To enter the national territory foreigners or people without citizenship, including minors, must hold a valid passport issued in their name or equivalent document and entry visa. Citizens of a country that has a free visa agreement signed by Cuba are exempt from fulfilling this requirement.
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The Visa is valid for a single entry.Travelers can be admitted for periods of up to 30 days, extendable for the same termat the Division of Identification, Immigration and Alien Affairs.
The price of the visa is usually around € 22 depending on the country where it is purchased.
All visitors, both foreigners and Cubans residing abroad, must hold a mandatory Medical Insurance Policy with coverage in Cuba. This policy must be purchasedat the place of residence of each traveler. Those travelers that exceptionally don’t have the insurance at their arrival, they will be able to purchase a policy with insurance and assistance cover subscribed by Cuban insurance companies at the airport, ports or marinas and has an approximate cost of 2.50 to 3.00 CUC daily.
Cuba operates a dual currency system.
Visitors usually use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Bills in 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations.
The Cuban peso (CUP), known as the national currency, is usedmostly by Cuban citizensalong with the CUC. Bills in 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000denominations.
The exchange rate between the two currencies is fixed. 24 CUP is equivalent to 1 CUC.
In Cuba you can exchange currency at CADECA (Cuban government official exchange house), some hotels, ports and banks. A valid identification is required.
Important! Do not accept or exchange you currency anywhere other thanat the official exchange places or through people who mightapproach you on the street.
The currency exchange is made at the current rates, except the US Dollar (USD) to which the Cuban government has applied a tax. It is advisable to make these exchanges to another currency such as euro.
The visitor is allowed to use credit and debit cards in Cuba, but US banks are still analyzing whether to allow these transactions or not. If the cards belong to one of these banks it will be advisable to assume that transactions on the island will be made in cash.
Several mobile telephone companies have signed a roaming contract with the only telecommunications company that governs telephony in Cuba, called ETECSA, to offer the service of calls, data and SMS. It is advisable to consult your telephone company to know if they offer this service and what is the cost of it.
Likewise, all visitors can visit the mobile telephony offices of ETECSA and buy a pre-paid line to use during their stay on the island.
On the island, Internet and Wi-Fi service is limited and can be purchased in most hotels and cybercafés for a fee.
The Telecommunications Company ETECSA has also established Wi-Fi hotspots in the city, where you can access the internet after purchasing connection cards at ETECSA. The rate for this service is 1CUC per connection hour.
As in any other destination, it is advisable to drive with caution, respecting traffic laws. The signaling system is international and is driven on the right.
There is a road infrastructure that connects all the destinations on the island.
It is advisable to keep the fuel tank full, since the gas stations between some places may be distant, mainly towards the interior of the country. The signage in some stretches of road may be scarce as well as lighting, and attention should be paid to the condition of some roads, so it is advisable to take this type of trips during the day.
The price of fuel is usually around 1CUC per liter.
In all cities there is a service of both state and private taxis, the latter are usually old cars from the 50’s with little comfort.
There is also a network of classic vehicles in excellent condition intended for visiting tourist centers mainly.
In addition to the rental of cars and minibuses, the visitor can choose to use transport between essentially interprovincial destinations by bus. The two main lines are ASTRO and VIA AZUL, the latter of greater comfort. Reservations are usually made in the transport agencies or in some tourist spots such as the hotels. There is also an air infrastructure that connects the main cities and tourist destinations.
Cuba is known as one of the safest destinations in the hemisphere.
You can walk freely through its streets, exchange, know the idiosyncrasy and culture of the local population, without forgetting safety rules based on simple common sense.
We recommend:
- Do not use flashy jewelry or show considerable sums of money outside the hotel or place of lodging.
- Do not carry with you when going out your credit card if it is not necessary, large amount of money, or passport, but a copy of the latter.
- Do not walk through desolate streets that move away from the main tourist destinations late at night.
- Do not accept any service to strangers on streets or beaches, outside the official scope.
- When renting a car, never leave it unattended. It is preferable to use parking spaces that offer the custody service.
It is advisable to drink bottled water if you are outside the hotel.
- It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent with you.
- Use sunscreen during day hours.
- Consume bottled water.
Most hotels have a guaranteed primary health care service on site. In addition to this, there are international clinics and pharmacies that provide services to foreign visitors, where they can receive specialized assistance or buy medicines; although in exceptional cases hospitals of the health system for Cubans can offer emergency treatment to foreigners.
As a recommendation, if the visitor must take some periodic medication, it is advisable to have the amount of medication you may need during your stay.
Mostly the voltage used is 110 voltsand flat pins are used in most cases. Some hotels also have the standard for 220 volts. It is advisable to use your own transformer.
Cuba is a Caribbean destination with a subtropical climate over the warm and pleasant most of the year.
The average temperature ranges between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius (73 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit) between October and March and between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) between April and September.
The rainy season is mostly from May to October.
In the middle of summer the sun is radiant and is hot, so it is highly recommended to always use light clothing, light colors, fresh fabrics or clothes that protect you from exposure to UV rays, sun glasses, caps or hats and sunscreen.
In the months of June, July and August the frequency of national tourists to the beaches increases as it is the holiday season on the island.
However, it is necessary to bear in mind that between October and March there is frequent entry of cold fronts, with the possibility of minimum temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit), mainly in the months of December, January and February. For this time of the year it is advisable to bringa light coat or sweater.
