Useful Information about Cuba

Useful Info

Country information to help you prepare for your trip

Background Notes

Immaculate beaches, lush green hills, dramatic rainforests and waterfalls; imposing mountain ranges, vibrant cities steeped in history and a defiant Revolutionary chic; the island of Cuba can rightfully claim to be one of the most unique getaways on earth.

The largest and most populous island in the Caribbean, Cuba has been somewhat time warped by its socialist revolution of 1959, and that, combined with the decadence and corruption of previous regimes has made it a sunshine isle of stark contrasts. Vintage American cars roar through the streets of Havana. Horses and carts carrying water and food stumble through the countryside. Graphic revolutionary insignia adorn walls just yards from a decadent colonial palace.

Much of the island’s allure lies in its spectacular beaches and thrilling scenery. Christopher Columbus wasn’t joking when he declared in 1492 the coast of Guardalavaca to be “the most beautiful land I have ever seen.” The beaches there are like something out of a dream, so it should come as no surprise that thousands of holidaymakers head there each year to soak up the sun on the improbably white sands, dip into the warm, turquoise waters and indulge in the five star luxury that many of the hotels and resorts there provide.

While the world famous cocktails may surpass the hearty but occasionally limited food and the travelling around might be slightly more difficult than elsewhere in the Caribbean, Cuba more than makes up for this with its stunning climate, captivating history, generous charm and swinging salsa rhythms.

Visa Requirements

All visitors to Cuba are required to arrive with a visa – also known as ‘Tourist Card’. This is valid for 30 days but can be extended when you are in the country twice, meaning that you can visit Cuba as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days on a single visit.

The visa is easy to buy online – we recommend the following service; Click Here for Online Visa Service

A pink coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required when flying to Cuba directly from the USA. A green coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA.

Visitors from the USA should know that our programs are 100% legal and qualify under the category SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE. For more information contact us on info@corazoncuba.com

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax!

Currency & Money

Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). This currency is officially set at an artificially low rate of USD 1 = Peso 24. This is the rate you will get when using bank machines or when changing cash at the bank or at official Cadecas.

A street rate is widely available for cash EURO or USD – significantly higher than the official rate – and so you are advised to bring cash EURO or USD for all your spending requirements while in Cuba. Our program managers will explain how this works when you arrive in the country and ensure you get the best value for your money while in Cuba.

Health & Safety

Obtain adequate health insurance before travelling. Prior to treatment, visitors may need to show proof of ability to pay, though some emergency services are provided free of charge. Standards of care and training are excellent, but equipment and drugs are often in short supply.

Food and 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 (with the exception of some cheap ice creams) are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks:

All the little nasty’s you’d expect in any tropical country are here, though there really is no need to compromise your travels worrying about what you might catch. There are, however a few precautions you should take before leaving your country and you should consult your medical practitioner in good time before arriving here.

Vaccines to consider:

Cholera; Rabies; Tetanus – Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

Consider also booster for Hepatitis A.

Malaria is not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

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.

A quarter of the country is fairly mountainous. West of Havana is the narrow Sierra de los Órganos, rising to 750m (2,461ft) and containing the Guaniguanico hills in the west. South of the Sierra is a narrow strip of 2,320 sq km (860 sq miles) where the finest Cuban tobacco is grown.

The Sierra de Escambray and Montañas de Guamuhaya behind Trinidad in the centre of the country rise to 1140m (3,740ft) Encircling the port of Santiago are the rugged mountains of the Sierra Maestra. A quarter of the island is covered with mountain forests of pine and mahogany. Cuba has few rivers of note, the exception being the Río Cauto in the east. The country has 3735km (2321 miles) of coastline and thousands of offshore islands.

Weather

Hot, sub-tropical climate all year. Most rain falls between May and October and the hurricane season officially runs from July to November, with most storms historically occurring in October and November. Humidity varies between 75% and 95%. Cooler months are January to April when the least rain falls.