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CubaTravel guide

Explore Cuba visa rulesCommon scams in Cuba

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, known for beaches, colonial buildings and cultural history. A warning updated on 30 July 2026 says Western governments advise against non-essential travel because severe fuel shortages and blackouts are disrupting transport, food, water, healthcare and communications.

Why go

  1. Explore Old Havana and its historic streets.

  2. Visit Varadero Beach or Playa Paraiso.

  3. See traditional tobacco farming in Valle de Viñales.

  4. Experience local music and Afro-Cuban dance.

  5. Explore historic Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Camagüey.

Getting there

By air

  • The July 2026 warning says foreign aircraft can no longer refuel in Cuba, causing major flight cuts.
  • Air Europa has reduced flights. Iberia, Air France, LATAM, Turkish Airlines and all Canadian airlines have suspended them.

By sea

  • There are no ferry services from Cancún or Florida to Cuba.
  • Private boats may enter at Marina Hemingway in Havana or Marina Acua in Varadero.

Customs

  • Cuban products cannot be brought into the United States, even when passing through on the way elsewhere. Customs may confiscate them.
  • Untaxed cigars may be confiscated when leaving Cuba.
  • Cuba has very strict laws against drugs and bringing in pornography.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Buses are the most popular way to travel around the island. Viazul mainly serves tourists, while Astro mainly serves local people. Provincial buses cover shorter distances. Local transport is easier to use outside larger cities. Severe fuel shortages are disrupting transport.

  • Taxi

    Ask someone familiar with local taxis what the fare should be. Agree on the price before leaving and write it down to prevent disputes. If the quoted fare seems high, insist on the meter. The source especially recommends this for airport taxis.

  • Rental car

    Drive on the right. Roads can have poor signs, damaged surfaces, cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles. Check the rental contract and get a receipt for every payment. Insurance overcharging is a reported scam. A serious crash involving injury or death can leave visitors detained in Cuba for months while legal proceedings continue, even as passengers. Fuel is extremely limited, and theft from parked vehicles is increasingly common. Slow down at railway crossings and obey stop signs and speed checkpoints.

  • Train

    The main line connects Havana and Santiago de Cuba through Santa Clara and Camagüey. The source describes the overnight Tren Francés as the most reliable service, running on alternate days. Check schedules before travelling. Other trains often break down or are cancelled. Bring food and water because there are no services on board. Watch your luggage because theft is a problem.

What to see and do

  • Old Havana

    A major highlight for exploring Cuba's historic streets and colonial buildings.

  • Varadero Beach

    One of the country's highlighted beach destinations.

  • Valle de Viñales

    A lush valley recognised as a World Heritage cultural landscape for traditional tobacco farming.

  • Bay of Pigs

    The site of the failed 1961 invasion is also known for diving and marine life.

  • Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

    This castle in Santiago de Cuba is a World Heritage Site.

  • Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Camagüey

    These cities are among Cuba's main places to visit for history.

Food and drink

  • Casas particulares

    These privately owned guesthouses often serve some of the best food described in the source.

  • Paladares

    Privately run restaurants are another recommended place to eat.

  • Moros y cristianos

    Rice and beans is Cuba's national dish. Black beans are a household staple.

  • Pork and chicken

    These are the main meats eaten in Cuba.

  • Street food

    Vendors sell sandwiches, fruit, small pizzas, spaghetti, ice cream and cakes. Quality varies.

  • Restricted foods

    Selling beef and lobster outside state-owned hotels and restaurants is illegal. Turtle is endangered and illegal to eat, even if listed on a menu.

Money

Cuban peso (CUP)

  • The Cuban convertible peso was abolished in 2021. The national currency is the Cuban peso.
  • The July 2026 warning says Visa and MasterCard are no longer accepted and international cards cannot be used for cash-machine withdrawals.
  • Carry cash. The source says US dollars, euros and British pounds are widely accepted.
  • Do not hand money to someone offering to exchange it inside a bank while you wait outside.

Tipping: Tips are not always expected, but they help supplement low wages. The source says even US$1 can make a difference after good service.

Typical costs

  • Car rental is listed from about US$65 per day, including insurance, plus a full tank of fuel; refundable deposits start around US$200.
  • Tropicana admission is listed at about US$60 or the equivalent in euros.
  • Street pizzas are listed at CUP10–20, and bananas at CUP1–2 each.
  • These are approximate prices listed in the source. Its July 2026 warning separately reports black-market fuel prices as high as US$30–40 per gallon.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language.
  • Hotel staff and guides in major tourist areas often speak conversational English.
  • English ability varies. Basic Spanish is especially useful outside tourist areas and in guesthouses.
¿Qué bolá?
What's up? An informal greeting.
¿Cómo andas?
How are you doing?
No quiero
I don't want it.
No hablo español
I don't speak Spanish.
Agua de botella
Bottled water.
PARE
Stop, as written on road signs.

Staying safe

  • The July 2026 warning advises against non-essential travel because basic services are severely disrupted.
  • Scheduled blackouts can last 20–22 hours a day, including in Havana. Nationwide failures have lasted 24–48 hours.
  • The warning reports increased petty crime, sexual assaults and social disorder during frequent blackouts.
  • Food and tap water supplies are severely restricted.
12 common scams in Cuba, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Be polite and direct in conversation.
  • Support local owners by staying in private guesthouses, eating in private restaurants and buying from street vendors.
  • Ask whether help or a service has a charge before accepting it.
  • Respect religious customs, including people dressed in white who may avoid physical contact while training as Santeria priests.

Don't

  • Avoid political discussions or pressing people about local politics, as this can make them uncomfortable.
  • Do not assume help or companionship is free.
  • Do not judge a distant manner as unfriendliness when religious customs may explain it.

Staying healthy

  • Healthcare is severely affected by medicine and supply shortages. Some hospitals provide only urgent care and postpone routine treatment.
  • Drink bottled water and avoid tap water. Drink plenty in temperatures above 30°C.
  • Be careful with unpasteurised milk, vegetables washed in tap water and street meat.
  • Bring needed medicines and toiletries, as many are difficult to find. The source specifically mentions shortages of common painkillers, diarrhoea medicine, tampons and condoms.

Phone and internet

  • Communication is described as expensive and difficult.
  • The July 2026 warning says fuel shortages and blackouts are severely disrupting communications.

Where to stay

  • The July 2026 warning says 73% of hotels have closed for the foreseeable future. Many remaining hotels offer limited services.
  • Casas particulares are privately owned guesthouses, often in local homes.
  • Staying in a casa particular directly supports its owners and offers contact with local life.
  • Varadero and Holguín are described as having three- to five-star hotels, though the later warning reports widespread closures.

Outdoor adventures in Cuba

Cuba has white-sand beaches, mountain parks, caves and places to dive or watch birds. Options include Viñales, Varadero, the Bay of Pigs and hiking near Baracoa. A warning updated in July 2026 advises against non-essential travel because severe fuel shortages and blackouts disrupt transport, medical care, water supplies and accommodation.

  • Varadero Beach

    BeacheWestern Cubanear Varadero

    Visit the beach at Varadero. Transport details are not specified.

  • Viñales National Park and valley

    More to doPinar del Rio, Western Cubanear Viñales

    Visit the park and valley around Viñales. Specific routes and guide arrangements are not specified.

  • Ciénaga de Zapata National Park and Bay of Pigs

    WildlifeWestern Cuba

    Visit the park for birdwatching, beaches or diving in the Bay of Pigs area. Operators and transport arrangements are not specified.

  • María la Gorda diving and snorkelling

    Scuba divingWestern Cuba

    Head to the small village of María la Gorda for diving or snorkelling. Booking arrangements are not specified.

  • Isla de la Juventud diving

    Scuba divingWestern Cuba

    Visit Isla de la Juventud, south of Havana. Island transport and dive operators are not specified.

  • Jardines del Rey: Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo

    BeacheCentral Cuba

    Visit the beach resorts on Cayo Coco or Cayo Guillermo in the Jardines del Rey island chain. Transport details are not specified.

  • Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

    HikeEastern Cubanear Baracoa

    Take a park tour from the Baracoa area. Tours commonly finish with a beach stop at Playa Duaba or Playa Maguana.

  • Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes

    More to doSierra del Escambray, Central Cuba

    Visit the mountain park spanning Cienfuegos, Villa Clara and Sancti Spíritus provinces. Routes and transport details are not specified.

  • Playas del Este

    BeacheHavana area, Western Cubanear Havana

    About 30 minutes each way by bus

    Take the bus from Hotel Inglaterra in Havana. The listed service leaves every 30 minutes.

    • Cost: About US$5 return by bus

  • Cuevas de Bellemar

    CaveMatanzas, Western Cubanear Matanzas

    Take a public bus from Parque de la Libertad in Matanzas to the cave network southeast of the city.

    • Cost: About US$5

  • Saturno Cave

    CaveMatanzas, Western Cubanear Matanzas

    Visit the cave near Matanzas. Transport and tour arrangements are not specified.

  • Laguna Guanaroca flamingo watching

    WildlifeCienfuegos, Central Cubanear Cienfuegos

    About 2 hours: a 1-hour guided walk and a 1-hour boat trip Early in the day, before it gets very hot

    Buy a ticket through Cubanacan and arrange your own transport to the lake southeast of Cienfuegos. You can wait at the office to share a taxi with other visitors.

    • Cost: Listed April 2015: CUC10 entry for foreigners; CUC20 for a return taxi
    • The boat leaves you fully exposed to the sun. Go early to avoid the worst heat.

  • Playa Paraiso

    BeacheWestern Cuba

    Visit Playa Paraiso in Western Cuba. Transport details are not specified.

  • El Nicho Waterfalls

    More to do

    Access and tour arrangements are not specified.

  • Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve

    More to doPinar del Rio, Western Cuba

    Visit Soroa or Las Terrazas, the reserve's main visitor sites. Transport and route details are not specified.

  • La Güira National Park

    More to doPinar del Rio, Western Cuba

    Visit the park in Pinar del Rio province. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

  • Playa de Miel

    BeacheBaracoa, Eastern Cubanear Baracoa

    Walk from Baracoa to the beach just south of Fuerte Matachín.

    • Cost: Free

  • Playa Duaba

    BeacheBaracoa area, Eastern Cubanear Baracoa

    Visit on the return from an Alejandro de Humboldt National Park tour. The beach is north of Baracoa, off the road to the park, and is not within walking distance of town.

    • Cost: Free

  • Playa Maguana

    BeacheBaracoa area, Eastern Cubanear Baracoa

    Visit on the return from an Alejandro de Humboldt National Park tour. The beach is north of Baracoa, off the road to the park.

    • Cost: Free

  • Playa Blanca

    BeacheBaracoa area, Eastern Cubanear Baracoa

    Take a bicycle taxi southeast from Baracoa along a winding 12 km road.

  • Havana–Varadero cycling route via Yumurí Valley

    CyclingWestern Cubanear Matanzas

    Ride between Havana and Varadero using the Vía Blanca highway. For the described valley route, turn right onto a small road about 5 km after the Bacunayagua River bridge and descend into Yumurí Valley before reaching Matanzas.

    • Riding from Havana means cycling against the wind.

  • Yumurí Valley birdwatching

    WildlifeMatanzas, Western Cubanear Matanzas

    Look for birds around the trees beside the higher ground along the valley's edges. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

  • Canímar River boat trip

    More to doMatanzas, Western Cubanear Matanzas

    Start at the Canímar River bridge on the Matanzas–Varadero road. Travel both ways by boat, or take a bus one way and return by boat.

    • Boats have no roof. Bring a raincoat and an umbrella for sun or rain.

Airports, metros and trains in Cuba

Airports with scheduled flights

  • SNUAbel Santamaria International AirportSanta ClaraMain international airport
  • SCUAntonio Maceo International AirportSantiagoMain international airport
  • HOGFrank Pais International AirportHolguinMain international airport
  • CMWIgnacio Agramonte International AirportCamagueyMain international airport
  • HAVJosé Martí International AirportHavanaMain international airport
  • VRAJuan Gualberto Gomez International AirportMatanzasMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
8,193 km
Electrified
117 km

People and safety in Cuba

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian59%
  • No religion23%
  • Folk religions17%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 19 of 198 countries can visit Cuba easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required19
  • eVisa152
  • Visa required26
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas7 of 34 countries
  • Asia5 of 50 countries
  • Europe4 of 46 countries
  • Africa3 of 54 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is Cuba suitable for a trip during the reported shortages?

The warning updated on 30 July 2026 says Western governments advise against non-essential travel. Fuel shortages and long blackouts are disrupting basic services.

Can I use my bank card or withdraw cash?

The July 2026 warning says Visa and MasterCard are no longer accepted and international cards cannot be used for cash-machine withdrawals. Carry cash.

What is the main way to travel between towns?

Buses are the most popular option. Viazul mainly serves tourists, while Astro mainly serves local people, but fuel shortages are disrupting transport.

What is a casa particular?

It is a privately owned guesthouse, often in someone's home. Staying there directly supports local owners.

Can I get by with English?

Hotel staff and guides in major tourist areas often speak conversational English. Basic Spanish is very useful elsewhere.

Can I drink tap water?

The source advises avoiding tap water and choosing bottled water. Check bottles for signs of refilling or resealing.

Where can I find good Cuban food?

The source recommends meals in private guesthouses and privately run restaurants called paladares. Rice and beans, pork and chicken are common.

Should I bring medicines and toiletries?

Yes. Many medicines and items such as shampoo, tampons, razors and condoms are difficult to find, and medical supplies are severely limited.

Is tipping expected?

Not always, but tips help supplement low wages. The source says even US$1 can make a difference after good service.

Can I take Cuban products into the United States?

The source says Cuban products cannot be brought into the United States and may be confiscated. This also applies when passing through on the way elsewhere.

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