Caribbean
Cuba
Low violent crime, music, old architecture and warm casa hosts, but late 2026 means long blackouts, fuel and water shortages, cash-only travel and cancelled flights. Only for flexible, well-prepared travelers.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa21 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyCUPUS$1 ≈ $24.00Details
- Price level39%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B, C, L110 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency106Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityHavana has a visible scene and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2022, but rural attitudes are conservative and trans people face prejudice.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for 6 months, but fuel is scarce; hiring a car with a driver works better.
Where to go in Cuba
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HavanaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,900–3,000 | Nov–Apr | 20/100 |
| VaraderoBeach town | 4/5 | $2,000–3,200 | Nov–Apr | 34/100 |
| ViñalesTown | 4/5 | $1,600–2,500 | Nov–Apr | 56/100 |
| TrinidadTown | 4/5 | $1,700–2,700 | Nov–Apr | 49/100 |
| Santiago de CubaCity | 3/5 | $1,500–2,400 | Dec–Mar | 48/100 |
| CienfuegosCity | — | $1,200–1,800 | Dec–Apr | — |
| Cayo CocoIsland | — | $3,600–5,800 | Nov–Apr | — |
When to visit Cuba
November–April is drier and less hot. June–November is the hot, humid hurricane season with more outages; the east is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
Good to know
Entry
- Get a tourist card (tourist visa) online via eVisa-Cuba, through your airline or agent, or from a Cuban embassy.
- Complete the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival; save the QR code as a PDF, as airlines check it.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance valid in Cuba and an onward or return ticket.
- US law bans tourism, so Americans need an OFAC travel category. Anyone who visited Cuba since 2021 can't use the US ESTA.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Changing money anywhere except CADECA exchange houses is illegal; fines or prison are possible.
- Drones are confiscated on arrival; photographing military sites can count as espionage.
- Zero tolerance for drugs; even small amounts bring long prison sentences.
Etiquette
- Casa hosts must register your passport with immigration; this is normal.
- Avoid criticizing the government in public; locals can face consequences.
- Carry small notes; change is scarce everywhere.
- Say 'buenas' when entering shops, buses and homes.
Tipping
Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cuba
- D'Viajeros traveller information portal
- eVisa-Cuba
- ETECSA CubacelTur for visitors
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.