Is It Safe To Visit Cuba During Covid-19?

Cuba is facing increased restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic, with all tourists, including those from the US, required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test completed up to 72 hours before landing. This has led to a high degree of caution for travelers, especially those planning outdoor activities in Cuba. Petty crime and violent crime pose a threat to tourists, and they should stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust their plans accordingly.

The World Health Organization (FCDO) advises against non-essential tourist travel to Cuba due to the ongoing pandemic. Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations in the world to visit, with no evidence of any threat to tourists. The world tourism body FITUR considers Cuba the safest country for tourism due to its exceptional safety, lack of drugs, guns, gangs, and violent crime.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise increased caution in Cuba (level 2 of 4). Cuba has had success dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and travel to Cuba does not pose any elevated risk. The latest Covid-19 regulations for Cuba can be found here.

In summary, Cuba is one of the safest destinations in the world to visit, with no evidence of any threat to tourists. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, non-essential tourist travel to Cuba is still advised against.

Do you need proof of vaccination to travel to Cuba?

On January 16, 2023, customers traveling to Cuba must fill out the D’Viajeros Online Form before departure, which includes Traveller General Information, Health Questionnaire, and Immigration and Customs information. A QR Code will be sent to passengers upon arrival in Cuba. Tourist cards can be purchased at the airport or at the interCaribbean counter. No Covid pre-travel test is required, and vaccination is not required. Visitors must have health insurance with coverage in Cuba.

Health screening may be required upon arrival, and a PCR-RT test will be performed. Travelers are not allowed to use USD in Cuba, and must carry Euros or Canadian Dollars (CAD) for purchases. 21 countries require a Consular Visa for tourism in Cuba, including Haiti, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Philippines, Ghana, Guinea, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, and Uzbekistan.

Is it safe to go to Cuba right now?

Cuba is experiencing increased caution due to petty crime and violent incidents, including armed robberies and homicides. Tourists should exercise caution and be aware of the special notification process for U. S. Embassy employees traveling outside of Havana, which may impact their ability to provide emergency assistance to U. S. citizens in Cuba. For more information on travel to Cuba, please refer to the country information page.

Is Havana safe for tourists?

Car crime in Havana and other tourist areas is common, so it’s important to avoid taxis and lifts from unknown individuals. Drive cautiously in central Havana, especially at night, keeping doors locked and windows closed. Punctured tires can lead to attacks on foreigners, so drive to the nearest town before stopping. Cuban laws and cultural differences also impact travel, with strict penalties for drug-related offenses. It’s advised to pack your own luggage and avoid carrying items for others.

Is travel to Cuba still banned?

In 2024, Americans can travel to Cuba for one of twelve specific purposes defined by the United States Treasury Department, and to travel on daily commercial flights to Havana, which mostly depart from Miami. To visit Cuba, travelers must tick one motive from an online list when purchasing their air ticket, which is “support of the Cuban people”. The US government also requires travelers to spend their money supporting private businesses in Cuba, not government-owned or operated companies.

This has become increasingly easy with the expansion of the private sector in the travel industry, with casas particulares, Airbnbs, and paladares offering better food, more intimate experiences, and direct encounters with everyday Cubans. A travel specialist can help identify appropriate businesses and tailor a trip that is “one-hundred-percent private”. The Cuban government has always welcomed foreign tourists, but the US government has historically banned US tourists from legally visiting under the trade embargo put in place after the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

When should I avoid going to Cuba?

Cuba experiences a dry and sunny season from June to November, with tropical storms peaking in September and October. Although not likely to affect your trip, consider traveling earlier or later to reduce the chance of encountering a hurricane. January in Cuba is a popular month for classic island tours and cycling, with temperatures dropping but still reaching 26°C. Although not as busy as December, January is still a popular month for active adventurers exploring Cuba by bike or staying in casas particulares without air conditioning.

Is Cuba on the red list?

The UK’s traffic light lists for international travel have been updated to reflect a downgrade from amber to red for Indonesia, Myanmar, Cuba, and Sierra Leone. Individuals from these countries will now be required to undergo a 11-night hotel quarantine at a cost of £1, 750 per solo traveler. In a recent announcement, Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, revealed that four additional locations had been included on the 60-strong red list.

How to avoid getting sick in Cuba?

It is of the utmost importance to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of food and water, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under the age of five, individuals over the age of sixty, and those with weakened immune systems. The majority of individuals recover without medical intervention and through proper rehydration, which entails the consumption of substantial quantities of fluids.

Does Cuba stamp your passport?

It should be noted that visas for Cuba are not issued directly on passports. Rather, they are affixed to the Cuba Tourist Card, which can be obtained with the assistance of iVisa through a straightforward online application process.

Do I need vaccination for Cuba?

The recommended vaccines for Hepatitis B are none, Hepatitis A, Rabies, and Tetanus. Hepatitis B is selectively advised for individuals at highest risk. Risk is higher in countries with hepatitis A circulating or in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation. Risk is highest for those with underlying medical conditions, men with sex with men, drug users, and those exposed through their jobs. Risk is also higher for frequent, longer visits, visiting friends and relatives, children, and those requiring medical treatment during travel.

Is Cuba safer than Mexico?

Cuba provides a unique opportunity for travelers seeking a more authentic and secure travel experience than that offered by Mexico. It allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the culture of another country.

Why is it so hard to travel to Cuba?

Since 1961, US citizens have been prohibited from traveling to Cuba for “touristic” purposes due to the US embargo against Cuba. However, they can travel to Cuba if they meet the requirements of one of 12 categories for which the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) has granted a general license. The general license applies to each of the 12 authorized travel categories, and individuals who meet the conditions of the general license do not need to apply for an additional license from OFAC.

In November 2017, President Trump issued a directive eliminating individual “People-to-People” travel from the educational activities category and introducing a new category called “Support for the Cuban People”. In June 2019, group travel using the People-to-People category was eliminated.