Cuba’s New Travel Rules for Tourists

As tourism slowly opens up across the globe in the post-Covid world, there are entry requirements for most destinations. Cuba’s new travel rules have been established to ensure a successful revival of the Island’s tourism industry and maintain the health and safety of tourists and citizens alike.

Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) has published its new travel protocols that includes entry and quarantine requirements, and the opportunity to take another PCR test for those who require one to return to their country of origin.

International Tourists with a Flight and Accommodation Package Booked With a Travel Agency:

Upon landing in Cuba, it is mandatory to present a lab certified, negative PCR test for COVID performed 72 hours before traveling.

It is also necessary to show proof of a travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19.

At the airport of entry, a PCR test will be performed and the tourist will be transferred to their hotel accommodation. The test result will be available in 24 hours.

After a negative PCR test result, the tourist can continue with travel plans.

The use of the mask is mandatory in Cuba and in the common areas of the hotel.

If a PCR test result is required for the return to the country of origin, it can be requested from the medical staff at the hotel. Payment for the test must be made with a bank card.

Rules for Solo Travelers, Resident and Non-Resident Cubans

Solo travel is the type of trip organized by the individual.

For these tourists arriving in Cuba, it is mandatory to have a negative PCR test result, performed 72 hours before the trip, and certified by laboratories in the country of origin.

A travel insurance policy covering COVID-19 must be presented upon entry.

For tourists traveling on their own and resident or non-resident Cubans, a “quarantine” period of six nights and seven days is mandatory, except for people arriving at the Havana and Santiago de Cuba airports. Those who arrive at these airports must remain isolated for five nights and six days.

A PCR test will be done upon arrival at the airport. A second test is performed on the sixth day at the isolation hotel. For visitors arriving at the Havana or Santiago de Cuba airport, the second test is done on the fifth day.

Test results for the second PCR test will be available 24 hours after it is performed. If the result is negative, the tourist can continue with their travel plans and/or join up with family in Cuba.

Isolation packages (hotel reservation and airport-hotel transfer) can be booked through the travel agencies’ websites or at the sales office in the quarantined area of the arrival airport. The cost will be in freely convertible currency.

Isolation packages can be booked on the following websites:

Cuba.travel

Cubatur Travel Agencies

Havanatur Travel Agency

Upon arrival at the accommodation, the traveler must isolate in their room.

The use of the mask is mandatory in Cuba.

If a PCR test result is required to return to the country of origin, it can be requested from the medical staff at the hotel facility or one of the local health institutions. Payment for the test can be made by bank card.

New Travel Rules for Travelers Residing in Cuba Arriving at the Varadero and Cayo Coco Airports

Cuban travelers arriving at these airports must undergo isolation in the province of arrival for the required six nights and seven days.

Return transportation to the province of residence from the facility where the isolation is done, is a paid service, according to current rates.

Rules for Travelers Residing in Cuba Arriving at the Havana and Santiago de Cuba Airports

The stay at an isolation center is free of charge for five nights and six days.

Expenses for transportation services from the airport to the isolation center and the return trip to their area of residence is paid by the travelers, according to current rates and includes overweight luggage.