means the national peso charge applies only to Cubans, while non-Cubans pay the equivalent in convertible pesos, as is the case with tollgates on roads and museum entrance fees. However, in some instances tourists are merely advised rather than obliged to pay in convertible pesos, and by doing so occasionally enjoy some kind of benefit, such as being able to bypass a waiting list or queue. There are also services priced in national pesos which are the exclusive preserve of Cubans, such as Astro buses(see Interprovincial buses) and some casas particulares.

Beach and placid waters aside, Cuba is not a country with an ample stock of entertainment for children. But what the country lacks in amenities, it makes up for in enthusiasm. By and large Cubans love children and welcome them everywhere, and having a kid or two in tow is often a passport to seeing a hidden side of Cuban social life. Practically speaking you’ll be able to find things like nappies in the department stores of bigger towns and some of the hotel shops, though the quality might not be what you’re used to. Baby wipes and nappy bags are less common so it’s wise to bring your own. To get hold of baby food you may need to visit the larger supermarkets. The only milk widely available is UHT.

What to bring

Make sure your first-aid kit has child-strength fever reducers, diarrhoea medicine, cold remedies, plasters, antihistamines and other medicines. These are available throughout the country but not always readily so and tend to be more expensive than at home. Plenty of child-friendly sunscreen is essential; the Caribbean sun is very hot, particularly during the rainy season (May-Oct). Remember also to bring lots of loose cotton clothing, plus a few long-sleeved tops and trousers to combat the brutal air conditioning in restaurants and buses. It’s also a good idea to pack a raincoat and appropriate footwear, as sudden downpours are common even outside the rainy season. Bear in mind that with limited laundry facilities you may be hand-washing many garments, so take items that are easy to launder and dry.

What to expect

Public toilets are scarce in Cuba, and there are few places with dedicated baby-changing facilities – hand-washing facilities can be patchy so antibacterial hand wipes are useful.

In terms of accommodation, children under 12 can stay for half price in many hotel rooms and if no extra bed is required they may stay for free. Staying in a casa particular is a great way to give children a taste of Cuba beyond the tourist belt. Rooms often have extra beds for children and many households have pets and courtyards where children can play. However, be aware that most houses, even those with steep narrow stairs and high balconies, do not have child gates or safety restraints.

Eating out, children are made very welcome pretty much everywhere. Children’s menus are on the rise but generally still scarce. Places with high chairs are similarly rare – most children sit on their parents’ laps. Discreet breastfeeding in public is fine.

When travelling around Cuba with children, it’s important to remember you’ll often be dealing with long queues and sporadic schedules. Long bus journeys can be particularly exhausting and uncomfortable. If you plan on renting a car, bring your own child or baby seat, as rental companies never supply them and there are none in Cuba. Newer cars are fitted with three-point seat belts in the front and seat belts in the back. Poor-quality pavements make using a buggy or pram difficult, so it’s a good idea to consider an alternative like a baby sling or backpack.

As a general definition, the pejorative term jinetero refers to a male hustler, or someone who will find girls, cigars, taxis or accommodation for a visitor and then take a cut for the service. He – though more commonly this is the preserve of his female counterpart, a jinetera – is often also the sexual partner to a foreigner, usually for material gain.

Immediately after assuming power, Castro’s regime banned prostitution and, officially at least, wiped it off the streets, with prostitutes and pimps rehabilitated into society. The resurgence of the tourist industry has seen prostitution slink back into business since the mid-1990s; however, in Cuba this entails a rather hazily defined exchange of services.

In the eyes of Cubans, being a jinetero or jinetera can mean anything from prostitute to paid escort, opportunist to simply a Cuban boyfriend or girlfriend.

As an obvious foreign face in Havana, you will often be pursued by persistent jineteros and jineteras. Many Cubans are desperate to leave the country and see marrying a foreigner as the best way out, while others simply want to live the good life and are more than happy to spend a few days or hours pampering the egos of middle-aged Westerners in order to go to the best clubs and restaurants and be bought the latest fashions.

Police sometimes stop tourists’ cars and question Cuban passengers they suspect to be jineteros or jineteras, and casas particulares must register all Cuban guests accompanying foreigners (foreigners themselves are not penalized in any way).

Bathroom break

Public toilets are few and far between in Cuba, and even fast-food joints often don’t have a washroom. You’re more likely to find bathrooms in hotels and petrol stations, but don’t expect toilet paper to be supplied – carry your own. Train and bus stations usually have toilets, but conditions are often appalling. Cuban plumbing systems, be they in a casa particular or hotel, cannot cope with waste paper, so to avoid blockages remember to dispose of your paper in the bins provided.

Cuba has some of the most highly regarded festivals in Latin America, and events like the Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano continue to grow in prestige and attract growing numbers of visitors. There are also plenty of lesser-known festivals celebrating Afro-Cuban dance, literature, ballet and other arts, and a whole host of smaller but worthwhile events in other provinces. Catching one of these can make all the difference to a visit to a less-than-dynamic town.

Cuba’s main carnival takes place in Santiago de Cuba in July and is an altogether unmissable experience. As well as numerous parades featuring dramatically costumed carnival queens waving from floats, and more down-to-earth neighbourhood percussion bands, several stage areas are set up around the town where live salsa bands play nightly. Also worth checking out are the smaller carnivals held in Havana and other provincial towns, such as Guantánamo in late August, which feature parades and boisterous street parties as well. Here are listings for the main festivals and a selection of smaller events.

Liberation Day (Jan 1). This public holiday celebrates the first day of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution as much as the first day of the year, with street parties and free concerts throughout the country.

Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana (Havana International Book Fair) Havana (mid/late Feb–early March). You’ll find more books on Cuban politics and ideology at this citywide festival than you can shake a stick at, as well as new fiction and poetry, at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña in Habana del Este (as well as at several bookshops across the capital). Events include discussions, poetry readings, children’s events and concerts. Havana’s Casa de las Américas also presents its literary prize during the festival period.

Festival del Habano (Cuban Cigar Festival) Havana and Pinar del Río (late Feb). A commercialized festival promoting the Cuban cigar industry, but still a great event for any cigar enthusiast with visits to cigar factories and tobacco plantations, a trade fair and plenty of tastings.

Festival Internacional de la Trova “Pepe Sánchez” Santiago de Cuba (usually March 19-24). Commemorating the life of the great nineteenth-century Santiaguero trova composer José “Pepe” Sánchez, this festival fills the town’s streets, parks and most important music venues with the sounds of acoustic guitars and butter-smooth troubadours.

Festival Internacional del Cine Pobre Gibara (mid-April). Small coastal town Gibara hosts the annual International Low Budget Film Festival. As well as public screenings in the local cinema and on outside projectors, there’s a competition for fiction and documentary films as well as an assortment of captivating exhibitions, recitals, seminars and concerts.

International Urban Dance Festival: “Old Havana, City in Motion” Havana (mid-April). Rather than displays of breakdancing and body-popping, this festival, organized by the well-respected Retazos Dance Company, uses sites around Habana Vieja to show off contemporary dance choreography, with accompanying master classes, lectures, workshops and night-time jazz jams.

Bienal de La Habana (April-May). This month-long biennale focuses on Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, African and Middle Eastern artists. It takes place in dozens of galleries, museums and cultural centres all over the city, such as Pabellón Cuba and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

International Workers’ Day (1 May). Known in Cuba simply by its date, Primero de Mayo is vigorously celebrated in this communist country. A crowd of around twenty thousand, waving banners and paper flags, march past dignitaries in front of the José Martí memorial in Havana, with similar parades taking place across the country, in a quintessentially Cuban celebration of national pride and workers’ solidarity.

Romerías de Mayo San Isidoro de Holguín (May 2-8). A yearly pilgrimage, Mass and three-day celebration of performing arts in this eastern city.

Feria Internacional Cubadisco Havana (mid to late May). A celebration of the local recording industry, in which Cuban musicians who have released albums in the preceding year compete for the title of best album. The finale is held at Salón Rosado de la Tropical Benny Moré.

Festival Internacional “Boleros de Oro” Havana (late June). The siren song of bolero, a musical genre born in Cuba in the nineteenth century, draws singers from all over Latin America for this week-long Havana festival organized by UNEAC. Concert venues usually include Teatro Mella and Teatro América in Havana as well as venues elsewhere in the country.

Camagüey Carnival Camagüey (mid June to late June). With over thirty outdoor stages and party areas set up throughout the city, and big stars like Adalberto Álvarez and his Orchestra in attendance, this is one of the worthier provincial carnivals.

Fiesta del Caribe Santiago de Cuba (first week of July). Santiago’s week-long celebration of Caribbean music and dance culture takes place at the beginning of July, with free concerts and dance displays in Parque Céspedes and throughout the city.

Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba (mid-July). Cuba’s most exuberant carnival holds Santiago in its thrall for the last two weeks of July, with costumed parades and congas, salsa bands and late-night parties. Official dates are 18-27 but the week-long run-up is often just as lively.

Carnaval de La Habana Havana (late July to early Aug). Usually lasting a week or so, the Havana carnival is a jubilant affair with many of the country’s top bands playing to packed crowds throughout the city, and a weekend parade of floats working its way along the Malecón.

Simposio de Hip Hop Cubano Havana (late Aug). Superseding the former Festival de Rap, this five-day event, whose main venue is the Casa de Cultura de Plaza in Havana’s Vedado district, has become a more studied affair with conferences, discussions and workshops but fortunately there are still live performances too, at venues around the city.

Festival Internacional de Ballet de la Habana Havana (late Oct to early Nov). Held in even-numbered years and presided over by Alicia Alonso and the Cuban National Ballet. Recent highlights have included performances by visiting Cubans Carlos Acosta and José Manuel Carreño. Performances take place at the Gran Teatro and Teatro Mella.

Festival de Matamoros Son Santiago (mid to late Oct). This three-day festival, a tribute to the Santiago de Cuba nineteenth-century musician Miguel Matamoros, draws music stars from around the country for concerts, dance competitions, workshops and seminars. While the focus is on son, expect to see many other traditional styles of music, including salsa.

Havana International Theatre Festival Havana (Oct-Nov). Excellent ten-day theatre festival showcasing classics and contemporary Cuban works as well as productions by theatre groups from Latin America, Europe and the US, with plenty of free street theatre in the city’s open spaces as well.

Festival de la Habana de Música Contemporánea Havana (late Nov). A festival of classical and chamber music staged in venues around the city, such as the Casa de las Americas and the Convento de San Francisco de Asís.

Baila en Cuba – Encuentro Mundial de Bailadores y Academias de Baile de Casino y Salsa Havana (late Nov). A commercial event consisting of a week of concerts, workshops and classes showcasing and teaching Cuban dance styles. There’s usually an impressive line-up of salsa bands too.

Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano Havana (early Dec). One of Cuba’s top events, this ten-day film festival combines the newest Cuban, Latin American and Western films with established classics, as well as providing a networking opportunity for leading independent directors and anyone else interested in film. Information, accreditation and programmes are available at the Hotel Nacional, from where the event is managed. It’s well worth paying $40CUC accreditation, which gains you access to all screenings, seminars and talks and many after parties.

Havana International Jazz Festival Havana (mid-Dec). Organized by the Cuban Institute of Music and Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdés, this is the powerhouse event in the local international jazz calendar. It consistently attracts an excellent line-up: Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Haden and Max Roach have all played in the past, alongside Cuban luminaries such as Bobby Carcassés, Roberto Fonseca and of course Chucho Valdés himself. Venues across the city include Teatro Mella, Teatro Karl Marx, Teatro Amadeo Roldan, Teatro América and the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza.

Parrandas de Remedios Remedios, Villa Clara (Dec 24). An unusual and exuberant carnivalesque display of floats, fireworks and partying.

Cuba has an unusually high proportion of world-class sportsmen and women but its sporting facilities, for both participatory and spectator sports, lag some way behind the standards set by its athletes. Nevertheless, you can catch a game in the national baseball, basketball and soccer leagues for next to nothing, while Cuba is endowed with countless outstanding scuba-diving and fishing sites. Hiking and cycling are both popular outdoor activities for foreign visitors but access to either requires some advance planning.

For some outsiders, the national Cuban baseball league, the Serie Nacional de Béisbol, isn’t just one of the best leagues outside of the US to see world class players, but represents a nostalgic version of the game, harking back to a time when the sport elsewhere – particularly in the US – wasn’t awash with money and spoiled by celebrity and commercialism. Every province has a team and every provincial capital a stadium, most of which were built in the 1960s or early 1970s, and are relatively intimate affairs, with the exception of Havana’s 55,000 capacity Estadio Latinoamericano. Free of mascots, cheerleaders, obtrusive music blasted through PA systems and any form of commercial distraction, all the attention is instead on the game.

The national league adopted a new season structure in 2012. The first half of the season begins in late summer or autumn depending on the year (in recent years start months have ranged from August to November), as the 16 teams play the first of their 45 regular season games in an all against all contest. In March the top eight teams play a further 42 games to qualify for play-offs, semifinals and finals in May. Traditionally, games start around 8pm during the week, though in recent years there have been plenty of 2pm and 3pm start times, both throughout the week and at weekends. Some stadiums now have special seating areas and higher admission costs for non-Cubans.

Dominant teams over the last decade have included Ciego de Ávila, Industriales of Havana, Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba. By far the best resource for anything relating to Cuban baseball, including season schedules and tournament information, is the website baseballdecuba.com.

Other spectator sports

The national basketball league, the Liga Superior de Baloncesto, generates some exciting clashes, even though most of the arenas are on the small side. There are only eight teams in the league, with Ciego de Ávila the dominant force over the last decade. The timing of the basketball season, played over a 28-round regular season followed by semi-finals and finals, is inconsistent from year to year but most recently has taken place between January and April.

There is a national football (soccer) league as well, with its season running from October to February, followed by play-offs and finals in March. Pinar del Río, Villa Clara and Cienfuegos have been the most consistently strong teams over the last three decades. There are very few custom-built football stadiums, with many games taking place in baseball stadiums or on scrappy pitches with very little enclosure.

Scuba diving

Cuba is a scuba-diving paradise. Most of the major beach resorts, including Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucía and Guardalavaca, have at least one dive centre, with numerous others all over the island, including several in Havana. The most reliable dive sites are generally off the south coast where the waters tend to be clearer, away from the churning waves of the Atlantic Ocean, which affect visibility off Cuba’s northern shores. For the top dive spots head for María La Gorda in southwestern Pinar del Río, Punta Francés on the southwestern tip of the Isla de la Juventud, and the Jardines de la Reina off the southern coastlines of Ciego de Ávila. All three have been declared National Marine Parks by the Cuban government and as a result are protected from man-made abuses, particularly commercial fishing.

Diving in Cuba is worthwhile in any season, but during the hurricane season (June to November) and particularly in September and October, there is a higher chance that the weather will interfere and affect visibility. Among the marine life you can expect to see in Cuban waters are nurse sharks, parrotfish, turtles, stingrays, barracuda, tarpon, moray eels, bonefish, snapper and tuna. The best time to see whale sharks, arguably the highlight of any diving trip to the island, is in November, while in the spring the fish are in greater abundance. On the other hand, from late April to late May there is an increased chance of swimming into what Cubans call el caribé, invisible jellyfish with a severe sting, found predominantly off the southern coast of the island. To counter this you can either wear a full wetsuit or simply make sure you dive off the northern coastline at this time of year.

The principal dive operator in Cuba is Marlin, which runs most of the dive centres and many of the marinas. The only other significant players are Gaviota, Cubanacán and Cubamar Viajes. Most dive centres are ACUC certified, but a few are SSI or SNSI certified, and all offer courses accredited to one or more of these diving associations. There are countless opportunities for all levels of diving, from absolute beginners to hardened professionals, but the best place to start is in a hotel-based diving resort, where you can take your first lesson in the safety of a swimming pool.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is new to Cuba but is growing quickly. The last few years have seen the country’s first clutch of kitesurfing schools and centres set up in the sport’s hotspots, Varadero, Cayo Guillermo and Playas del Este in Havana , all on the northern coast where you’ll get the best winds (commonly 14-20 knots). Equipment rental in general is scarce but possible in all three of these places and easiest in Varadero where there are two schools. The best months for wind are between November and April.

Cuba is now firmly established as one of the best fishing destinations in the Caribbean, if not the world. Largely free from the voracious appetite of the huge US fishing market and discovered only relatively recently by the rest of the world, Cuba’s lakes, reservoirs and coastal areas offer all kinds of outstanding fishing opportunities.

Inland, bass are particularly abundant, especially at Embalse Hanabanilla in Villa Clara, Embalse Zaza in Sancti Spíritus and lakes in Ciego de Ávila province, which between them provide the best locations for freshwater fishing. The top Cuban destination for fly-fishing lies south of the Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey coastlines at the Jardines de la Reina archipelago. This group of some 250 uninhabited cays, stretching for 200km at a distance fluctuating between 50km and 80km from the mainland, is regarded by some experts as offering the finest light-tackle fishing in the world. With commercial fishing illegal here since 1996, other than around the outer extremities, there are virtually untapped sources of bonefish and tarpon as well as an abundance of grouper and snapper. To get a look-in at the Jardines de la Reina archipelago, you will most likely have to go through Avalon, a specialist foreign operator granted exclusive rights of the specialist foreign operators which have attained exclusive rights to regulate and organize the fishing here, in conjunction with the Cuban authorities. Fly-fishing is also excellent at the Peninsula de Zapata. There are numerous other opportunities for saltwater fishing around Cuba, with deep-sea fishing popular off the northern coastlines of Havana, Varadero and Ciego de Ávila, where blue marlin, sail fish, white marlin, barracuda and tuna are among the most dramatic potential catches.

There is no bad time for fishing in Cuban waters, but for the biggest blue marlin, July, August and September are the most rewarding months, while April, May and June attract greater numbers of white marlin and sail fish. The best bass catches usually occur during the winter months, when the average water temperature drops to 22°C.

Equipment for fishing, particularly fly-fishing, is low on the ground in Cuba, and what does exist is almost exclusively the property of the tour operators. Buying anything connected to fishing is all but impossible, so it makes sense to bring as much of your own equipment as you can.

Its associations with the pre-1959 ruling classes made golf something of a frowned-upon sport in Cuba once Fidel Castro took power. The advent of mass tourism, however, has brought it back, and though currently there are only two courses on the island there are plans for more. The biggest, best-equipped and most expensive is the eighteen-hole course run by the Varadero Golf Club, established in 1998. Less taxing are the nine holes of the Club de Golf Habana, just outside the capital, the only course in the country that survived the Revolution.

All three of Cuba’s mountain ranges feature resorts geared toward hikers, from where hiking routes offer a wonderful way to enjoy some of the most breathtaking of Cuban landscapes. Designated hikes tend to be quite short – rarely more than 5km – and trails are often unmarked and difficult to follow without a guide, while going off-trail is largely prohibited. Furthermore, orienteering maps are all but nonexistent. This may be all part of the appeal for some, but it is generally recommended, and sometimes obligatory, that you hire a guide, especially in adverse weather conditions. In the Cordillerra de Guaniguanico in Pinar del Río and Artemisa the place to head for is Las Terrazas, where there is a series of gentle hikes organized mostly for groups. The Topes de Collantes resort in the Escambray Mountains offers a similar programme, while serious hikers should head for the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra, host to the tallest peak in Cuba, Pico Turquino. To get the most out of hiking opportunities at these resorts you should make bookings in advance or, in the case of the Sierra Maestra, turn up early enough to be allocated a guide, as independent hiking is severely restricted.

Though cycling isn’t particularly popular among Cubans, many tourists take to the saddle to explore cities and travel long distances across the country.

Many Cubans take jobs in the tourist and service industries for the tips that so significantly top up their salaries (the average state wage is equivalent to around $18CUC a month). In general, it’s appropriate to tip waiters, hotel cleaners and baggage carriers, car park attendants, toilet attendants and tour guides, but be aware of the differences between people who own their own business and those who work for the state. For example, a taxi on the meter means the driver works for the state and a tip is appropriate; most taxis don’t have a meter as they are privately owned and paying your fare is enough. Similarly, the hosts at a casa particular wouldn’t expect a tip, though if they employ cleaning staff a tip for them is always a nice gesture. Service charges of 10-12% are now fairly common in state restaurants and in smarter paladars.

LGBT travellers

Homosexuality is legal in Cuba and the age of consent is 16, though same-sex marriage remains illegal. Despite a very poor overall record on gay rights since the Revolution, there has been marked progress in the social standing and acceptance of gay men and women in Cuba since the early 1990s. That said, police harassment of gay men and particularly of transvestites is still quite common. Despite this, there are now significant numbers of openly gay men in Cuba, though gay women are far less visible. There is still a strong stigma attached to same-sex hand-holding or similar displays of sexuality, but freedom of expression for gay people is greater now than at any point since 1959. There are no official gay clubs and bars as such in Cuba but there are a few gay-friendly venues, particularly in Havana and Santa Clara.

Mariela Castro, the daughter of President Raúl, has emerged as a champion for gay rights in Cuba in recent years. As director of Cenesex, the National Centre for Sex Education, she has been instrumental in a number of initiatives designed to increase tolerance and awareness of gay issues. In 2007 Cenesex was behind the country’s first official recognition and celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia.

There is no pink press in Cuba. The only magazine in which gay issues are regularly discussed is the rather academic Sexología y Sociedad, the quarterly magazine published by Cenesex.

Though the range of consumer products available in Cuba’s shops is slowly expanding, quality and choice are still generally poor – cigars, rum, music and arts and crafts remain the really worthwhile purchases here. The late 1990s saw the first modern shopping malls emerge, predominantly in Havana, but outside of these and a few of the grandest hotels, shopping comes with none of the convenience and choice you’re probably used to. Almost all shops actually carrying any stock now operate in convertible pesos, but a pocketful of national pesos allows you the slim chance of picking up a bargain.

National-peso shops are often poorly lit and badly maintained, and some understandably won’t allow foreign customers, giving priority to the national-peso-earning public. Though they are often half-empty, it’s still possible to unearth the odd antique camera or long-since-deleted record, while others specialize in imported secondhand clothes. The most worthwhile are the casas comisionistas, the Cuban equivalent of a pawnbroker. These can be delightful places to poke around, frequently selling vintage and sometimes antique items, from furniture to pocket watches and transistor radios.

With the price of the world’s finest tobacco at half what you would pay for it outside Cuba, it’s crazy not to consider buying some habanos (the term for Cuban cigars) while on the island. The national chain of La Casa del Habano stores accounts for most of the cigars sold in Cuba, with around 10 outlets in Havana and lots more around the country, often in classy hotels; cigars are also sold in airports, gift shops and a lot of the less classy hotels, too. The industry standard is for cigars to be sold in boxes of 25, though you can find them in boxes of ten or fifteen, and miniatures in small tins too.

There are currently around 30 different brands of Cuban cigar. The biggest names and generally the most coveted: expect to pay upwards of $75CUC for a box of Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann and Hoyo de Monterrey cigars – and for the top dogs or rarest smokes, like Cohiba Esplendidos or Montecristo A, don’t expect much change from $500CUC. Like most habanos brands, these are all hand-made, but if you’re buying cigars as souvenirs or for a novelty smoke, you’d do just as well with one of the less expensive, machine-made brands. The most widely available are Guantanameras – though connoisseurs wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole, at between $20CUC and $30CUC a box you can at least make a purchase without having to ring your bank manager. First-time smokers should start with a mild cigar and take it from there; it makes sense to try a machine-made brand given the lower cost, but of the hand-made brands Hoyo de Monterrey are relatively light.

The biggest business on the black market is selling cigars to foreign visitors, with the average price of a box representing at least as much as the average monthly wage. If you spend any time at all in a Cuban town or city you will inevitably be offered a box of cigars on the street. You can find boxes for as little as $10CUC, but no self-respecting salesman is likely to sell the genuine article at that price and they will almost certainly be fakes.

If you leave Cuba with more than 50 cigars, you’re theoretically required to make a customs declaration; and must also be able to show receipts for your purchases. Sometimes you may be asked to show receipts even for fewer than 50 cigars; if you can’t, you risk having them confiscated. Although most travellers are not checked when leaving, you’re obviously more at risk of having cigars confiscated if you’ve bought them on the black market.

Along with cigars, rum is one of the longest-established Cuban exports and comes with a worldwide reputation. Although there are a few specialist rum shops around the island, you can pick up most of the recognized brands in any large supermarket without fear of paying over the odds. Rum is available in several different strengths, according to how long it was distilled; the most renowned name is Havana Club, whose least expensive type is the light but smooth Añejo Blanco, which will set you back $3–5CUC. The other, darker types increase in strength and quality in the following order: Añejo 3 Años, Añejo Especial, Añejo Reserva, Añejo 7 Años, Cuban Barrel Proof and the potent Máximo Extra Añejo. Other brands to look out for include Caney, Mulata and a number of regional rums like Guayabita del Pinar, from Pinar del Río, and the excellent Santiago de Cuba. The maximum number of bottles permitted by Cuban customs is six.

First introduced to the island by French plantation owners fleeing the 1798 Haitian revolution, coffee is one of Cuba’s lesser-known traditional products. It’s easy to find and excellent quality, mostly grown and cultivated without the use of chemicals in the rich soils and under the forest canopies of the three principal mountain ranges. Supermarkets are as good as anywhere to find it, but there are a few specialist shops in Havana and elsewhere. The top name is Cubita, but there are plenty of others like Turquino, from the east of the country, Serrano, and even a couple produced under cigar brand names Montecristo and Cohiba.

Books and music

The Cuban publishing industry is still recovering from the shortages of the Special Period, and bookshops here are generally disappointing, with a very narrow range of titles. Stock is often characterized by nationalist and regime-propping political texts, from the prolific works of the 19th-century independence-fighter José Martí to the speeches of Fidel Castro, and other titles unwavering in their support of the Revolution. Perhaps more universally appealing are the coffee-table photography books covering all aspects of life in one of the most photogenic countries in the world. There are both CUC and national-peso bookshops; the latter often stock academic texts as well as Cuban fiction, and are a good bet for back issues of Cuban magazines at bargain prices.

English-language books are few and far between, but two or three bookshops in Havana and at least one in Varadero and Santiago de Cuba have a handful of foreign-language titles, usually crime novels and pulp fiction.

Some of the most comprehensive catalogues of CDs are found in Artex stores, the chain responsible for promoting culture-based Cuban products. Most provincial capitals now have a branch, and there are several in Havana. Look out also for Egrem stores, run by one of the country’s most prolific record labels and sometimes stocking titles hard to find elsewhere.

Arts and crafts

One of the most rewarding Cuban shopping experiences is a browse around the arts and crafts – or artesanía – markets. Cuba has its own selection of tacky tailored-to-tourism items, but if you want something a bit more highbrow there are plenty of alternatives, like expressive African-style wood carvings, a wide choice of jewellery, handmade shoes and everything from ceramics to textiles. Haggling is par for the course and often pays dividends, but shopping around won’t reveal any significant differences in price or product.

Look out also for the BfC logo, a seal of above-average quality and the trademark of the Fondos Cubanos de Bienes Culturales, shops selling the work of officially recognized local artisans. Artex shops also make a good port of call for crafts, though they tend to have more mass-produced items.

Antiques and vintage memorabilia

In recent years, with the expansion of private enterprise, Cuba’s immensely rich bounty of antique and vintage furniture and memorabilia has come onto the open market. Though still quite hard to track down, the rewards for doing so are some extraordinary collections of books, maps, ceramics, glassware and jewellery, as well as Art Deco furniture and all sorts of 1950s memorabilia, from postcards and magazines to cabaret coasters, glasses and swizzle sticks. Look out also for 1970s revolutionary posters and collectable 1990s Cuban baseball cards. You’ll find the richest vintage pickings in Havana and Trinidad.

All types of media in Cuba are tightly censored and closely controlled by the state. While this means that the range of information and opinion is severely restricted and biased, it has also produced media geared to producing (what the government deems to be) socially valuable content, refreshingly free of any significant concern for high ratings and commercial success.

Newspapers and magazines

There are very few international newspapers available in Cuba, and your only hope of finding any is to look in the upmarket hotels. Tracking down an English-language newspaper of any description, even in the hotels, is an arduous, usually unrewarding task and you’re far better off looking online.

The main national newspaper, Granma openly declares itself the official mouthpiece of the Cuban Communist Party. The stories in its eight tabloid-size pages are largely of a dry political or economic nature with some arts and sport coverage. Raúl Castro’s speeches or Fidel Castro’s musings are often published in their entirety and the international news has a marked Latin American bias. Articles challenging the official party line do appear, but these are usually directed at specific events and policies rather than overall ideologies. Hotels are more likely to stock the weekly Granma Internacional . Printed in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Turkish and Portuguese editions, it offers a roundup of the week’s stories, albeit with a very pro-Cuban government spin. There are two other national papers: Trabajadores , representing the workers’ unions, and Juventud Rebelde founded in 1965 as the voice of Cuban youth. Content is similar, though Juventud Rebelde , in its Thursday edition, features weekly listings for cultural events and has more articles that regularly critique social issues.

Among the most cultured of Cuba’s magazines is Bohemia , the country’s oldest surviving periodical, founded in 1908, whose relatively broad focus offers a mix of current affairs, historical essays and regular spotlights on art, sport and technology. The best of the more specialized publications are the bimonthly Revolución y Cultura , concentrating on the arts and literature, and the tri-monthly Artecubano , a magazine of book-like proportions tracking the visual arts. There are a number of other worthy magazines, such as La Gaceta de Cuba , covering all forms of art, from music and painting to radio and television; Temas , whose scope includes political theory and contemporary society; and Clave , which focuses on music.

US-based On Cuba magazine and website , is one of the best resources for up-to-date impartial news and views on Cuba and particularly Cuban-US relations and cultural projects. Many journalists are Cuban-based and articles give a welcome insight into the intricacies, pleasures and anomalies of life on the island.

Havana Live website is a good resource for of-the-moment news stories about the capital and beyond, and listing and tourist information.

There are nine national radio stations in Cuba, but tuning into them isn’t always easy, as signal strength varies considerably from place to place. You’re most likely to hear broadcasts from Radio Taíno , the official tourist station, and the only one on which any English is spoken, albeit sporadically. Playing predominantly mainstream pop and Cuban music, Radio Taíno can also a useful source of up-to-date tourist information such as the latest nightspots, forthcoming events and places to eat. Its FM frequency changes depending on where you are in the country.

Musically speaking, other than the ever-popular sounds of Cuban salsa, stations rarely stray away from safe-bet US, Latin and European pop and rock. The predominantly classical music content of Radio Musical Nacional is about as specialist as it gets; the frequency varies around the country.

Of the remaining stations there is little to distinguish one from the other. The exception is Radio Reloj , a 24-hour news station on air since 1947, with reports read out to the ceaseless sound of a ticking clock in the background, as the exact time is announced every minute on the minute; and Radio Rebelde , the station started in the Sierra Maestra by Che Guevara in 1958 to broadcast information about the rebel army’s progress.

There are five national television channels in Cuba: Cubavisión, Telerebelde, Canal Educativo, Canal Educativo 2 and Multivisión, all commercial-free but with a profusion of public service broadcasts, revolutionary slogans and daily slots commemorating historical events and figures. Surprisingly, given the sour relationship between Cuba and the US, Hollywood films are a TV staple, sometimes preceded by a discussion of the film’s value and its central issues. The frequent use of Spanish subtitles as opposed to dubbing makes them watchable for non-Spanish speakers.

Cubavisión hosts a longstanding Cuban television tradition, the staggeringly popular telenovela soap operas, both homegrown and imported (usually from Brazil or Colombia). There are also several weekly music programmes showcasing the best of contemporary Cuban music as well as popular international artists. Saturday evenings are the best time to catch live-broadcast performances from the cream of the national salsa scene.

Telerebelde is the best channel for sports, with live national-league baseball games shown almost daily throughout the season, and basketball, volleyball and boxing making up the bulk of the rest. As the names suggest, both Canal Educativo channels are full of educational programmes, including courses in languages, cookery and various academic disciplines.

The newest channel, Multivisión, began broadcasting in 2008 with a schedule of predominantly foreign-made programmes, including films, Latin American soap operas, National Geographic documentaries and US cop shows and comedies. It has become enormously popular with Cubans.

Officially, satellite TV is the exclusive domain of the hotels, which come with a reasonable range of channels, though you won’t find BBC or VOA. Cuba’s international channel is Cubavisión Internacional, designed for tourists and showing a mixture of films, documentaries and music programmes.

Already started planning your holiday in Cuba? Explore your options for the best ways to get there .

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Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Cuba

Ambulance: 104

Police: 106

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers , funeral directors and  translators and interpreters in Cuba
• dealing with a  death in Cuba
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Cuba
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Cuba and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Havana .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cuba on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Travel Tips for Cuba

Top Tips for Travel to Cuba 🇨🇺 

What you need to know before you head to Cuba

Travel to Cuba is relatively easy even though Cuba is different!

Here are some key things you need to know before you get there so that you can enjoy a smooth and stress free trip.  A little preparation goes a long way!

Our guides helped me gather some extra travel tips to share with you.

Here are our top tips for any trip to Cuba:

• Bring hand sanitiser   😷 Cubans are extremely clean and health conscious because it’s a tropical country where bugs and bacteria thrive.  The best defense against “travellers’ tummy” is to wash your hands frequently and use sanitiser when you don’t have access to soap and water.   Cuba isn’t a rich country and you won’t be able to buy any in Cuba.

• Bring EUR  or USD cash in small denominations.  💶€💶 $ Cuba’s national currency is the CUP ( Cuban Peso ) but its value fluctuates ALOT and everyone in Cuba wants EUR or USD.   Best to bring your cash in USD or EUR5,10 or 20 notes. You’ll be able to use it pretty much everywhere and especially in bars and restaurants where proprietors actively prefer payments in a solid currency over payments in CUP.  It’ll work out better value for you too! Although you can easily exchange your EUR cash into CUP cash, it makes sense to keep the bulk of your cash in EUR as restaurants will often give you a better rate of exchange than the official one.   Currently, the official exchange rate is EUR1:CUP132  while the unofficial rate is EUR1:CUP330.  Just saying…😉
• Best assume ATMs don’t work in Cuba !  ＄😩    Cuba might be the last country where CASH IS KING .   We’re so used to travelling cashless , this one will come as a surprise but do yourself a favour and take my advice – assume you won’t be able to use your bank cards anywhere!   Many bank cards won’t work in Cuba anyway ( US bank cards don’t work in Cuba , nor do European cards issued by US banks, so check with your bank before departure ) You can use your bank card in Duty Free and in a few stores and all medical centres around the country.

• Medication and toiletries  💊🧴 Bring any medication and toiletries you will need during your trip and be generous –  bring extra to give to Cubans you’ll meet along the way.   Cubans currently struggle to find even the most basic medication so the most useful gifts you can bring at the moment are over-the-counter painkillers and useful meds such as Benadryl ( for allergies )  or hydro-cortisone cream for insect bites and skin rashes ) They will be super grateful for any extra items you can fit in your case. Go to Poundland or Superdrug, spend £20 and make someone’s day (and friends for life) when you get to Cuba! Here is a list of items currently impossible or very hard to buy in Cuba…
• Paracetamol
• Anti-histamines
• Insect repellent ( those pesky mosquitoes )
• Hydro-cortisone cream ( for rashes and insect bites )
• Nappy cream ( Sudocrem, the magic cream which works on any skin condition! Brilliant on sunburn too J )
• Sanitary Towels ( yup, imagine you can’t get sanitary protection 🥺 )
• Razors ( now you know why everyone is sporting a beard in Cuba )
• Moisturisers ( both face and body )
• Shampoo and conditioner

And if you like snacks ( and like the idea of making someone really, really happy) you might want to pack:

• Chocolate  🍫

How to use the internet in Cuba

Connectivity is patchy, that’s the honest truth, but YES! you can still connect to the internet in Cuba. Head over to our blog where we share our expert tips on how to connect to the internet in Cuba. 

How safe is Cuba?

Cuba has one of the  lowest crime rates in the Western Hemisphere . Violent crime is rare, and petty crimes like pickpocketing are infrequent, especially in tourist areas. Read our Is Cuba Safe? blog to get an idea of what’s like with our top recommendations.

We know you’ll have a good time once you get here, just make sure you take our advice so that you have the best time possible!

What about food?

Cuba has its limitations when it comes to food. So to help you eat yourself happy, we’ve put together a handy food guide with all the information you need – whether you are a meat-eater, vegan, vegetarian or gluten free!

Worried about passport and visa information?

We’ve got your back! We tell you all about everything you need in our Cuba Need To Know section.

Need help planning your perfect Cuba holiday? 

Our expert team has over 20 years of experience organising tours and activities in Cuba – the Cuban way! Here are some reasons why our customers trust us:

★ Sustainable and responsible travel experiences ★Travel safely in the hands of an international team of travel professionals ★ Stay in local casas and get closer to Cuban life ★ Bike hire included (Trek hybrid 8.3 DS bikes with front fork suspension) ★ English-speaking tour guides and drivers and mechanics! ★ All bus transfers in private air-conditioned bus ★ Mineral water and local snacks on cycling days ★ 24 hr assistance

The Sustainable, active travel experts in Cuba

For the last 20 years, we have been providing exceptional and meaningful holidays, enriching the lives of active travellers and our community, and exposing them to a unique way of living by sharing real Cuban experiences, in a sustainable way. Get in touch with our expert, friendly team to book a Cuba holiday to remember.

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Entry regulations

Find all entry regulations for flights to Cuba in the following table*.

When entering Cuba, an online declaration of health status must be filled out in advance; however, submitting the form is only possible 48 hours before travel at the earliest . Proof of health insurance covering the cost of COVID-19 treatment must be presented.

Prior to Travel

There are no known restrictions

Visas and tourist cards can be applied for at the Cuban diplomatic mission abroad.

The e-Visa portal announced in May 2024 was activated on 1 August 2024. An eVisa authorises a maximum stay of 90 days. However, entry with a tourist card is still possible until the end of the year. This can be purchased from the relevant providers online, via agencies or at the consulate.

The processing time for an eVisa is usually 3 working days.

eVisa application Cuba

Travellers may extend their stay via the immigration authorities once by 90 days.

Travellers should ensure they do not exceed the permitted length of stay in the destination country in order to avoid possible sanctions such as fines, custody pending deportation or even entry bans.

The Federal Foreign Office points out that in view of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, there are still risks associated with international travel, especially for people without full vaccination protection as well as vulnerable groups. Regulations on entry or international transport connections can change quickly with the pandemic situation.

The so called "3G rule" is lifted when entering Germany, there is a recommendation to wear a mask at some airports.

Prior to Entry

There are no COVID-19-related entry restrictions (e.g. border closures, mandatory proof of testing and vaccination) in force at this time.

When entering Cuba, an online declaration of health status must be filled out in advance; however, submitting the form is only possible 48 hours before travel at the earliest. Proof of health insurance covering the cost of COVID-19 treatment must be presented.

The Cuban authorities continuously adjust the entry regulations, which may change at short notice.

Transit is permitted without COVID-19 related restrictions.

Children and minors are not generally exempt in case testing requirements apply.

Random tests can be carried out at the airport.

Should travellers show signs of symptoms upon arrival, they may be transferred to a health facility where they undergo a PCR-test.

No notes available.

There is no testing or quarantine requirement on entry for completely immunized persons.

There is no testing or quarantine requirement on entry for incompletely vaccinated persons.

There is no testing or quarantine requirement on entry for those who have recovered.

There is no ease of restrictions.

COVID-19 related documentary proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result is not currently required.

Current value: 1. Previous week: 1 Data source: Our World in Data / European Center for Disease Control. The data is only available at country level and is updated daily.

There are currently no COVID-19-related travel restrictions in the country.

There are currently no more COVID-19-related restrictions.

Shops and businesses are open.

Restaurants and bars are open.

Events may resume.

Public transport between provinces may still be restricted. Face masks are mandatory in public transport.

If travellers test positive for COVID-19 during their stay, they may be required to go into a quarantine hotel. Internet access is not guaranteed in these facilities. If travellers stay in private accommodation, they may get regular visits by medical representatives.

Entry/return to Germany

For travellers entering from a risk-free area, there are no longer any registration or other requirements.

There is no obligation to test before entering Germany.

Since May 2022, no proof of a negative test, a vaccination or recovery is required, in order to enter Germany.

Further information on the new entry regulation can be found at the Federal Government 's website.

There is no obligation to test after entering Germany.

[QRRISKOFREI]

There is no testing or quarantine requirement for completely immunized persons on entry/return.

Vaccinated persons are exempt from national quarantine and testing obligations. (Caution: In Germany, only the vaccines by BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax have been approved so far.) Further information is available from the Federal Government .

According to the Robert Koch-Institute, it is a risk-free area . There is no quarantine obligation after entry into or return to Germany.

There is no testing or quarantine requirement on entry/return for incompletely vaccinated persons.

There is no testing or quarantine requirement on entry/return for those who have recovered.

Recovered persons are exempt from quarantine and testing obligations nationwide, area of active circulation of highly contagious virus variants . Those who have recovered need proof of a positive PCR test (or other nucleic acid detection) at least 28 days and no more than 3 months ago. Recovered persons must not have any symptoms of a possible COVID-19 infection. Further information is available from the Federal Government . 

*All information is without guarantee and is based exclusively on information provided by external sources, e.g. the German Foreign Office. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of this information. Please inform yourself about the applicable entry requirements before your flight.