Covid Entry Requirements in Cuba
Before Arriving in Cuba During the Pandemic
Cuba requires all travelers to be both fully vaccinated AND show a negative PCR test completed up to 72 hours before arrival. Things sometimes work differently in Cuba so bring a printed copy of your proof of vaccination and negative test results. Cuban authorities recognize most international vaccines, including: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson, or a mix of any two of these.
Beginning January 1, 2022, Cuba simplified its arrival process with a new online form called D’Viajeros, which combined immigration and health forms into a single digital format. Basically, it’s a sworn declaration about your biographic data and COVID-19 vaccination status. You can fill out the online form up to 72 hours before arrival and will then receive a QR to present to Cuban health and immigration authorities upon arrival in Cuba.
Health Insurance for Travel to Cuba
Non-US medical insurance is also required for the trip. According to the US Embassy in Cuba, approved medical insurance is typically included in airline ticket fares on flights originating in the US. but American travelers should seek confirmation from their airlines or tour operators in order to avoid potential difficulties when they reach Cuba.
Travel Visa for Cuba
Also remember that all visitors to Cuba require a travel visa, which is typically good for 30 days and can be renewed several times, depending on your country of origin. You can pre-purchase your Cuban travel visa online - just make sure you buy the correct visa. If you are traveling from a US airport, you must purchase the Pink Tourist Card. If you’re traveling to Cuba from any other country, you will purchase a Green Tourist Card. You can also pay your airline for the visa at the airport (and it’s a few dollars cheaper), but this option allows you to pay with a credit card up to 180 days in advance. This option also ships the visa within a few days and offers real-time tracking so you have a bit more security.
What It’s Like in Cuba During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In both 2020 and 2021, Cuba suffered tremendously from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, however, the country has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and there are no longer any curfews or movement restrictions in place.
U.S. citizens (and most travelers, for that matter), are NOT required to quarantine in Cuba. This was only the case in the past but since all visitors now must be both vaccinated and free-of COVID upon arrival, this is no longer the case. However, should you test positive for the virus within Cuba, you will be transferred to a government-designated “hotel hospital“, where you will be isolated and provided with necessary medical care.
In addition to there being no curfews, no health pass or proof of vaccination is required to enter bars, restaurants, museums, or public buildings. Masks are still required.
Testing for COVID-19 in Cuba
PCR tests and antigen tests are available within Cuba and are available for travelers. Results are returned as a printed, hard copy and are typically returned within a day of testing (which is required for travel to the United States). Travelers are responsible for the cost of their own testing and any required medical costs (this is why you need medical insurance).
Since travel and testing requirements have been changing so frequently in so many countries around the world, it’s important for all travelers to check the return travel requirements from within Cuba, BEFORE arriving at the airport. You wouldn’t want to arrive, only to find out that the CDC or local authorities changed the rules and now you can’t board your flight.
The US Embassy in Havana put together this list of COVID-19 testing sites in Cuba across the island. Havana has the most COVID 19 testing sites but there are also COVID testing sites in Trinidad, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Holugín, Camaguey, and across the island. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list (and it’s subject to change at any time) but it’s a good place to start. Also check with your tour leader, tour operator, guide, or casa host to see if they have suggestions about where to get tested before your return flight. The PCR test costs $30 and you must pay with a non-US credit card.
Note that most all-inclusive resorts (which are VERY popular with Canadians) have in-house clinics that provide COVID tests but, due to US Embargo restrictions, Americans aren’t allowed to stay in them.
Travel Insurance for Cuba During the Pandemic
As previously mentioned, non-US medical insurance is required to enter Cuba and the insurance that is included in the price of airfare from the US to Cuba typically includes this. That said, know that this medical insurance is not the same as travel insurance. It may cover your hospital stay and medical costs should you catch COVID, it will NOT cover anything else.
COVID-medical insurance in Cuba will not pay for a new plane ticket home. It will not reimburse you for any money you lost on the trip, for instance, if you pre-paid for tours, dance classes, or casa particular accommodations that you had to forfeit when you tested positive. It also won’t cover theft, burglary, or any required medical attention that is not COVID-related. If you break your toe (which I’ve seen happen on my group tours), if your phone is stolen (which I’ve also seen happen), COVID medical insurance simply won’t cover it because it’s only designed for COVID-related costs. Your personal health insurance also won’t cover you. This is where broader travel insurance comes in.
I’ve bought World Nomads travel insurance for every single trip I’ve taken for at least the past 5 years, I recommend it to everyone I know, and I even require it on my group tours. Want to learn more? Check out my post on Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance.
Have Things Gotten Back to Normal in Cuba?
No, they haven’t, just like they haven’t gotten back to normal in most of the world. Many small businesses remain closed so you’ll find fewer restaurants, clubs, music venues, and stores but you’ll still have plenty to choose from and you’ll still have a great time. What hasn’t changed is the Cuban people’s strong spirit, kindness, and excitement to meet and get to know travelers from all over the world.
Face masks are still required in Cuba (including outside) though enforcement isn’t always consistent. Even if tourists don’t always have to worry as much about enforcement as Cubans do, be courteous and wear a mask. Also, masks are in short supply so bring at least one mask per day and be a doll and bring a bunch of extra clean masks to pass out to Cubans!
Cubans are known for hugging and cheek-kissing and this has also widely resumed on the island, albeit with masks. If you’re not comfortable with this, let others know. Cubans are affectionate but they’re also understanding.
Packing List for Visiting Cuba in 2022
It’s always been a challenge to find certain things in Cuba. Even everyday items like soap or pain relievers can be out of stock so it’s important to bring everything you’ll need on your trip. If possible, consider bringing some extras to leave behind. This article digs deeper into What to Pack for Cuba and here is my Cuba packing list on Amazon and a Cuba reading list.
And here are a few products I ALWAYS bring to Cuba with me.