Before leaving

To enter Cuba, you must have a passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity, health insurance, and a visa that you can apply for online. The visa costs about 40 euros and will be delivered by post (at least for Italy it was like this). Health insurance can be activated with any company, but it is important to have proof that it is valid in the country. Upon arrival at the airport, we were surprised to find a long queue of tourists with a filled-out form in hand. It was then that we discovered that, in addition to insurance and other documents, a health statement is also required at the entrance of the village. Fortunately, it was possible to fill it out at the airport, but since January 2023, this option is no longer available. So, don’t forget to fill out the online form, which you can find at www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.

No vaccination is necessary if you already have the mandatory ones, but always check the travel safe website for any country-specific risks and information. If you travel frequently, make this site your best friend.

Last tips before you leave:

1. You can travel as you wish, even using an enormous suitcase. Our advice, however, is to start light with a backpack to facilitate your movements and avoid standing out as a tourist. We love to immerse ourselves in the local culture and avoid flaunting wealth in countries where many struggle to make ends meet.
2. Don’t worry about activating expensive global mobile promotions. Just outside the Havana Airport, you will find several shops where you can buy a phone SIM card (around 10 euros) with a promotion that suits your data needs. Keep in mind that all information sources in Cuba are controlled by the government, including the internet. Avoid using the internet for work or communicating with companies outside the country.
3. Bring cash and exchange the minimum necessary at the airport, which offers unfavorable exchange rates. Always keep about 100 euros to pay for taxis that only accept euros for the return trip to the airport. For other financial advice, it is best to consult locals, preferably your hosts, rather than relying on street advice.
4. Book your first and last night’s accommodation through Airbnb and leave room for adventure. Cuba is a safe country, so don’t be afraid of the unexpected. Sometimes, unexpected situations can lead you to wonderful places.
5. Don’t forget to bring mosquito spray.

Here we are in Cuba

If you land in Havana, this guide will help you avoid the main scams and scammers in the city. Bargaining with the taxi driver is recommended, and the ride to the city center should cost around 15 to 20 euros.

Avoid taking tours in vintage cars, as they lack security systems and are often overpriced to attract a specific segment of tourists.

Avoid buying cigars on the street and be cautious of those who approach you to sell or recommend cigar shops. These cigars are usually of low quality and sold at high prices. It is advisable to buy cigars in rural areas, such as Vinales, where you can see the tobacco crops firsthand and buy directly from the source. The same goes for coffee and other local products.

When it comes to currency exchange, avoid changing money on the street and instead ask the people you are staying with for recommendations.

It is common for children and adults to approach you asking for money. While you can give clothes, food, or school supplies, it is highly discouraged to give money. Cubans generally do not appreciate handouts, and it is forbidden for children to beg on the streets (they can be fined if caught).

The most convenient way to travel around the island is by using the Via Azul bus, which has specific routes between major cities. If you want to explore less-known areas, it is easy to find a taxi. You can also arrange to share a taxi with other travelers to reduce costs. Renting a car is not recommended due to high rates and concerns about safety and functionality.

Responsible Tourism

One last piece of advice: As tempting as it may be to stay in a luxury resort or state hotel, keep in mind that the money spent there will not reach the citizens’ pockets. Instead, it will only enrich those who have contributed to the instability and poverty in Cuba. While it is your right to relax, it is not your right to contribute to the destruction of delicate social, environmental, and economic ecosystems. In a world where no one takes the blame, it is time to understand that our actions and ideas can cause great harm. Although it may be painful to witness the reality in which many people are forced to live, it is not responsible to turn a blind eye and enjoy a “well-deserved rest.”

If possible, consider staying in casas particulares. This experience will be unforgettable as you will meet real people, enjoy local food, and support individuals with limited resources but unexpected smiles.