Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located south of Florida and east of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The country attracts travelers with its colonial architecture, vintage cars, vibrant music scene, pristine beaches, and unique position as one of the world's last socialist states.

Aviation in Cuba centers on Havana Jose Marti International Airport (HAV), the country's primary gateway handling most international arrivals. Varadero (VRA) serves as the main resort gateway, particularly popular with Canadian and European charter flights. Cuba's isolation from the US financial system creates unique challenges for travelers, particularly Americans, who must navigate OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) travel restrictions.

Critical note for all travelers: Cuba is a cash-only destination for foreign visitors. US credit and debit cards do not work anywhere in Cuba due to the US embargo. Bring sufficient cash in EUR, CAD, or GBP — not USD.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
HAV	Havana	Primary international gateway	Cubana, Air Canada, Iberia
VRA	Varadero	Beach resort gateway	Charter airlines, Air Canada, Sunwing

Primary Airports

Havana Jose Marti (HAV) — Cuba's main international airport, located 15 km southwest of central Havana. Three terminals handle international and domestic flights. Terminal 3 serves most international flights. Serves as the hub for Cubana de Aviacion and the primary entry point for scheduled international service.

Varadero Juan Gualberto Gomez (VRA) — Located near Cuba's most famous beach resort, 130 km east of Havana. Primarily serves charter flights from Canada and Europe during tourist season. More modern facilities than Havana.

Regional Airports

• Santiago de Cuba (SCU) — Cuba's second-largest city, eastern gateway
• Holguin Frank Pais (HOG) — Resort area serving Guardalavaca beaches
• Santa Clara Abel Santamaria (SNU) — Central Cuba, limited international service
• Cayo Coco Jardines del Rey (CCC) — Direct resort access to Cayo Coco

Flag Carrier

Cubana de Aviacion (CU) — Cuba's national airline, founded in 1929, one of the oldest airlines in the Americas. Due to US sanctions limiting aircraft purchases and parts, the airline operates a limited fleet with reduced service. Domestic routes connect Havana with provincial capitals. International service limited to select destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

International Carriers

Major foreign airlines serving Cuba:

• Canadian: Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat
• European: Iberia (Spain), Air France, Air Europa, Edelweiss (Switzerland)
• Latin American: Copa (Panama), Avianca, Interjet
• Caribbean: Cayman Airways, Bahamasair

Charter Operations

Much of Cuba's tourism traffic arrives on charter flights:

• Canadian tour operators run seasonal charters to VRA, HOG, and CCC
• European charters serve resort destinations
• US-Cuba charter flights operate under OFAC-licensed travel

Tourist Card (Visa)

Most nationalities require a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta de turista):

• Cost: $20-100 depending on where purchased
• Validity: 30 days (extendable once in Cuba for additional 30 days)
• Obtain: Through airline, travel agency, or Cuban embassy
• Note: Airlines often sell tourist cards at check-in or include with ticket

US Travelers — Special Requirements

US citizens face additional restrictions under OFAC regulations. Tourism is technically prohibited, but travel is permitted under 12 authorized categories:

1. Family visits
2. Official government business
3. Journalistic activity
4. Professional research
5. Educational activities
6. Religious activities
7. Public performances, exhibitions
8. Support for the Cuban people
9. Humanitarian projects
10. Activities of private foundations
11. Export/import of informational materials
12. Authorized export transactions

Important for US travelers:

• You must qualify under one of these categories
• "Support for the Cuban people" is commonly used for independent travelers
• Keep records of activities for potential future audits
• Rules change frequently — verify current requirements before travel
• US credit/debit cards do not work in Cuba

OFAC information: treasury.gov/ofac

Passport Requirements

• Valid passport required (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
• Proof of travel insurance with medical coverage required
• Return/onward ticket required
• Proof of accommodation may be requested

Health Insurance

Cuba requires all visitors to have health insurance with coverage valid in Cuba. Many US policies do not cover Cuba. If you arrive without proof of insurance, you must purchase Cuban coverage at the airport.

Domestic Flights

Cubana operates domestic routes connecting Havana with:

• Santiago de Cuba (SCU) — 2 hours, eastern Cuba
• Holguin (HOG) — 1.5 hours, northeast resort area
• Camaguey (CMW) — 1.5 hours, central Cuba
• Baracoa (BCA) — remote eastern tip (limited service)

Booking challenges: Online booking difficult. Best arranged through hotels, travel agencies, or directly at Cubana offices. Flights frequently delayed or cancelled.

Intercity Buses

Viazul — Tourist bus service connecting major cities:

Route	Duration	Frequency
Havana → Varadero	3 hours	Multiple daily
Havana → Trinidad	6 hours	Daily
Havana → Santiago	15 hours	Daily
Havana → Vinales	3 hours	Daily

Book online at viazul.com or at terminals. Air-conditioned, reliable.

Car Rental

Available through state agencies (Havacuba, Rex, Cubacar) but:

• Limited availability — book well in advance
• Expensive by international standards ($50-100+/day)
• Fuel can be scarce outside major routes
• Road conditions vary significantly
• International license required

Taxis

• Classic cars — vintage American cars, negotiate price before departure
• Coco taxis — yellow three-wheeled vehicles in Havana
• Colectivos — shared taxis on fixed routes, very affordable

Dry Season (November-April)

Peak tourist season. Ideal weather with lower humidity:

• Temperatures 20-28°C (68-82°F)
• Little rainfall
• Busiest period: December-March
• Higher prices and fuller hotels

Wet Season (May-October)

Hurricane season, particularly August-October:

• Hot and humid (28-32°C / 82-90°F)
• Afternoon showers common
• Hurricane risk (peak September)
• Lower prices, fewer tourists
• Mornings often pleasant

Festival Timing

• Havana Jazz Festival: January
• Carnaval de Santiago: July
• International Ballet Festival: October-November

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Havana	HAV	Colonial old town, Malecon, music, architecture
Trinidad	Nearest: SNU	UNESCO colonial town, cobblestone streets
Santiago de Cuba	SCU	Afro-Cuban culture, music, Carnival
Cienfuegos	Nearest: SNU	French colonial architecture, bay views
Camaguey	CMW	Colonial churches, labyrinth streets

Beach Destinations

Destination	Access	Known For
Varadero	VRA	Cuba's premier beach resort, 20 km of white sand
Cayo Coco	CCC	Resort keys, pristine beaches
Cayo Santa Maria	SNU + transfer	Newer resort development
Guardalavaca	HOG	Eastern beaches, less developed

Natural Attractions

• Vinales Valley — UNESCO site, dramatic limestone mogotes, tobacco farms
• Topes de Collantes — Mountain hiking near Trinidad
• Zapata Peninsula — Wetlands, bird watching, Bay of Pigs history

Money — CRITICAL

Cuba presents unique financial challenges:

• Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP) — "moneda nacional"
• US cards DO NOT WORK: No Visa, Mastercard, or American Express issued by US banks
• Canadian/European cards: May work at some hotels and larger establishments, but unreliable
• Bring cash: EUR preferred over USD (USD incurs 10% penalty when exchanging)
• Best currencies: EUR, CAD, GBP, MXN
• Exchange: CADECA exchange bureaus at airports and cities
• ATMs: Exist but unreliable — do not depend on them
• Budget: Bring more cash than you think you'll need

Recommended: Bring all the cash you'll need for your entire trip in EUR or CAD.

Electrical

• Voltage: 110V and 220V (varies by establishment)
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Plug types: A, B (US-style flat pins), and C (European round pins)
• Adapters: US travelers may not need adapter; European travelers should bring universal adapter
• Note: Some older hotels have only two-prong ungrounded outlets

Connectivity

• Internet: Limited and expensive by global standards
• ETECSA: State telecom provider
• WiFi: Available in hotels and public hotspots (parks, plazas)
• Access cards: Purchase ETECSA cards for WiFi access ($1-2/hour)
• Mobile roaming: Many international carriers work (except US carriers — verify before travel)
• eSIM: Limited support — research before relying on this

Safety

Cuba is generally safe for tourists:

• Violent crime rare
• Petty theft and scams targeting tourists occur
• Use hotel safes for valuables and excess cash
• Be cautious with "jineteros" (hustlers) offering services
• Stick to authorized taxis

Health

• Tap water: Not recommended — drink bottled water
• Medical care: Good quality but bring medications you need (pharmacies limited)
• Required: Health insurance coverage valid in Cuba
• No required vaccinations but Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended

Cultural Notes

• Tipping: Appreciated in CUP or foreign currency
• Photography: Ask permission for photos of military/police installations
• Casa particular: Private homestays offer authentic experience and support locals
• Patience: Expect slower pace and occasional shortages

• Tourism: Cuba Travel
• OFAC Cuba Sanctions: treasury.gov/ofac
• US Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov/cuba
• UK Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba
• Viazul Bus: viazul.com