Current News on Tourism in Cuba
Cuba has now largely reopened its tourist operations, a process that began on November 15, 2021.
Key things to review include:
1) Mandatory immigration process for arriving in Cuba.
2) COVID processes (which are largely eliminated).
3) Navigating payment processes and currencies.
This information is current as of October 25, 2023 and will be updated from time to time. The situation in Cuba is fluid, as the country recovers from COVID and implements modernization of its economy and monetary system, check back frequently for new information.
1. Travelling to Cuba – Mandatory Immigration Process:
As of January 1, 2022, it became mandatory for visitors to complete an online-only immigration declaration process. This combines several prior paper-based declarations, and adds a health status declaration. Beginning in February 2023, this has been enforced, so do not skip completing this process online before you head to the airport.
Cuba has eliminated the traditional paper-based immigration forms, customs declaration, and adds a new health status declaration. Although you may still be handed the paper forms on route by your airline, you can no longer count on this and it can mean having your departure denied by your airline either at check-in or at the gate.
We strongly recommend that you complete this online form during the 48 hours prior to arriving in Cuba (you cannot do it sooner than 48 hours). You should complete your online booking with your airline first, as you need to know your seat number. You will also need to know your destination hotel, city, province and basic info like your passport number.
Here is a link to the online form https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio.
You will still have to obtain and complete a paper-based Cuban Tourist Visa also known as a Tourist Card. Generally this is provided by your airline, but you should check as particularly in America it is handled differently by different airlines.
2. COVID Rules:
Effective April 6, 2022, Cuba has further relaxed entry requirements for visitors from all countries: it is no longer required upon arrival in Cuba that you present the result of a test for COVID carried out in the country of origin; it is no longer required to present a COVID vaccination certificate. Random sampling for COVID (free) will be maintained for travellers at points of entry into the country, taking into account the number of flights, the entry of vessels and the epidemiological risk that the country represents. Social distancing and the disinfection of hands and surfaces is maintained.
Passengers need to have health insurance that includes COVID coverage while they are visiting Cuba. We recommend obtaining this through your travel agency/tour-operator/insurance company at the time of ticket purchase. If you cannot obtain health insurance with COVID coverage is available at the airport on arrival in Cuba for 30 USD.
Tourists will be allowed to travel safely all over the island and NO quarantine will be needed on arrival. Arriving tourists will have their temperature measured to rule out that there are possible infections. If, when performing a random test or PCR at the airport, they detect a positive infection: tourists will go to the hotel for quarantine. If a tourist gets sick, the health personnel who are located at each hotel, will apply established protocols to treat the patient and disinfect any areas that the patient came in contact with. Treatment would include as needed, COVID testing, isolation, and treatment for the illness.
Medical care is present in each hotel, in each tourist area as it reopens. Each hotel and hospital must have supplies for PCR tests (or antigen “rapid” tests) to check suspected COVID cases. Regarding casas particulares (B&Bs), the Cuban tourist agency as part of its licensing process requires casa owners to demonstrate compliance with public health measures including COVID safety, such as reporting suspected COVID cases.
For our tour riders, Bicycle Breeze will help coordinate testing, treatment and isolation along with local authorities. Procedural steps would include a temperature check, assessment of symptoms, and the testing if warranted. If one of the provinces that a tour route passes through has an outbreak, there will be an evaluation of the route and rerouting will occur as needed so that the tour group will be in a safer area. It is no longer mandatory for Cubans or tourists to wear masks.
Returning Home:
Effective April 1, 2022, travellers to Canada no longer require a negative PCR or antigen (rapid) test result prior to travelling back to Canada.
Similarly, effective June 12, 2022, air passengers travelling to the United States will not need to get tested and show a negative COVID test result or show documentation of recovery from COVID prior to boarding a flight to the United States regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. For more information see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/covid-19-travel-information.html
Travellers from other countries to Cuba must confirm requirements of their respective countries. If required, the cost of a PCR test in Cuba is 30 USD paid by credit card or debit visa from non-US Banks (Cuba cannot accept US-based bank cards) A PCR/antigen test can be done at a hotel or at the nearest international clinic. Additionally, antigen rapid testing may be available at airports in Cuba just prior to departure.
Some Questions and Answers on COVID:
If a person tests positive before departure, however unlikely, then what?
You are required to have health insurance with COVID coverage to travel in Cuba. We recommend travel insurance to protect you with health-related expenses during travel. Bicycle Breeze will help coordinate treatment and isolation with local authorities.
Are non-vaccinated riders allowed with Bicycle Breeze?
We require that all riders are fully-vaccinated to participate in our tours.
How many Cubans have been vaccinated?
Cuba has the fifth-largest total vaccine coverage rate in the world. Over 90 % of the Cuban population is fully-vaccinated. Cuba has administered nearly 40 million doses of the Cuban SOBERANA 02, SOBERANA Plus and ABDALA vaccines.
3. Navigating Money in Cuba:
Paying for things in Cuba can be confusing and you will succeed better by reading this information well before departing to Cuba.
In government owned businesses like hotels, excursion companies, and grocery stores the prices are listed in US$. But you can only pay with a non-US issued credit card or an MLC card (more on that below). Generally, they will not accept any form of cash. At the time of payment, you will need to have your non-US credit card or MLC card, your PIN, and your passport (or an image saved on your smartphone of the page with your photograph and passport number).
In private restaurants, private stores, and private souvenir shops, prices may be in either Cuban Pesos (CUP) or US$. You should ask what form of payment they will take and what the prices are in the currencies you are carrying as you may get a much better price (randomly) with one currency over another. Also, confirm what currency they will give you change in. It will most likely be CUP.
Some Questions and Answers on Money and Exchange Rates
Will we be able to use US$? Or other foreign currency to make purchases in Cuba?
You will be able to use foreign currency in some situations such as private restaurants/stores, paladars (private restaurants), and some casas. In most places that accept cash you can pay in Cuban Pesos. You can always ask for the preferred method of payment as you may get a better deal with one currency over another, depending on the vendor’s preference.
In summary, it may be possible to pay in other currencies such as US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, UK Pounds or Euros; however, this is not certain, and you should plan to carry some CUP with you.
How much money should I bring to Cuba? And which currency?
It is recommended that you bring cash from home to Cuba in the form of US Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars in order of best to worst (a mixture is best as sellers can be very particular and random in which currency they accept). This will most likely be your primary source of money during the trip enabling you to buy CUP, load a Cuban MLC debit card, and in some cases pay directly in your foreign currency.
In some parts of Cuba we find people currently prefer US$ or Euros. Canadian dollars are often not accepted outside tourist centers…
Our general recommendation for bike tours is to bring to Cuba the equivalent of $50 USD per day per person in cash as US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, or Canadian Dollars.
How can I exchange my foreign currency for CUP (Cuban Pesos)?
Foreign currency can be exchanged for CUP at banks, Cadecas (money exchanges), or hotels; however, you may get the best exchange rate by changing your money “on the street”. Consider carefully who you use if you exchange your money with if not using a commercial currency exchange.
Before leaving the exchange desk, always check the calculation to make sure the right exchange rate was applied, and count your money to make sure you received the right amount.
Cuban Pesos have no value outside Cuba. You can exchange back your remaining pesos at the end of your trip but then the exchange rate (“sale”) is disadvantageous, so it’s better to exchange smaller amounts at the time and budget wisely at the end of your stay.
What are the exchange rates for currency in Cuba? – NEW
Effective August 4, 2022, the new official exchange rate is 120 CUP per USD. This is an increase from the historical rate of 24 CUP to reflect the “street rate which had been increasing steadily over recent years). But wait, as we explain below there are better exchange rates available.
Non-US currency values move with international currency exchange rates. For example as of October 2023, the Canadian dollar buys 87.6 CUP, the Euro buys 127 CUP, and the Pound Sterling buys 145 CUP.
Unofficial exchange rates “on the street” are far better. In late 2023, the Euro gets you 260 CUP, the USD gets you 250 CUP, the Canadian dollar gets you 160 CUP. Be wary of excessively high rates, as the seller is likely going to short change you, or slip in fake bills.
To check the official exchange rates, you can visit the website: Cuban Central Bank Exchange Rates.
Can you explain commercial currency exchange options?
In terms of commercial currency exchange there are three options. You will need to take your passport to a bank or Cadeca.
Bank: This is where you’ll usually get the best commercial exchange rate.
CADECA (acronym for Casa de Cambio): This is the official government’s currency exchange house. The exchange rate can be just a little bit higher than the bank, but they usually are more conveniently located, airport Cadecas can have worse rates. A CADECA is where you can buy an MLC tourist debit card.
Hotels and Resorts Front Desk:
Exchanging currency at the Front Desk is the most easy and convenient option but usually not the best rate you will find. Service fees vary from a hotel to another, on average 10%.
Useful Tips on currency exchange:
Banknotes with rips or markings are not accepted, so make sure to bring notes in very good condition. Foreign coinage cannot be exchanged, notes only.
What is MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible)?
MLC is a term you may hear quite frequently, it stands for Moneda Libremente Convertible, or Freely Convertible Money, which means foreign currency. MLC shops were created in 2021, where the prices are in USD, but it is not possible to pay cash. Most grocery, liquor and cigar shops are MLC stores operated by the governent. Payments must be made with the new Cuban debit cards or your credit card (e.g., Visa/Mastercard – issued by a non-American bank).
What is a Cuban debit card (MLC card) and why might I use one?
In June of 2021, Cuba created a new Cuban debit (MLC) cards for tourists, primarily useful for Americans who hold credit/debit cards issued by American banks, as such cards cannot be used in Cuba. Enhancements to the program have happened periodically, most recently in pril 2023, US Dollars can now be used to load money onto a card, and the expiry period increased from 2 to 5 years.
The new Cuban MLC cards can be purchased for a fee of 5 USD from CADECAs (not banks, hotels, or stores) and come loaded in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1,000 USD. Payment for a loaded debit card and the fee can be paid for in any MLC currency including as of April 2023 US Dollars, which makes this a far better option for Americans than in the past. Still, for people with non-US bank credit cards, you are better off just using your credit card.
Such cards are valid for 5 years, up from 2 years when the cards were first introduced. You can access the money on the debit card at a Cuban ATM and will receive funds in CUP, or pay by debit at businesses where the card is accepted.
You cannot have any remaining balance paid out when you leave Cuba, so do not load more money on an MLC debit card than you expect to use.
The Cuban debit cards and credit cards from home, are not generally accepted outside government hotels or stores, so plan to carry some cash in the form of CUP, and foreign currency. We do not recommend exchanging a lot of your home currency to CUP as most
private businesses will prefer US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, or Canadian Dollars.
Government hotel services including hotel shops are priced in USD and cash is generally not accepted (use MLC debit or non-US credit card).
What is the best way to tip, including Cuban tour staff?
Cubans will prefer to get tips in US Dollars, Euros, or Canadian Dollars.
Do not tip using foreign coins as they have no value in Cuba. Given that only USDs come in one dollar bills, they make a good option for routine tipping in restaurants, etc. Also if you get Cuban pesos they work well for tips at restaurants.
4. Further Bike Tour Advice (Q&A):
Do you have any concerns about accommodations (either Casas or hotels) being short of water, food or basic supplies?
Hotels and owners of casas particulares will have the most commonly needed supplies.
If you are staying at a casa particular, the owner will most likely prefer the payment in USD, Euros, Canadian Dollars, or UK Pounds.
What should I bring from home to Cuba?
Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation, most non-hotel shops are generally out-of-stock – so we strongly recommend you bring all travel essentials with you from home (toiletries, medicines, clothing, etc.) If you want to know more please take a minute to check our Travel Guides, where you can find lots of useful tips on traveling to Cuba. We explore this same question on our What to bring to Cuba article with more depth.
Bring more cash than you think you need as you will have a difficult time accessing money at an ATM with your non-US credit card, and you will get a poor exchange rate (the official rate).
When is my deposit due?
Bicycle Breeze will request deposits 90 days before the tour start date, once the tour is confirmed a go. We will contact everyone who is penciled-in prior to this time, to confirm everyone’s commitment to register and ride the tour.
When is the final balance due for the tour cost?
Bicycle Breeze will request full payment of the balance 60 days before the tours start date.
What are Bicycle Breeze’s policies for refunds?
Tour deposits and final payments will be handled in accordance with Bicycle Breeze’s Terms and Conditions.
If international travel restrictions arise, Bicycle Breeze will endeavour to postpone and reschedule trips rather than cancel to enhance flexibility for clients.
What insurance should I get for the trip?
Bicycle Breeze recommends travel insurance for airfare that includes COVID coverage. Several airlines are offering airfare coverage for free.
Bicycle Breeze also recommends that you get insurance for the tour cost. The best coverage includes “Cancel for Any Reason”.
All travellers to Cuba must have travel medical insurance with COVID coverage. Cuba is offering this health insurance for $30USD (likely will provide only basic health needs). Cuba has traditionally required tourists to get their health insurance as a means of addressing tourists coming to their hospitals and not necessarily having any means to pay. We strongly recommend having more comprehensive insurance beyond this.
For Americans, Yonder is the Bicycle Breeze insurance provider and offers rates based on best available prices. They also have excellent and current information on travel restrictions/advisories/rules. Contact your tour leader for a link to the Yonder travel insurance website.
For Canadians, Yonder has few insurance options and you can learn more about them here. You may wish to try a similar insurance aggregator such as www.rates.ca, or your regular insurance company.
How can I fly to Cuba?
All our tours usually start in one of three places: Havana, Varadero (Matanzas) and Holguin. These places all have airports. This allows our tour participants to arrive directly to the city in which their tour starts.
Havana. If your tour starts at Havana Air France and Iberia Air fly out of Europe (Air France is best). There are currently no direct flights to Havana from Toronto, but Air Transat flies from Montreal, one-stop flights are available. From America there are many flights, mostly from Miami, by American Airlines, Delta, and United.
If your tour begins in Varadero. There are flights from Europe that will generally have a stop in either Toronto or Miami. Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet all fly directly into Varadero from Toronto and Montreal. American groups can fly with American Airlines directly from Miami to Varadero. You may also want to fly to Havana and travel from Havana to Varadero in our tour bus (no charge). This is a fairly short bus ride of about 3 hours.
If your tour starts at Holguín. There are flights from Europe that will generally have a stop in either Toronto or Miami. There are numerous flights from Toronto or Montreal with Air Transat, Air Canada, Sunwing, and others. American groups can fly with American Airlines directly from Miami to Holguin. You may choose to fly to Havana and travel from Havana to Holguin on our tour bus (no charge). Keep in mind that this is a long bus ride (12 hours).
There is much changing in the air travel business, and flight schedules change, so we recommend consulting a non-American flight aggregator such as Skyscanner.ca or Rome2rio.com (Do not use Expedia as it blocks flights to Cuba), or a licensed travel agent.