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At the peak of its tourist season, the small island nation of Cuba has decided to tighten entry requirements for U.S. visitors, by requiring proof of vaccination against Covid as well as a pre-departure PCR test.
The announcement follows a sharp rise in cases, led particularly by the highly-transmissible Omicron variant. Now, Americans hoping to visit Cuba will need to disclose their vaccination status to be granted entry, irrespective of holding a Tourist Card or valid Cuban visa.
What Do The New Rules State Exactly?
Throughout the pandemic, the Cuban government has been applied one of the strictest entry protocols for visitors, hoping to protect islanders from new variants and its world-renowned healthcare system from being overwhelmed with demand.
Last December, officials met again to discuss what other measures would be necessary to further strengthen the country's protective barrier, especially at the peak of the tourist season, when a huge influx of arrivals is usually expected.
One of those measures has been the update of travel rules for U.S. visitors, who are now required to provide proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of arrival. Moreover, authorities have also scrapped the option of testing only for entry.
It means that, from now on, simply presenting a negative PCR will not be sufficient for flying, effectively banning travel for the unvaccinated. Passengers landing in the country may also be randomly tested at the airport, even upon presentation of a pre-departure test.
Should an infection be picked up, they will be transferred to a government-designated “hotel hospital“, where isolation will take place and necessary medical care provided. In addition to vaccination and testing, tourists must also fill in an online form prior to arriving and take out non-US medical insurance.
According to the US Embassy in Cuba, insurance is usually included in airline ticket fares on flights leaving from the US. Nevertheless, American travelers should always seek confirmation from airlines or tour operators in order to avoid difficulties at the Cuban border.
What Has Prompted The Change?
As stated above, Cuba is ramping up measures in response to the swift Omicron spread across the Republic. Even though it reopened to travelers from all countries in November, being keen on welcoming visitors since, it now struggles to contain a sharp rise in cases.
In spite of the surge, Cuba has other weapons at its disposal in the fight against Omicron, including five nationally-produced vaccines. To date, around 86% of Cubans have been fully vaccinated, one of the highest rates in North America.
Besides banning travel for the unvaccinated, Cuba is “fast-tracking” boosters in January ahead of the new wave. Through widening vaccination efforts and tightening entry protocols, local authorities hope to salvage the tourist season and, more importantly, protect residents.
What Else Is Required Of Americans, Visiting Cuba?
Ordinarily, American tourists and most other passport holders can visit Cuba by purchasing a valid “Tourist Card” before boarding the flight. It is valid for 30 days and may be extended for an additional 30, usually costing between $50 and $100.
Visitors flying directly from Mexico can purchase the Tourist Card for $20 USD at the check-in counter, while the process differs for those departing from the United States. If flying with JetBlue, Americans can buy Tourist Cards at the last airport they will transit before entering Cuba for $50.
Delta and United also sell the card for $50 and $75 respectively at check-in counters or directly at the gate, while American Airlines and Southwest refer passengers to Cuba Visa Services, with travelers being expected to pay between $50 and $85 plus shipping.
It is worth noting some foreign nationals may be visa-exempt and Tourist Card-exempt, while others may even require a Cuban visa before flying, even if residing in the United States or Canada.
For more information on entry requirements, travelers should always refer to their countries' embassy webpage. Americans are also strongly advised to continuously check CDC guidance before making plans to travel abroad.
Read More:
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Top 6 Helpful Travel Tips for Your First Visit To Cuba
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Heather Jones
Friday 14th of January 2022
Hi there. On the Government sites, I am not finding that a PCR is required, to enter Cuba, for vaccinated travelers. Can you clarify where this information came from? Perhaps you were only referring to unvaccinated travelers...
Thank you for all of the valuable information and updates you provide!
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 14th of January 2022
It is not needed for Canadians who are fully vaccinated, but other nationalities, like those from the US, it is needed