Major city · Cuba
Guantánamo BayBahía de Guantánamo
Skip Guantánamo Bay for typical tourism: access to the U.S. base is restricted, and civilian facilities are limited.
Guantánamo Bay is a strategic naval area with very limited civilian access. Most visitors can only see the Cuban‑controlled north shore or arrange a costly, permission‑based tour of the U.S. base, making it unsuitable for a standard travel itinerary.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler temperatures)
- avoid May–Oct (rainy, hotter, and travel restrictions often tighter)
- Airport
- GAO
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Guantánamo Bay106 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Guantánamo Bay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP).Cuba-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckETECSA is the only operator; tourist SIMs and eSIMs are sold with passport at the airport and ETECSA offices (check eSIM).Cuba-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; bottled water can be scarce, so bring a filter bottle or tablets.Cuba-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% in cash.Cuba-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/L. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Cuba-wide
- SafetyTravel to the U.S. sector is restricted; civilian safety is generally comparable to other Cuban regions, but political sensitivities require caution.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsOften without seats or paper; carry tissue and small coins for attendants.Cuba-wide
- Emergency numbers106 police · 105 fire and ambulance · 104 Medical assistance (Cuban Red Cross) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysOpening hours shrink during fuel crises; banks and offices may close early.Cuba-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGAO Mariana Grajales Airport (Cubana de Aviación flights from Havana; about 30 min by car to Guantánamo city.).
- Getting aroundLimited public transport; buses from Guantánamo city to the bay, occasional ferries between base settlements.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (10 km (6.2 mi), Cuban side)Taxi (6.2 mi (10 km), Cuban side)CUP 800–1,200
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket (city‑to‑bay)CUP 30–50
- Budget bedCuban hostel dorm, a night, per personCUP 150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CUP 300 · Mid CUP 800 · High CUP 1,500
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GAO Mariana Grajales Airport (Cubana de Aviación flights from Havana; about 30 min by car to Guantánamo city.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Guantánamo Bay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Limited public transport; buses from Guantánamo city to the bay, occasional ferries between base settlements. No regular taxis in the U.S. sector.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Guantánamo city
cautionDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Bus from the bay’s north shore; about 20 min
City offers markets and a train to Havana; limited tourist services.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Navy Lodge
Requires military ID and orders; not open to general tourists.
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
Open to authorized personnel; free Wi‑Fi and laundry.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CUP 300–500 (basic meals, no accommodation on base)
- Mid
- CUP 800–1,200 (including a tour fee, limited lodging on Cuban side)
Trip budget
| Cuban hostel dorm1 × 1 night × CUP 150 | CUP 150 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × CUP 300 | CUP 300 |
| Guided base tour (if available)1 × CUP 40 · check | CUP 40 |
| Mariana Grajales Airport round‑trip flight (Havana‑Guantánamo)1 × CUP 120 · check | CUP 120 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CUP 92 |
| Trip total≈ CUP 702 per person per day, bed included | CUP 702 |
2026 estimate; flights, visas and US‑base access fees excluded.
Prices of common things
| McDonald's meal | CUP 250–350 |
| Taxi (10 km, Cuban side) | CUP 800–1,200 |
| Bus ticket (city‑to‑bay) | CUP 30–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Access to the U.S. base is tightly controlled; tours cost around $40 and are not always available (check).
- No civilian hotels on the U.S. side; accommodation requires military clearance.
- Travel advisories from multiple governments advise caution or avoidance.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 106
- Fire and ambulance
- 105
- Medical assistance (Cuban Red Cross)
- 104
Pocket card
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Guantánamo BayBahía de Guantánamo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Fire and ambulance105
- Medical assistance104
Embassy
US interests are represented by the Embassy in Havana; check for consular services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Mariana Grajales Airport → Guantánamo city: about CUP 300 by bus, 30 min (check)
- Guided base tour (if available): ≈ US$40 per person (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello
- Gracias — Thank you
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much?
- ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús? — Where is the bus stop?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Guantánamo Bay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler temperatures) · avoid May–Oct (rainy, hotter, and travel restrictions often tighter) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Arrange a guided tour through Hotel Islazul (cost ~US$40, check availability).
- Use Mariana Grajales Airport for flights from Havana; consider a rental car for flexibility on Cuban side.
Sources
Ask about Guantánamo Bay
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