Travel & Discover

Also: Santiago de Cuba in the east, Guardalavaca, northern cays. Domestic flights and buses/Viazul link major towns; delays can occur.

• Drier, cooler months often ~Nov–Apr.
• Rain and hurricane season typically ~Jun–Nov; check alerts.
• Coasts warm year-round; summer is hot and humid.

Per cuba.travel and related sources: valid passport (often ≥6 months from entry), tourist visa (eVisa or former tourist card), medical insurance, round-trip ticket, and the D’Viajeros QR (dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu). Maximum tourist stay per cuba.travel: 90 days, extendable by another 90.

• eVisa: apply e.g. via evisacuba.cu; enter the code in D’Viajeros; show the QR on arrival.
• D’Viajeros: often within 72 hours before entry; keep an offline copy (wifi is unreliable).
• Without insurance, cuba.travel says an Asistur policy may be required on arrival; US-issued policies are not accepted per Cuban notices.
• Non-tourism purposes: special visa via a consulate.

Travel advisories describe power outages, fuel/water/goods shortages, and limited internet. Build in buffers and keep documents offline.

• Payments: cash (clean USD/EUR) is central for many visitors; card acceptance is limited — US-issued cards do not work. Other international cards may fail.
• Medical care for foreigners is often charged in foreign currency up front; bring funds and valid insurance.
• In cities: usual urban caution; known taxis.

Official currency: Cuban peso (CUP). In practice USD and EUR are widely used or exchanged. MLC labels freely convertible bank balances — not tourist cash. Official and informal rates can diverge sharply.

• Bring cash in small bills; declare large amounts if required.
• US cards: do not work. Other cards: uncertain acceptance — do not rely on them.
• Numbeo Havana (Oct 2026, approx.): inexpensive restaurant ca. USD 3.60; meal for 2 ca. USD 27.50.

• Havana: classic cars, taxis, buses.
• Viazul and transfers between tourist hubs.
• Domestic flights for long distances; weather and fuel can affect schedules.