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Cuba

Standard Coverage

Caribbean • CUB

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Cuba is a vibrant, time-capsule destination known for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture, classic American cars, and rich musical heritage. Travelers can enjoy a unique cultural experience characterized by warm hospitality, stunning Caribbean beaches, and a complex political history.

Visa Requirements

Visa Required

Most international visitors must obtain a 'Tourist Card' (Tarjeta de Turista) prior to travel, which is valid for 90 days and extendable once.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista)
  • Proof of travel health insurance
  • Return or onward flight ticket

Popular Attractions

1

Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with beautifully restored colonial buildings, lively plazas, and historical fortresses.

2

Varadero is a world-renowned beach destination offering miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

3

Viñales Valley features dramatic limestone mogotes and traditional tobacco farms that provide a glimpse into rural Cuban life.

4

Trinidad is a perfectly preserved colonial town famous for its cobblestone streets and vibrant yellow and blue-hued houses.

5

The Bay of Pigs serves as a historically significant site that now offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling in pristine waters.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Tipping is expected and highly appreciated, as it significantly supplements the income of workers in the service industry.

Cubans are generally very friendly and conversational, so don't be surprised if locals strike up a friendly chat in public.

It is polite to dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites, though casual wear is standard throughout the rest of the country.

Haggling is common in local markets, though it should always be done with a smile and respectful demeanor.

Photography of military personnel or government buildings is strictly prohibited and can lead to serious trouble.

Safety Tips

Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and avoid wandering into unfamiliar or isolated neighborhoods.

Use only official state-licensed 'taxi' vehicles to ensure fair pricing and personal safety.

Keep your passport and large amounts of cash secure in a hotel safe rather than carrying them on your person.

Drink only bottled or purified water, as tap water is often not safe for consumption by tourists.

Be cautious of 'jineteros' or street hustlers who may offer unauthorized tours or goods to unsuspecting visitors.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required for travelers arriving directly from the United States or other countries without a risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

Proof of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Flu)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide protection against preventable diseases.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.

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COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection while traveling.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before traveling to Cuba.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Fully vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all eligible travelers.

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Routine vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before traveling to Cuba.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Cuba.

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Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are present.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population, need medical care, or get a tattoo/piercing.

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Rabies vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to animals, particularly in rural areas.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who have not received the vaccine in the last 10 years.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers, especially those born after 1956.

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Florida dengue prevention measurers

Source: CDC

All ages

Dengue fever is prevalent in the region, utilize measures to avoid mosquito bites.

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Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

Vaccination is recommended for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for travelers who have not received it recently.

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MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella.

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For Most Travelers

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent insect-borne diseases (e.g., Dengue, Zika) by using repellent and protective clothing.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses by consuming safe food and water.

Drink only bottled, sealed, or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.

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Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Eat and drink safely to prevent travelers' diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses.

Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice; eat cooked food served hot.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact, need medical care, or have certain exposures.

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Consider food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid foodborne illnesses, make sure food and water is safe.

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Malaria prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid malaria, travelers should take appropriate measures such as using mosquito repellent, especially when visiting rural areas.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider for travelers who will engage in outdoor activities that put them at risk for animal bites.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with locals, or undergo medical procedures.

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Routine Vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. This includes vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.

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Covid-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers to reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, particularly those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those who may consume food or water that could be contaminated.

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Itinerary-Specific

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with new partners or undergo medical procedures.

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Malaria prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

If traveling to areas where malaria is a concern, preventive measures are advised.

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Cholera

Source: CDC

All ages

May be considered for travelers visiting areas with active choleral transmission.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered for those spending a lot of time outdoors, in rural areas, or working with animals.

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Insect bite prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and bed nets is recommended to prevent mosquito bites.

Dengue fever and Zika virus are present.

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Cholera vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

May be considered in specific cases when traveling to areas with active cholera transmission.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who might have sexual contact, get a tattoo, or receive medical treatment.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: No malaria risk

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Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

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