COVID19 – CORONAVIRUS

The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba has established sanitary protocols of mandatory compliance for travelers arriving to the country. Keep informed through the official web site Protocols of the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba>> As part of what is established by the international protocols in view of the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world, in Cuba, security in the tourist sector is part of the National Security Plan, based on the indications of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), therefore, all the sanitary hygienic measures from the arrival, stay and departure of the traveler in the national territory are of strict compliance.

Immigration and Customs Regulations

All visitors entering Cuba must show a valid passport issued in his/her name and a visa or tourist card, with the exception of travelers whose country has subscribed a visa exemption agreement with Cuba. Travelers must have travel insurance covering medical expenses or a medical expense policy, with coverage inside Cuba. For more information, visit the website the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (www.cubatravel.cu) or that of the insurance company Asistur (www.asistur.cu) Personal effects can be entered in the country tax free. In the 10 existing international airports, Customs uses the well-known Red Channel and Green Channel system to control travelers. Tourists, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on Tourism Customs Facilities, are entitled to import their personal effects exempt from the payment of duties or services. Travelers carrying more than $5 000.00 US dollars, or the equivalence in other currencies, in cash must fill-in a Customs Form. The import, export and consumption of drugs and narcotics; explosives; pornographic objects, photos, literature and other pornographic materials; animals and plants considered protected or endangered species is prohibited. Offenders of these regulations shall be criminally processed. The import and export of fire arms without prior written authorization by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of the Interior is prohibited. Licenses shall be obtained before arrival to the country. For further information on all regulations related to the importation of goods, freely convertible currency, etc; please consult the website of the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba: www.aduana.gob.cu

Forms of Payment

For the reservation policy and payment methods, please contact the hotel.
The exchange of currencies to CUP will be subject to the official exchange rate in force at the time of the transaction and may be carried out at airports, banks, hotels (*) or exchange houses (CADECA).
In Cuba, credit and debit cards operate in USD and Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as long as they have not been issued by US banks or their subsidiaries.

System of monetary relations The foreign currencies that CADECA (Casas de Cambio) accepts in all its offices are: CAD - Canadian Dollar EUR - Euros CHF - Swiss Francs GBP - Pound sterling JPY - Japanese Yen MXN - Mexican peso USD - US dollar The Exchange Houses (CADECA) have a wide network of 173 commercial offices, duly located in:

All international airports in Cuba, both in the passenger arrival lounges and in the departure lounges, prior to immigration control.
All ports where international cruise ships operate.
In 60 of the main hotels in all tourist areas.
In the areas with the greatest influx or access of tourists.

Medical Services

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever and cholera are endemic or from areas declared infected zones by World Health Organization are required to present a vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before, but not more than years before, the date of entry in Cuba.
Medical services are available in all of the hotels and there are international clinics in each of the leading tourist resorts in the country.

About Exporting Goods

Upon leaving the country, travelers are required to orally inform the Customs Officer the number of hand-rolled cigars they are carrying or in their luggage. Visitors can export up to 50 units without the need to present a document. Larger amounts can be exported provided they are packed in their original container, closed and stamped with the official hologram seal and that the traveler presents the relevant invoice or documents accrediting that the cigars were legally purchased in a store duly authorized to sell these goods. Travelers leaving Cuba with more than 50 cigars must declare them and present the relevant documentation or invoice. Travelers who do not comply with these regulations shall have their cigars confiscated by Customs.
The export of art works that are not part of the national patrimony only requires written authorization by the National Register of Cultural Works.
Books and other materials published more than 50 years ago, for example Editions R, or those stamped by libraries or other state entities cannot be exported.

MORE ABOUT CUBA

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic.
Due to the characteristics of the climate, the use of light clothing, preferably cotton, is advised. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and sun blocker lotion. A sweater or light jacket may come in handy when traveling through the mountain areas or in winter.
Appliances in the country run on 110 volts, 60 cycles however many hotels have 220v electric current and take flat-pronged plugs.
Cuba is on the 5th Meridian from Greenwich (Eastern Standard Time in the United States and Canada). Daylight saving applies from April through October (clocks are advanced an hour) to maximize the use of sunlight.