Airlines
Effective May 2022 Americans will be able to fly to other parts of the island besides Havana. You can book the tickets directly with the airline. You can also book directly from your home city to Cuba with a layover in Miami, Tampa, Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The airlines will pass out a Cuban immigration form on the plane for you to fill out before you arrive. Make sure that you request one if they do not pass them out. If you don’t get one on the plane, you can get one at the Cuban airport and fill it out before you get in the exit line.
Effective June 2019 - Passenger and recreational vessels, and private and corporate aircraft are no longer allowed.
Cuban Visa / Tourist Card
A Cuban Visa/Tourist Card is required for entry to Cuba. If you are traveling from the U.S. you can get your Cuban visa/tourist card from your airline or online
here.
• For travelers flying in from other countries, your visa is a different color than the one from the U.S. Check with your airline for details.
Disabilities
Cuba Productions Services has experience in traveling to Cuba with people with mobility issues and we will be happy to discuss your needs with you. The streets are not easy to navigate and the transportation is not geared toward the disabled.
Drones
Drones, satelitte phones and satellite devides are prohibited. If you bring a prohibited item, you will be held at immigration indefinitely, your items will be confiscated and may not be returned.
Drugs
Illegal drugs are NOT allowed in Cuba and they have zero tolerance policy. The penalties are severe.
D'Viajeros Form
48 hours before your departure (not before) you must fill out the D’Viajeros Form as required by the Cuban Government. Your airline should provide a link; if not, you can find it
here.
Electricity
The U.S. uses 110V, and Cuba uses both 110V and 220V. Many of the private homes have dual voltage, but not all. We suggest bringing a multi-adapter/converter so you will be able to charge all of your devices. You can also bring a multi-plug outlet if you have more than one device to charge. Cuba’s infrastructure is old, and it is possible to experience temporary power outages.
Hotels
Effective 9/2020 Americans are not allowed to stay at government-owned hotels in Cuba, only private homes and hotels that are not on the restricted list
here.
Imports
Cuban-Origin Alcohol and Tobacco
Effective 9/2020 - The importation into the United States of Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco products is no longer allowed.
Art: As much as you want.
• If it is over $50 or from a gallery, make sure you get an export certificate from the artist or you will pay taxes on it. Normal duty limits apply.
Insurance
Medical Insurance (Required by Cuba)
The Cuban government requires that all visitors carry Cuban health insurance that covers the territory of Cuba and the limits are small. This is usually included with your airplane ticket and you should double-check with your airline when you purchase your ticket. This coverage is provided by Asistur and it is also available for you to buy when you get to Cuba.
Travel Insurance
Travel to Cuba must be pre-paid and is non-refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance. This is available from an outside vendor. They will offer different levels of coverage with different refund conditions, and you and your agent can decide what coverage best fits your needs.
Internet and Use of Computers/Tablets
Personal computers and tablets can be used in Cuba. If you are going to Havana, Wi-Fi is available in some hotspots around the city where you will see the locals congregating. Some private homes have Wi-Fi, but not all. If you are traveling outside of Havana, the internet is more limited and it is hit-or-miss. Wi-Fi in Cuba is very slow and more like dial-up and it is not unusual for the internet to go down. ETECSA (government-owned telecommunications company) wireless access cards can be purchased and used anywhere there is Wi-Fi. In many places, the internet is limited or not available in much of Cuba.
Language
Spanish is the language spoken in Cuba, but many people speak English and other languages.
Mobile Phones
If you want to use your U.S. phone in Cuba, your service provider will give you the details of your plan and whether your phone can be used in Cuba. Cell service in Cuba is expensive, so contact your service provider to make sure you don’t incur roaming charges. We recommend installing WhatsApp before you leave so you can speak and text from Cuba to the U.S. at N/C when you’re connected to the internet.
NOTE: Be sure to keep a close watch on your cellphone and other electronics, especially at the airport. They may go through your luggage and things can disappear in the confusion.
Money in Cuba
Cuba got rid of their two currencies during the pandemic. They now use The Cuban Peso for the locals and visitors can use U.S. dollars or Euros. We recommend that you bring enough cash for your entire trip because credit, debit cards and checks issued by U.S. banks cannot be used in Cuba.
Paladares
These are private restaurants and are often run out of people’s homes.
Passports
Carry your passport or a photocopy with you at all times. You will need your passport if you're going to exchange money.
Photography
Taking pictures of military and law-enforcement facilities is strictly prohibited. No photos are permitted at the cigar factories or at grocery stores. Museums and some places of interest may have other posted restrictions. Check first because if you cannot take pictures, they will ask you to check your camera, so it’s best to leave it in the car with your driver. In our experience, we have never been asked to check our cell phones at the door.
Public Restrooms
You will find restrooms in restaurants and some venues, however they may not have toilet seats, toilet paper or water to wash your hands. We recommend that you carry tissues, hand wipes and anti-bacterial gel. There are often bathroom attendants at public restrooms, and the customary tipping is $.25 to $1 US.
Room Safe
Your hotel may have a safe in the room, but it may not be in working order.
Safety
Cuba is generally a safe country, but as with any travel, normal safety precautions should be taken. Keep your personal belongings in a secure location and do not leave your valuables unattended. It is best to leave your expensive jewelry at home.
Snacks
You will probably not find your favorite snacks in Cuba, so you may want to bring them from home. No perishables are allowed, but you may bring nuts, candy bars, gum, etc.
Some Items to Bring (Unavailable or Hard-to-Find)
Batteries
Clothing - Shorts, sandals and walking shoes for the day. Sweater or jacket for air-conditioning. You may want something more dressy for dining and evening activities.
Fold-up Umbrella
Insect Repellent
Masks, face shields
OTC Medicines - First aid kit and other over-the-counter medicines (suggestions include bandaids, alcohol wipes, antibacterial cream and anti-itch cream, cold/allergy medicine, aspirin and meds for diarrhea and heartburn).
Prescription Medicines - We suggest you bring a little more than you will need for your trip. Keep them in your carry-on bag in the original prescription bottle and follow TSA security regulations if they include liquids.
Sunblock, Sunglasses, Hat
Tissues, Hand wipes, hand sanitizer, antibacterial gel (see Public Restrooms)
Vitamins
Washcloths
Special Diet
Generally many restaurants are willing to meet varying dietary requests.
Telephone Calls
To Call Cuba from the U.S.
011 + 53 + City Code + Phone Number
To Call a Mobile Phone in Cuba from the U.S.
011 + 53 + 5 + Phone Number
To Call a Mobile Phone in Cuba while in Cuba
5 + Phone Number
To Call the U.S. from Cuba
Dial (119-1), then area code and phone number
Time Zone
Cuba is in the Eastern Time Zone and they observe Daylight Savings Time
City Codes:
Bayamo 23
Camaguey 322
Ciego de Avila 33
Cienfuegos 432
Guantanamo 21
Guantanamo Bay 99
Havana 7
Holguin 24
Las Tunas 31
Manzanillo 23
Matanzas 45
Pinar del Rio 82
Sancti Spiritus 41
Santa Clara 42
Santiago de Cuba 226
Vaccinations
Contact your doctor or the CDC for current travel health information to see what vaccinations or shots you may need.
Water
Limit yourself to bottled water which can be purchased at a local store.
Weather
Cuba has very nice weather throughout the year with balmy tropical trade winds. May to October is Cuba’s summer and is considered the rainy season, where it is very humid, often with brief showers in the afternoon. Cuba’s winter is the dry season from November to April. The hurricane season is officially from June 1 to November 30.