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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
Travelers from all countries are permitted to visit Cuba under regular visa requirements.
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 will be tested for COVID-19 at the airport.
After the test is taken, the traveler will quarantine at their hotel for approx 24 hours for test results. If the test is negative, the traveler can enjoy their vacation.
There is no fee for the COVID-19 tests contrary to many reports.
Nieves Ricardo from the Cuba Tourism Board said, “The Covid test at the airport in Cuba is Free and it will continue to be Free for everyone,” he told Travel Off Path in an interview. “There is a health fee under negotiation with the airlines to cover a few things, but this will be included in the ticket price, it will never be charged in person at the airport.”
Starting January 1, 2021
All passengers will have to perform a PCR test no longer than 72 hours before arrival and bring their negative results.
Canadians are the only nationality who are exempt from the pre-arrival testing.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
Tourists on air/hotel packages: 24 hours at hotel to await test results.
Tourists staying at hotels, resorts, or private houses/BnB’s/ including locals returning home:
Starting Feb 6 2021, Cuba is now introducing a 5-day hotel quarantine system for anyone entering Cuba not on a vacation ait/hotel package deal.
Tourists traveling independently and planning to stay at Cuban homes, as well as Cubans returning must go to designated hotels at their own expense and quarantine there for 5 days till day get the test results.
Information is not yet available on which hotels or what costs are.
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
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available to the public. Cuba has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) for entry.
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
- Get tested upon arrival
- Wait 24 hours in hotel quarantines
- 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
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
Lindsay Jenkins
Friday 22nd of January 2021
Hi, I'm due to travel to Cuba on February 5th and my plane lands in Havana at 10.00pm. Am staying the first 6 nights at a beach resort in Varadero and am concerned at how I will get to the hotel. I read somewhere that after you have been tested at the airport you are taken to your resort by the authorities. I assume there will be a charge involved. Can you shed any light on this issue? Thanks.
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 22nd of January 2021
Transport has been happening just fine to the resort areas from the airport. Call your hotel and double-check with them how guests have been arriving and ask the associated costs
Deb tataryn
Tuesday 19th of January 2021
Hi I’m looking to come to Cuba and I’m a cyclist would I be able to go off the resort after the 12 hours on my bike and ride The roads.
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 19th of January 2021
It would be best to contact the resort you are staying at and validate with them if once you have received your negative test, what your options are