DISCOVER CUBA
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOWDISCOVER CUBA
General Information
Cuba is an archipelago covering 100,922 km2, consisting of the Island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth, and over 1,600 adjacent cays and islets. It is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, just 77 km from Haiti (east), 210 km from Yucatan, Mexico (west), 180 km from Florida, USA (north), and 140 km from Jamaica (south).
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Over 300 natural beaches (approximately 600 km)
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More than 500 diving spots
Practical Travel Information
The Cuban government requires all travelers to have Travel Assistance Insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay. This applies to both international travelers and Cuban residents living abroad. You'll also need a tourist card or tourist visa to enter Cuba.
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110v, 60hz power outlets, we recommend bringing adapters.
Currency and Payment Methods
The national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP), available in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000, as well as coins valued at 1, 3, 5 pesos, and 5 and 20 centavos.
You can exchange convertible currencies (foreign currencies) for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at hotels, airports (both arrival and departure lounges before immigration control), banks, and exchange houses (CADECA). Please note that U.S. dollars (USD) are only accepted through transfers.
Accepted debit and credit cards in Cuba include Visa, Mastercard, and American International Service (AIS). However, we recommend consulting with your bank to ensure your card can be used in the country.
Culture and Religion
Cuban culture, like that of many Latin American countries, is a blend of European and African influences. It's one of the most influential cultures in the region, expressed through various unique artistic forms.
Cuba has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a secular country with freedom of worship, with Catholicism and Afro-Cuban religions being predominant.
Health Regulations
Since March 1, 2016, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health has strengthened international health control measures and epidemiological surveillance. Travelers from countries reporting Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and yellow fever must declare their health status upon entry.
Services
MOBILE PHONE SERVICE
The Cuban cellular network is operated by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), available on the 900 Mhz GSM and 3G networks across the country. Roaming is available only in the northern cays (Havana, Varadero, Villa Clara Keys, and Ciego de Ávila Keys) and provincial capitals. You can rent a phone or activate your own upon arrival.
ROAMING SERVICE
Keep your mobile line active while traveling in Cuba. Try Cubacel Tur, a temporary mobile service for tourists at $25.00 MLC, including 2.5 GB data, 20 minutes, and 20 SMS. You can acquire CubacelTur through international vendors' websites:
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CUBACEL TUR
www.cubaceltur.com
www.ding.com
www.recargasacuba.com
www.csqworld.com
www.moviles.compra-dtodo.com
www.globaldsd.com
Customs Regulations
The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba is responsible for border control and foreign trade. Please note that the following items are prohibited from entry:
- Drugs and narcotics
- Psychotropic or hallucinogenic substances
- Precursor substances
- Explosives
- Blood derivatives
- Obscene or pornographic literature, articles, or objects
- Animal products (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and all ungulate species) susceptible to carrying diseases.
- General Legal Procedures
General Legal Procedures.
To visit Cuba for leisure, travelers should arrange their trip through international agencies affiliated with the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) or contact Cuban consular offices in their country of residence. You'll need a round-trip ticket, a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from your entry date, and a tourist card or visa to enter any Cuban airport or border post.
Preservation of Historical Memory
Cuba strictly regulates the extraction of documents that are part of the State Archive Fund and are of historical, heritage, or institutional value. The National Registry of Cultural Assets of the Ministry of Culture authorizes the temporary or permanent export of heritage goods at the border.
Immigration Regulations
Visitors must possess a valid passport or travel document and the corresponding visa or Tourist Card, unless their country has a visa-free agreement with Cuba. Tourist Cards are available at Cuban consular offices, travel agencies, and airlines, and there are two types: individual and group.
For business trips, journalism, extended stays, or work purposes, special visas are required, and applicants should contact Cuban Consulates or Embassies.
Medications up to 10 kg in weight are exempt from customs duties when separated from other luggage. If mixed with other items, they are evaluated together and subject to customs duties. It's recommended to keep medications separate to expedite customs clearance and reduce airport waiting time.
Other Procedures and Regulations for Traveling to Cuba
- Notary services
- Extension of stay
- Visa and Tourist Card procedures
- Entry and exit stamps
- Foreign investment in Cuba
Useful contacts in Cuba
Ambulance: 104
Anti-drugs: 103
National Revolutionary Police (PNR) / Emergencies: 106
Firefighters: 105
Search and Rescue Center: 107
PNR / Information Request: 18 806
We hope you enjoy your stay in Cuba at Gran Caribe Hotels!
Gran Caribe Hotel Group
+53 7 204 0578 Ext: 105
centralreservas@grancaribe.gca.tur.cu
Public Concerns Department
+53 7 2040575 Ext: 114-133
atencionpoblacion@grancaribe.gca.tur.cu