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Cuba is a hugely popular tourist destination famous for its pristine beaches, stunning architecture, vibrant culture and streets lined with classic American cars.
The Cuban tourism industry was completely shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March but has since reopened its borders to international tourists.
Here all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Cuba and everything travelers need to know before booking their trip.
Countries Permitted To Visit Cuba
Fully-vaccinated travelers from all countries are permitted to visit Cuba under regular visa requirements.
Update: As of January 2022, travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi and Eswatini have special entry rules.
Travel Authorization To Visit Cuba
There are no online forms to fill out before traveling to Cuba. However, all travelers will be required to complete a health declaration before arriving in Cuba. This may be handed out by the airlines but doesn’t hurt to have it ahead of time.
Areas of Cuba Now Open
When Cuba first reopened in June, tourists were only allowed in certain areas, like the Cayo’s.
Then in October, Varadero became the next section to open to foreigners.
Havana (and the rest of Cuba) has officially reopened for tourists starting on November 15th, 2020.
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Tourists arriving into Cuba need to have a 72-hour negative COVID test before entry.
They must also have proof of full vaccination, with the exception of children under 12 years old and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
PCR TESTS
All visitors need to show a negative PCR test result done no later than 72 hours before entry.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
Travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, and Eswatini have special entry rules, including a mandatory 8-day hotel quarantine.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
All incoming travelers must have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Cuba.
If a traveler arrives without travel insurance, they can buy a policy at the airport for $30 USD, which gives them 21 days of coverage.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Cuba
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Cuba:
- Wearing a mask is required by law at all times in public and can be met with harsh penalties for offenders.
- Social distancing is also mandatory
Visa Entry Requirements For Cuba During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Cuba from the United States, Canada and the UK will need a Cuba Tourist Card.
Depending on where you are coming from the process is different.
If you’re traveling from Canada, all you have to do to get your green Cuban Tourist Card is book your flight. The airline will provide the card to you on the flight. There is no extra fee.
Some countries can order them online before traveling and most U.S. Airlines have them for sale.
Pink Card: U.S. Airport
Green Card: Non U.S. Airport
Cuba Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Get the Cuba Tourist Card
- Bring a 72 hour PCR test and proof of vaccination
- Buy valid travel insurance
- Follow all health protocols while in Cuba
Source: Direct Interview with the Cuba Tourism Board / OnCubanNews
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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Originally published November 15, 2020 with updates
Carina Lebrasseur
Tuesday 18th of January 2022
Since when does Cuna require PCR test prior to entry? I just went Jan 5th to 12th and NO PCR TEST WAS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. It clearly states NO PCR for Vaccinated tourists on the Gocuba.ca
Philip
Wednesday 10th of November 2021
Viazul bus? Are they in operation?
Yahya
Monday 8th of March 2021
Hello, I’m a Canadian citizen and I will travel to Cuba on the 20th of March, but I’ll be going there on a flight from Spain and not from Canada, am I also exempt of having a covid test? Or it only applies if you go directly from Canada ? Thank you
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 8th of March 2021
It only applies to Canadians coming directly from Canada.
Joshua Lindholm
Sunday 7th of March 2021
My wife is a Cuban Citizen and "we" own an apartment in downtown Havana. I read that citizens are exempt from the quarantine. Your article seems to state otherwise. Also, because I travel under the family visit VISA which is essentially a tourist VISA BUT am married to a Cuban national with our own home in Havana, would we be able to go to our home? How do they enforce the quarantine for someone in our situation? By the time we travel, we will have had both vaccination shots and possibly the booster shot.
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 8th of March 2021
Yes, to my knowledge the quarantine will still apply. It might be best to contact officials in Cuba to explain your situation to get advice
Geni Moore
Tuesday 2nd of February 2021
I will be coming from the states and was told I have to go to a hotel straight from the airport. But i have booked an airbnb does that mean I cant stay at the airbnb till after the five days quarenteen. Because as an American i was told we ar not allowed to stay in the hotels so Im so confused. Please help
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 3rd of February 2021
Current, under the new rules starting feb 6th, all persons (even citizens) enter Cuba that is not on a flight/hotel vacation package will be taken to a 5-day hotel quarantine at their cost. I dont have any information on which hotel they are or the costs