Cuba Holidays
Varadero's white sand, Havana's seafront, and untouched cayos off the coast. Plan your Cuba beach holiday with flights, hotels, and visa info.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Cuba
Tue
Wed
Thu
SPF level in Cuba
Autumn
SPF 50
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 30
Entry requirements for Cuba
Get a Cuban tourist visa or tourist card before travelling.
Ensure your passport expires at least 6 months after arrival and 3 months after departure.
Carry proof of onward or return travel for entry.
Complete the D’Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival and show its QR code.
Carry a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
Good to know:
British citizens returning to the UK must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Do not bring drones into Cuba, as they will be confiscated on arrival.
Safety in Cuba
Cuba is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry enough cash for your whole stay; Visa and Mastercard are not accepted.
Exchange money only at Cadeca exchange houses, as other exchanges can bring fines or prison.
Keep valuables in a hotel safe, secure luggage, and avoid showing cash or jewellery.
Pre-book registered yellow taxis and avoid private taxis, lifts from strangers and night travel.
Conserve water, food, fuel and phone charge because shortages may disrupt essential services.
Bonus tips:
Pack luggage yourself and never carry items for anyone else because drug penalties are severe.
Avoid military or restricted areas and do not photograph or film them.
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Driving in Cuba
A UK driving license is accepted for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Cuba drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Cuba
It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Cuba. Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing conditions and activities you plan to undertake. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not applicable in Cuba.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in Cuba, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; opt for bottled water. Medical facilities may be limited, especially outside major cities.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Cuba
Tipping in Cuba is appreciated for good service, though not always expected as salaries are generally low. While state-run establishments may technically prohibit tipping, it's generally accepted discreetly. Private businesses are more accustomed to receiving tips.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
A few CUP per round of drinks or service
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest CUP
Hotel Porter
1-2 CUP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CUP per night
Tour Guide
5-10 CUP per person for a half-day tour, more for a full-day or private tour
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming in Cuba can be very expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates before you travel. Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially lower rates.
Local SIM
5 GB for 500 CUP (~£15)
Network coverage
3G, 4G
Electrical in Cuba
Voltage
110V/220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type L
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access in Cuba is limited and can be slow. Wi-Fi is primarily available in hotels, some parks, and internet cafes. You typically need to purchase a prepaid NAUTA card to access these Wi-Fi networks. Expect lower speeds and potentially unreliable connections.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
106
Police
106
Ambulance
104
Fire
105
Save 106 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cuba
Country code
53
To call Cuba from abroad, dial 53 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Calle 34 No. 702 e/ 7ma y 17 Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
Phone
+53 7 214 2200
Website
Jose Marti International Airport
Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport
Abel Santamaria Airport
Frank Pais Airport
Antonio Maceo Airport
Ign Agramonte International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
Crime has reportedly increased recently; always carry a photocopy of your passport.
Pre-arrange transport and avoid walking at night, particularly in areas affected by opportunistic crime.
International cards cannot be used at Cuban ATMs; bring enough cash for your stay, including medical costs and possible delays to your departure.
Cuban prepaid CLASICA cards are available as an alternative payment method.
Fuel supplies are intermittent, even where drivers know where to find petrol or diesel.
App-based taxis are available, but limited Wi-Fi and data signal means you should pre-book a return journey where possible.
Cuba now applies a zero-tolerance policy to the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.
The advice on crime now includes reports of burglaries at properties and instances of violent crime.
Siphoning of fuel from parked vehicles is now described as a regular occurrence.
The advice now includes keeping your passport in a secure place and avoiding showing signs of affluence.
The wording about ATM cash withdrawals is now less certain: it says it is 'likely that you will not be able' rather than 'will not be possible'.
A new major power grid collapse occurred on 14 July, the third in a week.
The statement on essential infrastructure disruption is now more definitive, changing from 'may lead to' to 'is leading to'.
Iberia and World2Fly have been added to the list of airlines that have suspended flights to and from Cuba.
The phrase 'Iberia and Air Europa are reducing the number of weekly flights...' has been removed.
The advice on ATM withdrawals now states it is 'likely' you will not be able to withdraw cash, instead of 'It will not be possible'.
Health
Ambulance services are limited and generally unreliable, especially outside urban areas.
Medical treatment must be paid for in foreign currency, most likely US dollars, before treatment.
Visa and Mastercard payments cannot be used for medical treatment.
Arbovirus epidemic was declared in 2025, and the official warning is no longer live. However, Dengue, Oropouche and Chikungunya viruses continue to circulate.
Medical treatment no longer specifies payment 'by card'. You or your insurance company will need to pay with foreign currency before any treatment.
Entry Requirements
Travellers departing the USA for Cuba are generally required to certify that their travel falls within one of the 12 authorised categories; tourist travel is not authorised.
Travel Disruption
Only Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport is currently operating.
Further flight suspensions and reduced options for leaving Cuba remain possible if conditions worsen.
Shortages of fuel, electricity, water and basic necessities are disrupting tourism and travel within Cuba.
Access to safe drinking water and wastewater management can be problematic; further electricity-grid collapses are likely.
Opportunistic crime is increasing, and protests occur frequently; avoid large gatherings.
Visa and Mastercard cannot be used in Cuba, including for ATM withdrawals; bring enough cash for your entire stay, medical treatment and possible delays.
Travel insurance must specifically cover Cuba.
Beaches in Cuba
Guanabo
Guardalavaca
Hicacos Peninsula
Las Salinas Baitiquirí
Paradise Beach
Playa Ancón
Playa Baracoa
Playa Daiquirí
Playa Damajayabo
Playa de Toa
Playa Girón
Playa Siboney
Playa Tortuguilla
Santa María del Mar, Havana
Varadero Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.