Cuba
Cuba travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered
Most visitors need a tourist card (tarjeta de turista) or a visa arranged before arrival, plus a passport valid six months beyond travel; US citizens also need a legal OFAC travel category because tourism is not one. Check your own nationality's rules first, then book flights, cash and insurance around the current advisories.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
GuideCuba
Key facts
- Entry documentcheck
- Tourist card (tarjeta de turista) or visa, depending on nationality; buy the card from your airline or a Cuban consulate (check)
- Passport validitycheck
- Six months beyond arrival is the usual rule (check)
- US travellers
- Need a legal OFAC category; tourism is not one
- Currency
- Cuban peso (CUP); USD and EUR cash widely accepted
- Cash is king
- Bring enough for the whole trip; foreign cards often fail
- Best months
- November to April, dry season
- Emergency numbers
- 106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C and L; 110 V and 220 V both in use
Visa and entry
Entry paperwork is the first thing to settle, because it decides whether the rest of the trip is even possible. Rules differ by passport and change often, so treat every answer here as a starting point and confirm with a Cuban consulate or your airline before paying for anything.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Do I need a visa for Cuba? | Most nationalities need a tourist card; some need a full visa (check) | The card is usually bought from the airline or a consulate before departure |
| How long can I stay? | Typically 30 days on a tourist card, extendable in Cuba (check) | Overstaying is fined; check the current limit |
| Do US citizens need a visa? | Yes, plus a legal OFAC travel category | Tourism is not a permitted category for US travellers |
| How long must my passport be valid? | Six months beyond arrival is the usual rule (check) | Check with your airline before booking |
| Do I need travel insurance? | Strongly recommended; some airlines ask for proof (check) | Medical care is limited and evacuation is expensive (check) |
| Do I need a return ticket? | Usually yes, proof of onward travel is asked for (check) | Have it printed or on your phone |
| Can I extend my stay? | Yes, at an immigration office in Havana (check) | Fees and processing times vary |
| Do children need their own documents? | Yes, each traveller needs a passport and card (check) | Check rules for one parent travelling alone |
Money and costs
Cuba runs on cash. Bring more than you think you need, in clean, unmarked notes, and keep a reserve separate from your daily money. Card payments and ATM withdrawals are unreliable, so plan the whole budget as cash.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| How much money do I need for Cuba? | Budget roughly 60–120 USD per person per day (check) | 2026 estimate; depends on casas, taxis and tours |
| What currency should I bring? | USD or EUR cash | Cuban peso (CUP) for local purchases |
| Can I use my credit card? | Rarely, and US-linked cards usually fail | Do not rely on cards at all |
| Are ATMs reliable? | No | Withdrawals are limited and often unavailable |
| Should I tip? | Yes, 10% in restaurants, a dollar or two for musicians and guides | Small notes are useful |
| Is Cuba expensive? | Mid-range for the region, but poor value for what you get | Transport and food shortages push costs up |
| Do I need to pay a departure tax? | Usually included in the ticket (check) | Check your airline |
| Can I change money back? | Yes, but rates are poor | Spend or change only what you need |
Safety and advisories
Government advice differs and changes often. The US rates Cuba Level 2 (exercise increased caution); in September 2026 the UK advises against all but essential travel, Canada says avoid non-essential travel and Australia says reconsider your need to travel, because fuel, power and flights keep failing. Read your own government's current page and decide with that in front of you.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Is Cuba safe for tourists? | Petty theft happens in Havana; shortages and outages are the bigger risk (check) | Follow your government's current advisory |
| What are the main scams? | Fake taxi meters, inflated change, 'friendly' guides (check) | Agree prices before you get in |
| Is the tap water safe? | No | Drink bottled or boiled water |
| What about power cuts? | Common and can last hours | Carry a torch and a power bank |
| Is it safe to travel alone? | Generally yes, with normal precautions (check) | Avoid unlit streets at night |
| What are the emergency numbers? | 106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire | Save them offline |
| Do I need a yellow fever certificate? | Only if arriving from certain countries (check) | Check current rules |
| Is medical care good? | Basic and short of supplies (check) | Bring your own medication |
Getting around
Distances are long and transport is the weakest part of any Cuban trip. Build in buffer days, because flights can fail and fuel shortages affect everything on the road.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| How do I get between cities? | Buses, shared taxis or private transfers (check) | Book ahead in high season (check) |
| Are domestic flights reliable? | No | Cancellations are common |
| How do I get from Havana airport? | Official taxi or pre-booked transfer | Agree the price first |
| Do I need to rent a car? | Not usually | Fuel is scarce and rules are strict |
| Is there Uber? | No | Use official taxis or local colectivos |
| How much is a taxi in Havana? | Short hops a few dollars, longer runs more | 2026 estimate |
| Can I walk around Havana? | Yes, in the main districts | Old Havana is compact |
| How long does Havana to Trinidad take? | About 5–6 hours by road (check) | Check current schedules |
Food and drink
Food shortages are real, so what is on the menu depends on what arrived that week. Paladares (private restaurants) and casas usually eat better than state-run places. Vegetarians and vegans should plan ahead.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| What food should I try? | Ropa vieja, congrí, lechón, fresh fruit | Portions vary with supply |
| Is the food spicy? | No, Cuban food is mild | Hot sauce is rarely on the table |
| Can I drink the water? | No | Bottled or boiled only |
| Is street food common? | Limited | Pizza, sandwiches and fried snacks |
| Can I be vegetarian? | Yes, but choices are narrow | Rice, beans and eggs are staples |
| Is rum cheap? | Yes | Havana Club is everywhere |
| Do restaurants take cards? | Rarely | Pay cash |
| Should I book restaurants? | In Havana, yes | Popular paladares fill up |
Weather and timing
The dry season runs November to April and is the best window for most trips. Hurricane season peaks from August to October, and summer is hot and humid. Prices and crowds follow the same pattern.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| What is the best time to visit Cuba? | November to April | Dry, cooler, more reliable transport |
| When is hurricane season? | June to November, peaking August–October | Watch forecasts if travelling then |
| How hot is summer? | Often above 30 °C with high humidity | Plan around midday |
| Does it rain a lot? | Short heavy showers in the wet season | Mornings are usually clearer |
| What should I pack? | Light clothes, rain shell, torch, power bank | Bring spare medication |
| Is Christmas busy? | Yes, book early | Casas fill up |
| When is carnival? | Santiago de Cuba in July | Dates shift each year |
| Can I swim year-round? | Yes, but winter water is cooler | Beaches are best Nov–Apr |
Health and practicalities
Pharmacies are poorly stocked, so bring everything you might need, including prescription medicine in its original packaging. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is close to essential.
| Question | Short answer | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Do I need vaccinations? | Routine shots plus hepatitis A and typhoid are usual (check) | Check with a travel clinic |
| Can I get my medication in Cuba? | Do not count on it | Bring enough for the trip plus spare |
| What about mosquitoes? | Dengue and other mosquito-borne illness occur (check) | Use repellent, especially in the wet season |
| Is there internet? | Yes, but slow and often down | Buy a local SIM or data package |
| What plugs are used? | Types A, B, C and L; 110 V and 220 V both in use | Bring an adapter |
| What is the time zone? | UTC−5, daylight saving UTC−4 from March to November | Check before booking flights |
| Do I need to speak Spanish? | It helps a lot | English is limited outside hotels |
| What should I do before I go? | Check advisories, insurance, cash and documents | Use a step-by-step plan |
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Most visitors need a tourist card (tarjeta de turista), bought from the airline or a Cuban consulate before departure; some nationalities need a full visa. US citizens also need a legal OFAC travel category, because tourism is not one. Rules vary by passport, so confirm yours before booking.
What is the best time to visit Cuba?
November to April is the dry season, with cooler weather and more reliable transport. Hurricane season runs June to November and peaks from August to October. Christmas and New Year are busy, so book casas and buses early.
How much money do I need for Cuba?
Budget roughly 60–120 USD per person per day (2026 estimate, check), depending on casas, taxis and tours. Bring cash in USD or EUR for the whole trip, because cards and ATMs are unreliable, and keep a reserve separate from your daily money.
Is Cuba safe for tourists?
Petty theft happens in Havana, but fuel, power and flight failures are the bigger risk, and government advice differs. The US rates Cuba Level 2, while in September 2026 the UK, Canada and Australia advise against non-essential travel. Read your own government's current page before deciding.
Can I drink the tap water in Cuba?
No. Drink sealed bottled water or boil it. Ice in tourist hotels is usually fine, but be cautious with ice from street stalls.
Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?
Strongly recommended, and some airlines ask for proof (check). Medical care is basic and short of supplies, and evacuation is expensive, so make sure your policy covers medical evacuation.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryCuba travel guide
- secondaryWikivoyage – Cuba