Cuba - Covid Travel information
Cuba is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
It is an approved travel corridor. You do not need to self-isolate on your return to England from one of the travel corridor countries, territories or regions
Jose Marti International Airport (Havana Airport) re-opened to commercial and charter flights on 15 November 2020. All other airports in Cuba are open for commercial and charter flights.
From 1 January 2021, everyone travelling to Cuba must have a certified proof of a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel at an accredited testing centre in the UK or the country you are travelling from. Children are not exempt. You should not use the NHS testing services to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test. You will still be given a PCR test on arrival in Cuba.
Tourists arriving on holiday charter flights will have a PCR test on arrival and will be transferred to their holiday resort..
You have to complete this form online before you arrive in the UK from any country:
Form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel to the UK
Last Updated:23 DEC 2020
Cuba - the location, language, time difference
Cuba is just under 10 hours direct flying time from the UK.
- GMT -5hrs
- Spanish
Cuba - weather and climate
Cuba's air temps don't really change too much over the year, staying in the mid to high 20s. November to April is the dry season. Over the summer months, expect short sharp rain showers. The water remains between 25-27C year round. Sites to the south of the island are a degree or two warmer than the northern coast.
Cuba - Currency and Tax
Cuba peso
A transaction fee is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments
How do I get there?
Depending on your travel dates, it may be possible to take a direct flight to Havana from the UK with Virgin. If not, there are various stopping services. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to South Africa, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
If you are on a stopping flight schedule, you can have a stop over in Amsterdam.
Are there any extension options?
Depending on your holiday option, they may be a Havana extension included. Otherwise we are able to book a limited selection of hotels for an few extra days in Havana or at one of the resort hotels.
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
UK passport holders must have a Cuba Tourist card prior to departure. You can obtain this from the Cuban embassy in London (167 High Holborn WC1V 6PA - 020 7240 2488). Alternatively you can use a 3rd party visa specialist. Scuba Travel is not able to arrange the Tourist Card on your behalf. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Preparing to fly
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
Current duty free allowances allowed into Cuba: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages;Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
UK passport holders must have a Cuba Tourist card prior to departure. You can obtain this from the Cuban embassy in London (167 High Holborn WC1V 6PA - 020 7240 2488). Alternatively you can use a 3rd party visa specialist. Scuba Travel is not able to arrange the Tourist Card on your behalf. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will be a rep to meet you - please ensure you have advised us of your travel plans prior to travel if making your own flight arrangements. If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers are included in your holiday. You be advised in your travel documentation of how to find your transfer.
What happens on departure day?
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. There is no departure tax.
Plugs and Electricity
110V - flat or round 2 pin