Cuba Reopening For Tourism To U.S. Travelers Without Testing

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Cuba has become the latest country to announce that it will be reopening to travelers, and is set to do so without any testing requirements from November 15th. The island will be allowing travelers from around the world to enter, as it hopes to kickstart both its domestic and international tourism industries before the turn of the new year. 

A destination shrouded in mystery for years for many Americans thanks to various political embargos and travel bans throughout recent history, the number of Americans taking the short flight to Cuba has risen exponentially over the past decade, with Americans now second to only Canadians when it comes to which nationalities visit the island. Here's a closer look at Covid-19 in Cuba and their plans to reopen.

Covid-19 In Cuba – Information For Travelers

During periods in which many nations were struggling with the spread of Covid-19, Cuba managed to keep the situation under control. It took the country until January 2021 to register 1,000 positive cases of Covid-19 in a day, and the country hovered around that figure for months. However, the past couple of months have been tough on the island. Cuba measured its all-time high of just below 10,000 positive cases in late August, whilst at present, the island is averaging just about 7,000 cases per day as it struggles against the spread of the Delta variant.

Relatively speaking, the country is making steady progress with its vaccination campaign. To date, 4.6m people in Cuba are fully vaccinated – 41% of its population – whilst 52% have received one dose of the vaccine. The country has also put its faith in its vaccination efforts, claiming that 90% of the population will be vaccinated by November – after which the country plans to reopen to international travelers.

Cuba To Reopen – Information For Travelers

Whilst other countries would be doubling down on their restrictions in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases, Cuba is set to further reopen to travelers – without the need for travelers to get tested prior to their arrival. The easing of restrictions was revealed in a statement by Cuba's Ministry of Tourism, who also stated that it is set to come into effect from November 15th. 

According to information printed in the Cuban Comminist Party newspaper Granma, Cuba will be relaxing its Covid-19 related airport measures. The story read:

“Hygienic-sanitary protocols will be made more flexible upon travelers’ arrival, focusing on monitoring symptomatic patients and taking temperature. In addition, diagnostic tests will be carried out randomly, a PCR test will not be required upon arrival and travelers’ vaccination certificate will be recognized.”

It is not yet known whether that means vaccine certificates or proof of vaccination will be required to enter, with more information expected to be published in the coming days. The proposed updates would be a dramatic change to the current restrictions regarding entry to Cuba. At present, travelers heading to Cuba have to undergo Covid-19 testing as well as stay in government-managed quarantine facilities.

With tourism accounting for as much as 10% of Cuba's economy, the country will be hoping that it hits its vaccination targets and can proceed with its reopening plans. For Travelers keen to take in Havana's stunning old town, pose with its classic cares or simply experience its lively, colorful culture, they won't have to wait much longer.

Read More:

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