Cuba Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Havana.

Geography:

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, about the size of England, and the most westerly of the Greater Antilles group, lying a mere 145km (90 miles) south of Florida. The country also includes about 1,600 other much smaller islands, islets and cays.

The terrain of Cuba is mostly flat, but one-third of the country is mountainous, and the three most important mountain ranges are the Sierra de Los Órganos in the western region, the Sierra del Escambray in the central region, and the Sierra Maestra in the Eastern region. Pico Turquino in the Sierra Maestra range is the highest peak.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Cuba's national airline is Cubana (www.cubana.cu), which operates direct services to Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Other airlines that fly to Cuba include Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, American Airlines, KLM, Mexicana, United, among others. Flights to Cuba tend to be more expensive around major holidays in December.

Major airports are: Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Matanzas and José Martí International Airport in Havana.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Flight Times

From London - 10 hours; New York - 4 hours.

Getting There By Water

Sailing into Cuba is possible, with a handful of international marinas receiving foreign vessels, including Marina Hemingway in Havana, Marina Marlin in Santiago de Cuba, and Marina Dársena in Varadero.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

 

Cubana de Aviación (www.cubana.cu) is the principal carrier. The state-owned company operates domestic and international flights.

Bike

Cuba is a popular choice for cycling tours, especially outside of big cities. There are a number of bike hire companies in the cities as well as in places like Viñales.

Breakdown Services

Should you break down, you need to contact your car hire agency to arrange roadside assistance.

Car Hire

All car hire companies are state-owned and rental fees are high. Insurance, which is not included in the rental fees, is also compulsory. Due to the lack of road signs, some companies may provide you with a map. The tourist office (INFOTUR) also gives out free maps but the readily available versions may not be good enough for driving; check to see if they can print out a detailed version. Alternatively, consider buying a good map or hire a car with a driver.

When picking up the car, check to see if there is a spare tire and jack tool kit, and go through all existing damage to avoid disputes later. The number plate of your rental car should have the letter T to indicate 'Turismo' (Tourism).

Coach

Efficient Viazul (www.viazul.com) buses connect most towns across the island of interest to visitors including Havana, Camagüey, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Varadero and Viñales.

Conectando is another bus service that links Havana with Trinidad and Cienfuegos, and they pick you up from your hotel. As the pick-up service is customised, you, therefore, must buy the tickets from your hotel, at one of the tourist information centres (INFOTUR), or one of the Cubanacán offices. All tickets must be booked a day before and not on the day of travel. Both Viazul and Conectando accept CUC.

Camiones are converted trucks that run between towns and within provinces. They mainly serve the locals and accepts CUP. Note that some camiones drivers may not allow foreigners on board.

Departure Tax

None.

Documentation

Valid national driving licence required.

Getting Around By Rail

The train network in Cuba reaches almost every city but the schedules are subject to change regularly. Some long-distance trains in service have air-conditioned cars (first-class), non-air-conditioned cars (second-class), a cafeteria and fewer stops.

You must purchase tickets in person from any of the offices of the government-owned travel agency Viajero. You will be asked to present your passport upon booking as each train has a number of seats allocated to foreigners. On the day of your departure, you must arrive at least an hour before so you can get your ticket stamped at the confirmation counter and have your passport checked.

Regulations

Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on expressways, 60 km/h (37mph) on rural roads and 50kph (31mph) in urban areas. Beware that there are speed restrictions, but due to a lack of signage, you may not know the restrictions.

Getting Around By Road

Before 2014, owning a car in Cuba required a special permit. Following the removal of the special permit, car sales haven't quite skyrocketed as prices remain high. So most drivers that cruise the roads are key workers, private taxis and couriers who know the routes by heart. As a result, signposting is a low priority, although it is improving recently. Make sure you slow down and proceed with care at every rail crossing even when there are no indicators.

Large sections of Autopistas (expressways) are in good condition, but there are also sections that require urgent maintenance. Lane markings do not always exist too.

Avoid driving at night, as a lack of stop signs and broken traffic lights makes it unsafe.

Out in the country, it is common to see cars stopping and offering hitchhikers a ride, although the locals generally do not expect foreign motorists to do so.

Road Classification

Cuba has several multi-lane expressways and single-lane highways; the main ones include:
• Carretera Central that spans the length of the island from La Fé (Pinar del Río Province) in the west to Baracoa (Guantánamo Province) in the east.
• Circuito Norte that spans the length of the island along the Atlantic Coast, from Mantua (Pinar del Río Province) in the west to Baracoa (Guantánamo Province) in the east.
• Circuito Sur that connects Artemisa (Artemisa Province) in the west to Sancti Spíritus (Sancti Spíritus Province) in central Cuba.

Road Quality

Autopistas (expressways) are generally in good condition, although some sections do require urgent maintenance. Provincial roads may not be well-maintained so drive with caution.

After years of neglect, things are improving. The government has been repairing sections of motorways and roads but the task remains challenging.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in major Cuban cities. The yellow Cubataxi is the most common and the drivers use meters. Private taxis are increasingly common and if they don't use meters, negotiate before getting into the car. All taxis for tourists accept Cuban Convertibles Pesos (CUC).

The small yellow 'Coco taxis' are auto-rickshaws; they may be adorable and good for short distances but proceed with care as they are famous for ripping tourists off by claiming a route is shut, and you have to pay extra for a detour.

The locals get around in Colectivo (shared taxis) or Almendrones (shared taxis operate on a fixed route), both of which may or may not take tourists. In the event that they do, they may ask you to pay in CUC even while the locals pay in CUP.

Urban Travel

All cities have sufficient taxis, Colectivo (shared taxis) and a large number of buses.

Taxis: Opt for a modern air-conditioned vehicle, or for special occasions a vintage American car. All official taxis have meters but watch out for taxis with 'broken' meters, especially in Havana. Unofficial 'private taxis', often vintage Ladas, can be hailed on the street.

Getting Around By Water

There is a ferry service connecting Isla de la Juventud (the second-largest Cuban island) to Batabanó, 71km (44 miles) south of Havana. Within Havana, you can also take a ferry to Casablanca, the peninsula on the other side of Havana Harbour.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Cuba's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cuba set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cuba, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

If you're visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist card, also known as a tourist visa, before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator. Travellers can also access the link here to apply for their tourist cards/'visa' online. The electronic card will be linked to the applicant's passport.

You must also show proof of onward or return travel. See Cuba's consular services information for details.

For more information and advice about other types of visas, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.

The Cuban Tourism Portal provides useful information on travelling to and within Cuba.

Overstaying your visa

The authorities take any breach of immigration rules seriously. You could be detained if you overstay your visa.

Checks at border control

You must complete an online arrival form on the D'Viajeros traveller information portal within 72 hours before entering the country. You'll get a QR code by email. This must be to shown to the authorities on arrival as an electronic or printed version. Airlines will check completion of the form at check-in..

Travelling from the USA to Cuba      

Under US law, you are not allowed to travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism.

There are 12 reasons or categories for which the USA authorities will approve direct travel from the USA to Cuba. For more information see the US State Department's travel advice for Cuba.

Travelling from Cuba to the USA

You cannot travel from Cuba to the USA without a US visa.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Cuba guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Cuba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Art and antiques

Some art and antiques require an export permit from the Country Heritage Office ('Bienes Culturales'). Ask the vendor if they have the required permit for the item you are buying. At the airport, you may need to show the receipt.

Photography equipment

You may need an import licence for photography equipment, as well as the appropriate journalism visa.

Drones

You are not allowed to bring drones into Cuba. They will be confiscated on arrival and not returned until your departure. The process for getting your drone back could be lengthy.

Food items

You cannot take meat products, milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds or organic matter into Cuba, with some exceptions.

Electrical items and GPS on mobiles

Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are subject to import requirements. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but you must turn off any inbuilt GPS.

Complete a customs form if items are confiscated on your arrival so you can collect them on your departure date.

Taking money into Cuba   

The Cuban national peso (CUP – 'moneda nacional') is the official currency and cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba. Declare foreign currency you're taking into Cuba if the value is more than 5,000 US dollars.

You must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else. See Money.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cuba

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cuba, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Cuba is ruled by a single party, with a high level of social control. Opposition parties are not allowed. There are restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals. Any political demonstrations not approved by the government may be broken up by the authorities.

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities. Internet access can sometime be blocked during times of political tension.

Crime    

Levels of crime are generally lower than in the UK, but the difficult economic situation means opportunistic crime is increasing. Muggings are a risk, particularly at night.

Protecting your belongings

There is a risk of theft from luggage when baggage is being handled on arrival or departure at the airport. You should:

• not pack valuables in your hold luggage
• lock suitcases
• shrink-wrap luggage before check-in if possible

Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatching:

• in the streets of Old Havana or any crowded areas
• on public transport
• in nightclubs

Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery. Mobiles and laptops are particularly attractive to thieves. Leave valuables in a hotel safe.

Beware of theft from your accommodation, particularly from private guest houses ('casas particulares').

Fake taxi drivers

There are a small number of criminals who pose as tour operators or taxi drivers. These fake drivers operate at the airport and around Old Havana. Only travel with your tour operator. If you need to use a taxi from the airport, make sure it's a registered yellow taxi.

Vehicle crime

There are sometimes car-related crimes and muggings in Havana, and other tourist areas. Do not hail taxis or accept lifts from anyone you do not know. Take care when driving in central Havana, particularly at night. Keep doors locked and windows closed.

There have been attacks on foreigners in hire cars after deliberate puncturing of tyres. If you are in a remote area with a punctured tyre drive on to the nearest town before stopping. Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs penalties   

Cuba has strict laws on the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Cuban courts can give severe penalties for drug-related offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items for anyone else.

Using cameras in restricted areas

Avoid all military zones and other restricted areas. Do not take photographs or videos in these areas. Possession of photographs or information relating to military areas or installations can be regarded as espionage and could result in a prison sentence.  

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cuba, but gender diversity is not fully understood or accepted by the general population. Same-sex marriages are recognised under Cuban law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Risk of detention

If you break the law, or are suspected of causing injury to someone, you may be stopped from leaving Cuba during the investigation and trial, and you could be imprisoned. Contact the British Embassy in Havana as soon as possible for assistance.

Money

You must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else, including with any individuals who may offer exchange services. If you're caught making an unauthorised exchange, you could be fined or get a prison sentence.

Check with your bank before you travel that your debit, credit and ATM cards will work in Cuba. There are often severe shortages of Cuban national pesos available through ATMs, so it's a good idea to bring cash in euros or US dollars. Expect long queues.

Following a banking reform, the government is encouraging businesses and consumers to use electronic payments rather than cash. State-run hotels and shops only accept bank card payments, but privately run hostels ('casas particulares'), restaurants and shops may ask for cash payment in local or foreign currency.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you're planning to drive, see information on driving abroad.  

You can drive in Cuba with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you must pass a driving test and get a Cuban driving licence.

You can hire a car in Cuba, but fuel shortages can make it difficult to get petrol or diesel, especially for long distances. If you hire a car with a driver, they will know where to source fuel.

Motorcycles and scooters

If you hire a moped or motorbike, check the condition of the vehicle carefully. All drivers and passengers must wear a crash helmet.

Taxis

Three-wheel Coco-taxis may be in an unsafe condition. Tourists have been injured and killed when riding in these vehicles.

Official yellow taxis are generally reliable. Avoid private taxis and old private classic taxi cars as it is unlikely that they will be properly licensed, or have modern safety features. It is best to book rides in old classic cars from reputable companies.

Road conditions

Driving standards are variable. Many vehicles, including public transport, are badly maintained. Drivers are prone to stop suddenly and may not signal. Roads are poorly lit and badly sign-posted. Avoid driving at night as animals and unlit vehicles are a danger and you may not see hazards such as potholes.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Cuba is from June to November each year. Heavy rains often cause flash floods and landslides. After a hurricane, power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted. In extreme weather conditions, flights to and from Cuba may be delayed or cancelled.

Earthquakes

Cuba is in an active earthquake zone, but strong earthquakes are not common. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 104 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cuba 

• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Cuba, including: 

• dengue 
• Zika virus 
• malaria 
• Oropouche virus disease

To control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the Cuban authorities may carry out chemical fumigation measures across the island. The chemicals used may cause some discomfort if you come into contact with them.  

Medication

There are severe shortages of basic medicines, but clinics treating foreigners are more likely to stock basic medical supplies. Many medicines, pharmacy items and sanitary products that are easily accessible in the UK, are not available in Cuba.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, do not expect to buy medication in Cuba. A letter from your GP stating treatment and dosage may be helpful if you need treatment from a medical practitioner.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Cuba  

Medical facilities in Havana are better than elsewhere in Cuba. If you need medical treatment, you or your insurance company will need to pay by card with foreign currency before any treatment. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Cuba where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Psychiatric care facilities for foreigners are limited and difficult to access.

FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

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

Fire: 105

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 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

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

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

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.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes*
Malaria	Sometimes**
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Sometimes*
Typhoid	Sometimes*
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Obtain adequate health insurance before travelling. Prior to treatment, visitors may need to show proof of ability to pay. Standards of care are excellent, but equipment and drugs are often in short supply due to a trade embargo imposed by the US.

Air pollution is an issue in Cuba, with old trucks and buses emitting carbon dioxide and foul-smelling fumes. Air pollution could cause respiratory illnesses – wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and upper respiratory infections. Wear an anti-pollution mask if you are at risk.

Vaccinations Note:

* Potentially required if travelling extensively throughout Cuba.

Food Drink:

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is ubiquitous, but boiling water is recommended to limit plastic waste. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption.

Other Risks:

Dengue fever may occur as well as outbreaks of dengue haemorrhagic fever and meningitis, particularly in urban areas such as Havana and Santiago. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Cuba is considered to have a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission. The mosquito-borne illness can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby as well as through sexual contact. The World Health Organisation recommend travellers to Cuba protect themselves from mosquito bites and suggests wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible, sleeping under mosquito nets and using repellents that contain DEET (diethyltoluamide), IR 3535 ((3- [N-butyl-N-acetyl], aminopropionic acid ethyl-ester) or KBR3023 (also called Icaridin or Picaridin).

Currency Information:

Prior to 1 January 2021, there were two types of currencies in Cuba – the Cuban Convertibles Pesos (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP). The CUC was used by visitors, whereas the CUP was used by ordinary Cubans to buy daily essentials.

The Cuban government removed the CUC from circulation after 1 January 2021, and the CUP, now known as 'moneda nacional', becomes the only legal cash currency.

Cuban Peso (CUP; symbol ₱) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of ₱100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ₱3, ₱1, ¢20, 5, 2, and the rarely used 1 centavo.

You should not take any Cuban pesos out of the country and must exchange them at the airport. The process will require your boarding pass. However, they may be limited international currencies available at that time so you may not be able to change all the Cuban pesos that you have. After immigration, only Euros, Pound sterling or Canadian dollars are accepted.

Credit Cards:

Mastercard and Visa are accepted, but American Express is not. Having said that, do check with your credit card providers to confirm that your card will work in Cuba.

ATMs:

There are ATMs, but visitors should check with your bank before your travel to confirm that your card will work in Cuba. Also, there are no ATMs available for drawing cash against Cirrus or Switch cards.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques are not popular now and should be avoided.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1600, Sat 0830-1200. Hours may vary.

Currency Restrictions:

You can import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, amounts exceeding US$5,000 must be declared electronically. Technically, you cannot import local currency as Cuban Pesos are not available outside of Cuba. However, it has been reported that residents of Cuba could import up to 2,000 Cuban pesos.

Please note: Since 1 January 2022 all travelers are required to fill in electronically the advance passenger information form "Declaración Jurada de Salud" within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Travelers will then be provided with a QR code, which they must show in an electronic or printed version to authorities upon arrival. The electronic passenger information form replaced the following documents in their printed versions: International Boarding and Disembarkation Card, Customs Declaration Form and the Traveller's Health Affidavit.

Currency Exchange:

Due to the prevalence of forged currency, only change your money at state-run CADECA exchange houses, large hotels or banks. Check the exchange carefully. Ignore individuals offering exchange facilities to avoid queues.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
CUC	CUC$

Exchange Rates

1.11

1.53

1.00

Language

The official language is Spanish.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
Liberation Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Victory of Armed Forces Day	2024-01-02 00:00:00	0
May Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
National Rebellion Day	2024-07-25 00:00:00	0
Anniversary of the Beginning of the War of Independence in 1868	2024-10-10 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following items may be imported into Cuba by travellers aged 18 years and over without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 3L alcoholic beverages.
• Personal effects new and used up to a value of Cuban peso CUP of 1,000.
• Medicines for personal use (may need to show your prescriptions) up to 10 kg.
• Laptop for personal use.

Please note: Since 1 January 2022 all travelers are required to fill in electronically the advance passenger information form "Declaración Jurada de Salud" within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Travelers will then be provided with a QR code, which they must show in an electronic or printed version to authorities upon arrival. The electronic passenger information form replaced the following documents in their printed versions: International Boarding and Disembarkation Card, Customs Declaration Form and the Traveller's Health Affidavit.

 

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Banned Imports:

Prohibited items include animal products that are susceptible to being carriers of diseases, explosives, precursor substances, hemoderivatives and all pornographic material and drugs and narcotics.

Restricted items requiring authorisation include firearms and ammunition, light motor vehicles, live animals and plants and their parts, certain foodstuffs, and works of art.

Note that GPS is not allowed.

Telephone:

Public phones are still in use in Cuba. You can buy a phone card from ETECSA, the telecommunication company in Cuba, to use on public phones. Note that international calls from Cuba are expensive. To make an international call, you must dial 119, then the country code, area code (if applicable) and the phone number.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with only a few international mobile phone companies. The mobile network Cubacel is administered by ETECSA (www.etecsa.cu).

Internet:

Wi-Fi is available in some hotels. If your hotel doesn't provide one, you can buy a Wi-Fi card from any of the ETECSA offices.

Post

Correos de Cuba post offices are located throughout the country.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1500. Many luxury hotels sell stamps and can help you post letters.

Media:

The media is tightly controlled by the Cuban government.

Hiking in Cuba

The lush mountains, steep valleys, and sweeping plains of Cuba are made for hikers. Some of the best hikes include the Sierra Maestra, the mountain range in southeastern Cuba. Pico Turquino, Cuba's highest peak, is also in the Sierra Maestra mountain range, and you can conquer this mountain with a three-day trek. Soroa, 83km (52 miles) southwest of Havana, also offers delightful hiking and bird-watching experiences.

Havana, La Habana Vieja (Old Havana)

Havana, Cuba's capital, is positively pulsating with colour and life. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Habana Vieja (Old Havana) is an excellent place to start the tour of Havana. Narrow, cobbled streets lead to beautiful colonial architecture, some have been lovingly restored and brightly painted, but others still look as if they are about to collapse at any second. La Habana Vieja is best explored on foot.

Havana, Malecón

The seafront walk Malecón stretches almost the length of Havana. Here, old and young fish during the day and courting couples socialise at night. The Malecón also provides a wonderful view of Havana's cityscape.

Santiago de Cuba

The second-largest city in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is widely regarded as the country's cultural capital. Worthy diversions include the 17th-century fortress Castillo San Pedro de la Roca, Moncada Museum and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where many famous Cubans are buried. It pays to coincide your trip with the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, held at the end of July.

Isla de la Juventud

Once a supply base for pirates for about 300 years, Isla de la Juventud is said to be the inspiration for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The waters surrounding the island are great diving spots. You can fly from Havana to Isla de la Juventud, or you can take a ferry from Batabanó, which is about 71km (44 miles) south of Havana.

Trinidad

Experience Cuba's rich history in the UNESCO-listed Trinidad. Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of the city, surrounded by many attractions, including Palacio Cantero (a 19th-century mansion that has been converted to a municipal history museum) and the National Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits (the fight against the America-sponsored counterrevolutionaries). At night, a section of Plaza Mayor is turned into a music venue with musicians and dancers performing for the crowds. This is often referred to as Casa de la Música.

Havana, Museo de la Revolución

Visit the Museo de la Revolución, located in the former presidential palace in Old Havana, to better understand the historical context of modern Cuba. Behind the museum, you will see a giant glass box containing the Granma, the yacht that transported 82 revolutionists (including Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro and Che Guevara) from Mexico to Cuba in November 1956.

Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) and Playa Girón

In 1961, the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion put this small inlet in the media spotlight. For more than 72 hours, some 1,500 Cuban exiles landed here and fought with the new Cuban government but lost. Today, a small museum in Playa Girón charts the conflicts. Beyond a history lesson, Playa Girón’s warm waters offer much for scuba divers.

Cayo Largo del Sur

A small resort island off Cuba's southern coast, Cayo Largo (Long Cay) is for those in search of shimmering sea fringed by long, sandy beaches in a tropical paradise. Accessible only by plane or helicopter, Cayo Largo has only a few hotels and villas. The best beaches are Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso. There is also a Sea Turtle Rescue Center, along with a small museum on the island.

Baracoa

Baracoa is a port city situated in the eastern part of Cuba. It was here that Christopher Columbus stopped in December 1492 and later, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar established the island's first Spanish settlement in 1512. From 1518 to 1522, Baracoa was Cuba's capital, but its remote location soon made the conquistador looked elsewhere. Today, plantations surround the quaint city, and donkey carts roam the streets. As it remains so unspoiled, many consider it to be Cuba's best-kept secret.

Havana, Hemingway's footsteps

Follow in Hemingway's footsteps with a visit to Hotel Ambos Mundos – in room 511 he began to write For Whom the Bell Tolls. Not far from the hotel you will find La Bodeguita del Medio – a bar that hosted many writers, including Hemingway. If you walk 10 minutes west of the hotel, you will find the self-proclaimed 'cradle of the daiquiri' El Floridita, another bar that Hemingway frequented. About 13km (8 miles) inland, you will find Finca Vigía, once the residence of Ernest Hemingway and now a museum.

Overview

Cuba makes the world's finest cigars. In Havana, you can buy the real thing at Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás (a cigar factory founded in 1845) and La Casa del Habano Quinta (one of the best cigar shops). Beware that cigars from street vendors will probably be fakes or factory rejects.

How many cigars you can bring back from Cuba depends on the import rules of your country. For example, if you are heading back to the UK, you are allowed to bring in 50 cigars provided that you don't have other tobacco products. If you are going to the US, you are permitted to bring 100 cigars.

Fidel Castro's favourite brand was Cohiba, Ché Guevara favoured Montecristos, and, before he put the blockade in place, President Kennedy stocked up on H Upmanns.

Cuban rum is another great gift to buy. Havana Club is the most famous brand and makes a perfect gift. Again, how much you can bring back depends on the import rules of your country.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1000-1200.

Overview

While Cuba isn't a culinary hotspot, visitors are rewarded with hearty food free from additives represented by puzzling E-numbers due to the trade embargo. Regular Cubans rely heavily on rice, beans, chicken and pork. Fish and seafood are available at top-end restaurants.

It's worth noting that unlike the neighbouring Jamaicans and Bahamians, Cubans often shun spicy flavours. The national dish is the ajiaco criollo - a stew of vegetables and different kinds of meat - and it comes in many versions. Other typical dishes of Cuban cuisine are congri (rice with red beans) and moros, also called moros y cristianos (rice with black beans). Picadillo a la habanera (ground beef with tomato sauce) is also a typical Cuban dish.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A 10% gratuity is normal.

Drinking Age

16.

Hotels

From state-owned giants to exciting new partnerships with French and Spanish hotel groups, Cuba's hotels greatly vary in both quality and style.

Various government operators specialise in different sectors of the market: Habaguanex (www.habaguanexhotels.com) tends to deal with historic or boutique hotels - an increasing trend in Cuba and particularly Havana; Cubanacan (www.cubanacan.cu) operates a number of mid-range city, beach and rural hotels under different labels; Islazul (www.islazul.cu) is at the cheaper end.

Camping Caravaning

The word 'camping' has a different meaning in Cuba. It doesn't refer to tent camping; instead, it means a holiday park where you stay in a cabin. Campismos (www.campismopopular.cu) is the go-to company. The group runs some 92 holiday parks, and they are very popular among Cuban families. Each park has cabins in various sizes, accommodating anything from two to 16 people, along with on-site restaurants. They tend to offer a range of social activities too. Beware that almost all holiday parks require you to bring your own sheets and towels, along with personal toiletries.

History

Claimed by Christopher Columbus for Spain in 1492, Cuba developed to become the most important source of raw sugar for the Spanish empire in the 18th century. In the 19th century, Cuba fought two wars of independence. The first, between 1868 and 1878, ended in a truce with Spain promising greater autonomy, but the promises were never realised. The second war of independence began in 1895 when poet and revolutionary José Martí inspired the rebels to fight. The war ended in 1898 when the USA was drawn into the war and defeated Spain. Consequently, Spain gave up all claims to Cuba and ceded it to the US.

In 1902, Cuba declared independence, but the US maintained political and economic control of the island. In 1933, Fulgencio Batista came to power in a coup – he ruled Cuba twice, from 1933-44, and from 1952-59. The second time he ruled Cuba as a corrupt dictator.

Then came Fidel Castro and his rebel army, which overturned the Batista government in 1959, establishing a socialist state. All US businesses were nationalised without compensation in 1960, prompting Washington to break off all diplomatic relations with Cuba. In 1962, Cuba accelerated its relationships with the Soviet Union, allowing the USSR to deploy nuclear missiles on the island.

When the USSR was dissolved in 1989, Cuba experienced an extraordinarily difficult economic period. Two decades later, President Obama signalled a new beginning with Cuba. He then visited Cuba in 2011, becoming the first sitting US President to visit Cuba since Coolidge in 1928. However, President Trump later overturned some aspects of the policy, reimposing restrictions on tourism and commerce.

Fidel Castro resigned as President in 2008 in favour of his brother Raúl. Raúl served as the President until 2018 when he was succeeded by Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Did you know?

• The literacy rate in Cuba is 99.8%, one of the highest in the world.

• Son Cubano, upbeat rhythms played with a classical guitar, is the most popular musical genre in Cuba.

• Baseball is the most popular sport.

Religion

Technically a Roman Catholic majority, though the percentage drops precipitously for practising Catholics. A variety of Afro-Cuban religions like Santería and Abakuá are widely practised.

Social Conventions

The typical greeting in Cuba is one kiss on the right cheek – although kisses are less usual among men unless they are great friends or family members. A handshake is acceptable for men and women in formal situations.

Cubans tend to dress well when they go out for meetings or evenings out. Since the climate is warm and humid, most men opt for a cotton shirt (guayabera) with a pair of trousers. Men seldom wear shorts unless they are on the beach. Women tend to wear a dress when they go out.

Best Time To Visit:

Cuba has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season starts in late November and lasts until mid-April, and the rainy season is from May to October.

The dry season (late November to mid-April) is the best time to visit Cuba, and you can expect daytime temperatures to be around 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F). It must be noted that rainfall does occur during the dry season – the sky will open up and rain hard for a few days a month.

The rainy season (May to October) is wet and muggy. From August to October, tropical storms and cyclones are likely to affect the eastern part of Cuba. Hurricanes can happen during this period too.

Shaped like a crocodile, Cuba is long and slender in size. The climate varies slightly from one side to the other. Generally, the northwestern part of Cuba (where Havana is located) is a few degrees cooler than the southeastern part from December to March, when the cool air from North America arrives.

The best time to visit Havana:
The best time to visit Havana is from December to March when the rainfall is at its lowest – February and March are the driest months with just 45mm (1.8 inches) of rain each month. But when it rains, expect a heavy downpour. Temperature-wise, you can expect average highs to be between 26°C (79°F) to 28°C (82°F) during this period. If you are visiting Havana from June to October, rain gear is a must.

The best time to visit Santiago de Cuba:
The second-largest city, Santiago de Cuba sits on the southern coast and enjoys slightly warmer weather than Havana. The best time to visit Santiago de Cuba is still from December to March, during the dry season, and you can expect an average high of 28°C (82°F). Rainfalls are frequent from May to October (except July).

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Required Clothing

Cuba's tropical climate means lightweight cotton clothing is recommended year-round. Long-sleeves are ideal as they can protect you from mosquitoes bites. A light sweater is advisable for cooler evenings. Light waterproofs are useful during the dry season (late November to mid-April), while proper rain gear is essential during the rainy season (May to October).

Dialing Code:

+53

Area(sq km):

110,860

Population:

11,326,616

Population Density(per sq km):

100

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

106