Travelers from 18 countries Visa Information can travel to Cuba without a visa.
Travelers from the rest of the world can purchase a “Tourist Card” at the airport before checking into their flight.
VISA USA citizen travel under one of 12 visa categories are allowed to visit Cuba:
Family visits;
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations;
Journalistic activity;
Professional research and professional meetings;
Religious activities;
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
Humanitarian projects;
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials;
Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms.
The Green Tourist Card is needed if you’re flying to Cuba from any country other than the US. This one costs you $20 at the airport or more if you’re purchasing it online ahead of your trip. I know you can buy it at the gate in Mexico and Panama (which are two of the most popular jumping points to Cuba).
If flying from Canada, your airline will already include the green tourist card price on the ticket.
If you’re flying directly from the US to Cuba, you will need a Pink Tourist Card (this includes direct flights from Mainland US, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands). The cost of the pink tourist card is $50, but some airlines and visa websites charge a processing fee.
Depending on the airline, you will be able to arrange it with them either online, via mail, or at the gate.
The best time to go there is between Mid-November to March when the weather is the coolest and driest, but it is the busiest season. May and June are the wet seasons, July till September must of Cubans going on holidays the hottest months also.
It is required to have travel insurance to enter Cuba. They may or may not ask for proof at the airport, and should you not have any, they could deny your entry.
I wasn’t asked, nor other people I’ve asked or read about their entry to Cuba. But, you never know, so better go safe and buy travel insurance.
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Convenience kit
- Water bottle with filter
- Sunscreen
- Microfiber towels
- Mosquito repellent
- Portable charger
- Pin adapter (for Europeans)
- Travel guide
- Spanish-English phrasebook
Bring cash, Cuba is still mostly a cash economy, so even if you’re not American, you should take enough money with you to last most of your trip. Americans, of course, have to take all their money cash, and then some more for contingencies.
USA credit cards issue by American banks won’t be accept.
Tell your banks you are going to Cuba. (only if you live outside of USA)
We recommend at least 1-3 USD for maids, porters, receptionists, street musicians, and taxi drivers. Local guides generally expect 3-5 USD while 10% of the bill is the gratuity standard at restaurants in Cuba.
Simple and easy. Buy bottled water.
We recommend eating at private restaurants called “Paladares”, some homeowners prepare also delicious meals. You can ask us about it.
Bus Major cities will be cover by bus (named VIAZUL) https://www.viazul.com/
Shared taxis are also a good choice.
Hiring a car with driver
Rent a Car with
REX https://www.rexcarrental.com/
Transtur https://www.transturcarrental.com/
Havana, Viñales, Trinidad
Havana is big, but if you have a few days there, you can save money on transportation by walking it and seeing things at a slower pace. I do recommend walking; that’s when you see the best scenes of the city. Prepare for hot humid weather.
Also, Viñales, Trinidad, and other popular cities can be walked easily.
Cubacel Tur a temporal phone SIM card with 30 days of use plus a basic package with 2.5GB + 20 min + 20
You can get your Cuba sim card in the airport at the Terminal 3 and inside the official stores at the cities.
There are phone kiosks and local shops willing to sell an Cuba prepaid sim card. Just make sure that you present your foreign passport.
International vendors
www.cubaceltur.com y www.recargasacuba.com.
Etecsa (telecom Company website) http://www.etecsa.cu/telefonia_movil/cubacel_tur/
Please check your phone should be free and operate at 4G with band 3 at 1800 MHZ
We recommend you download in your country Maps.me app with the island maps to work offline while you visit Cuba.
April 4, 2022: Notice from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health:
Starting April 6, 2022:
In correspondence with the international and national epidemiological situation of COVID-19 and the levels of immunization reached in the country, it has been decided to make the following modifications to the entry requirements to the country as part of the International Health Control:
- Eliminate as a requirement for entry to the country the presentation of a test for COVID-19 (Antigen Test or PCR-RT) taken in the country of origin, as well as the certificate of vaccination against COVID-19.
- The sampling for SARS CoV-2 study (free) will be maintained randomly to travelers at the points of entry into the country, taking into account the number of flights, the entry of boats and the epidemiological risk represented by the country of origin.
- If the sample taken at the point of entry tests Positive, the pertinent protocols approved in the country for the clinical-epidemiological control of COVID-19 will be followed.
- All measures implemented at all points of entry into the country that guarantee social distancing, hand and surfaces disinfection will remain.
- The mandatory use of the mask at all points of entry into the country will remain in place.
Fill out the Sanitary Statement for Travelers
All visitors to Cuba will 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 just before checking in for your flight to Cuba, or during the flight.