£1 CUP 34.98
Today
11:48 pm
-4h from you
Travel warning
There are major fuel shortages and power outages causing severe disruptions to transport, flights, and basic services like medical care, and some airlines have suspended flights, making it hard to get around or leave the country.
Weather & climate
Weather in Cuba
Cuba
32°
Thunderstorm
Wed
25°
32°
Thu
25°
34°
Fri
25°
33°
Sat
26°
33°
Sun
26°
33°
Mon
25°
32°
Tue
26°
31°
SPF level in Cuba
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Cuba
What British travellers need to know
You need a tourist visa (tourist card) before travelling to Cuba for a holiday.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and 3 months after your planned departure date.
You must complete an online arrival form on the D'Viajeros portal within 72 hours before entering the country and have the QR code ready.
You must show proof of onward or return travel to enter Cuba.
Airlines will check your completed D'Viajeros form at check-in, so have your QR code ready.
Good to know:
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Declare any foreign currency you are taking into Cuba if the total value exceeds 5,000 US dollars.
Safety in Cuba
Tips when travelling
Cuba is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatching in crowded areas like Old Havana, on public transport, and in nightclubs.
Only travel in registered yellow taxis from the airport and avoid hailing unmarked vehicles or accepting lifts from strangers.
Exchange money only at official Cadeca exchange houses, as it's illegal to do so elsewhere and could lead to fines or prison.
Pack all luggage yourself, do not carry items for others, and lock suitcases to prevent theft, especially of valuables in hold luggage.
There can be severe shortages of cash at ATMs, so bring euros or US dollars in cash, but be prepared for long queues.
Bonus tips:
If you drive, be aware that fuel shortages are common and it can be difficult to get petrol or diesel, especially for long distances.
Avoid taking photographs or videos in military or restricted areas, as this can be considered espionage and lead to a prison sentence.
More information
Driving in Cuba
A UK driving license is accepted for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of 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.
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
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
Ambulance
104
Fire
105
Save 106 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cuba
Country code
+53
To call a Havana number, you would dial 00 53 7 XXX XXXX.
The country code for Cuba is 53. When calling Cuba from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country (00 from the UK), followed by the Cuban country code (53), then the area code (if applicable) and the local number.
Languages in Cuba
UK Embassy
British Embassy Havana
Calle 34 No. 702 e/ 7ma y 17 Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
18 days ago
Money
- International Visa and Mastercard cards will no longer be accepted from 6 June.
- You must now bring enough cash for your entire stay, as ATMs will not work with international cards.
Customs
- Cash can only be exchanged at Cadeca exchange houses; it remains illegal to exchange with individuals.
Warnings and insurance
18 days ago
Financial services
- International cards like Visa and Mastercard are now suspended from 6 June. ATMs no longer accept them.
- All payments must now be in cash (US dollars or euros) or via Cuban prepaid cards. Bring enough cash for your entire trip.
Airports in Cuba
Beaches in Cuba
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.