Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizen travelers should have at least 6 months of validity remaining on their passports after the date of entry even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. US travelers must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) (https: and or and or www.treasury.gov and or about and or … and or offices and or pages and or office-of-foreign-assets-control.aspx). Anyone physically present in the US, regardless of citizenship and nationality, must comply with these regulations. Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered by a general license. If travel is not covered by a general license, OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license must be sought. One authorized reason for obtaining a license is “Support of the Cuban People.” More information on the licensing process may be found at the OFAC website above. Those contemplating travel to Cuba should also consult the US State Department's consular information page about the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[53] (7) 839-4100; US Embassy Havana, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba; https://cu.usembassy.gov/; acshavana@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

53

Local Emergency Phone

26811

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)

Currency (Code)

Cuban pesos (CUP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

110 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, L

Major Languages

Spanish

Major Religions

Christian 58.9%, folk religion 17.6%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, Muslim <1%, note: data is estimative as no authoritative source on religious affiliation in Cuba is available

Time Difference

UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March, ends first Sunday November; note: Cuba has been known to alter the schedule of DST on short notice in an attempt to conserve electricity

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Old Havana; Varadero; Trinidad; Guardalavaca; Cayo Largo del Sur; Cayo Coco; Parque Nacional Viñales

Major Sports

Baseball, soccer, basketball

Cultural Practices

Cubans will point by puckering their lips in the direction of or at the person to whom they are referring.

Tipping Guidelines

In spas, restaurants, and barber shops, a 10% tip is appropriate. Tip the bellhop 1 peso per bag if he carries luggage to your room and leave housekeeping 1 peso per day.

Souvenirs

Cigars, rum, coffee, sugar, local art and handicrafts

Traditional Cuisine

Ropa Vieja — shredded flank steak cooked in tomato sauce and served with rice and/or beans and sweet plantain fritters

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, May 03, 2023