Cuba | North America

Cuba is an island nation located at the confluence of the northern Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, separated from the Florida Keys by the Straits of Florida. The country's economy is defined by state-controlled industries including tourism, nickel mining, and pharmaceutical exports, alongside a highly fertile agricultural sector focused on sugar and tobacco; the capital city is Havana.

Visa & Entry Policy

All visitors require a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) to enter. EU and UK passport holders must purchase this card via a consulate or authorized travel agency prior to arrival. US citizens must comply with federal Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, typically traveling under the "Support for the Cuban People" category, and are required to use a specific pink Tourist Card (as opposed to the standard green card). All travelers must provide proof of valid travel insurance with medical coverage in Cuba and complete the "D'Viajeros" digital entry form within 48 hours of arrival.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English proficiency is medium in tourist enclaves and among hospitality staff in Havana and Varadero, but low in rural provinces. The local dialect, Cuban Spanish, is noted for the frequent omission of the final "s" in words and a high density of "Cubanisms," such as using the term fruta bomba instead of papaya.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). Since the 2021 monetary unification, the CUC has been abolished. However, a parallel digital currency known as MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) is used in state-run stores for imported goods. While international cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in some government-run hotels and stores, cards issued by US-affiliated banks do not function. Cash is the primary medium of exchange, and travelers are advised to bring sufficient EUR or USD, as ATMs are unreliable and inflation has created significant disparities between official and informal exchange rates.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city transport for tourists is primarily managed by the Viazul bus network, which requires online payment in foreign currency via credit card. Independent travelers also utilize colectivos (shared long-distance taxis). The rail network is the oldest in Latin America but suffers from frequent delays and aging rolling stock. Domestic flights are operated by Cubana de Aviación, though schedules are currently highly irregular due to fuel shortages and maintenance issues.

Digital Infrastructure

Telecommunications are a state monopoly managed by ETECSA. Mobile data is accessible via 4G/LTE in major cities, with 2026 expansion plans targeting underserved rural areas like Camagüey. To access the internet, tourists must purchase a "Cubacel Tur" SIM card or use NAUTA cards to log into public Wi-Fi hotspots found in parks and hotels.

Climate & Seasonality

Cuba has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The wet season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, with the highest risk of tropical cyclones occurring in September and October. High humidity levels are persistent, particularly during the summer months.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required, though Typhoid and Hepatitis A are recommended. Mosquito-borne risks include Dengue and Oropouche virus; travelers should use repellent as fumigation is common. There are chronic shortages of basic medicines, including analgesics and antibiotics; travelers must bring a personal supply. The emergency number for Police and General Emergencies is 106, and for Ambulance is 104.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Western Tobacco Region: Hub: Viñales.

The Central Colonial Corridor: Hub: Trinidad.

The Revolutionary East: Hub: Santiago de Cuba.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 150 CUP ($1.25 USD at official rate)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 240 CUP ($2.00 USD)

1 SIM Card (Tourist 10GB): $35.00 USD (Fixed USD price)

Facts & Legends

Cuba was the second country in the world, after the United States, to broadcast color television, beginning in 1957. A localized historical ritual occurs every night at 9:00 PM at the Fortaleza de la Cabaña in Havana, where a cannon is fired (El Cañonazo de las Nueve)-a tradition dating back to the 18th century that originally signaled the closing of the city walls to protect against pirate attacks.