If you were unable to renew your visa until now, all types of visas that expired during Coronavirus measures will remain valid for 90 days after the suspension on commercial flights is lifted, i.e. There is a really challenging economic situation right now," he said. All tourism was banned; bars, restaurants and even the beaches were closed. Coronavirus travel health. Largest network of trusted Cuba partners to get you where others can't. However, COVID-19 presents differences. FILE PHOTO: A police officer organizes a line of people waiting to buy food amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Havana, Cuba, September 1, 2020. Owners of casas particulares will be able to help you to contact the local medical services. When exactly Cuba will reopen is a constant source of speculation for Cubans. ", There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. Shops can only open to sell essential food and hygiene products. Check the rules that apply to you in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See Entry requirements and check with the airline or your travel company for the latest information. Local medical representatives will visit campsites and “casas particulares”. If you have dual British and Cuban nationality, you are subject to Cuban measures. Coronavirus worsens Cuba's economic woes Supply shortages are becoming more acute; plummeting foreign remittances and a lack of tourism aren't helping. Cuba to require pre-arrival COVID-19 tests as cases rise. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on travel, we’re sorry to say the following holidays will not be operating: All holidays due to depart from Cardiff, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow on or before 31 January 2021. Brand new hotels just built by the Cuban government now stand roped off and empty inside. Each year we help more than 50,000 travelers from over 150 countries. Cash payment (GBP, US Dollars, or Euros) is permitted too if credit cards do not work so you are advised to make contingency plans to bring cash with you. Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. At the beginning of 2021, the only direct flights between UK and Cuba were holiday charter flights to Varadero, although these are being suspended during the UK measures (advising against non essential international travel) announced on 4 January 2020. Cuba is restricting entry to travelers from six countries from January 1. While those restrictions have helped slow the virus' spread, they have also badly damaged the economy. Visitors are allowed to hire cars (see important information in Road Travel section) but should check with the hire companies if they are open, have cars available, and check where you can drive to under current COVID-19 measures, before making plans. The Cuban tourism industry was completely shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March but has since reopened its borders to international tourists. Outlets in Havana can only service food for take-away Drinking alcohol in public or hosting or attending a party in Havana is not allowed. Coronavirus; Population; World / Countries / Cuba. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Cuba Coronavirus update with statistics and graphs: total and new cases, deaths per day, mortality and recovery rates, current active cases, recoveries, trends and timeline. The restrictions, which include mandatory face masks in public and travel restrictions inside Cuba, do appear to have had an effect. If you need to stay in hospital or under medical care, you must pay the bill by credit card when being discharged, or arrange payment directly by your travel insurance company. I wouldn't be able to afford to fix my car, and I need to have it ready for when things open.". "What if I get into an accident? Guests may have to wear face masks in some hotel areas and facilities. Cuba . The impact of six months with almost no tourism earnings is being felt across the island. Face masks are currently mandatory in all public area including transport. Wearing a face mask in public is compulsory or you risk being fined, as is social distancing of a minimum of 1.5 metres. Latest travel advice for Cuba, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK. Beaches outside Havana are open, but limited numbers of people may be allowed, and there may be personnel at the beaches to manage access, Exercising on public roads in Havana is currently not allowed, nor is use of gyms or sports grounds, Religious gatherings in Havana are not allowed. Why book with Cuba Travel Network. Elsewhere, churches can open for services, following government sanitary and distancing advice, Travel agencies may be closed and tourist excursions suspended. One of these, Interferon Alfa-2B, is now being used to combat the effects of Covid-19, writes Helen Yaffe (University of Glasgow). Before the coronavirus sealed off Cuba, Alejandro made $30 an hour showing tourists the sights from his classic Chevy, which he painted hot pink to grab visitors' attention. To date, Cuba's health ministry says the island has had just 5,718 cases and 122 coronavirus deaths, lower numbers than many other countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Some other countries have closed borders, and may further restrict movement or bring in new rules including testing requirements with little warning. International tourism is one of Cuba’s top hard currency earners, so its suspension this year has dealt a blow to the cash-strapped economy, even as the United States has continued to harden its decades-old trade embargo. You will be required to present your (negative) test certificate to the airline and to UK Border Force on arrival in UK. From 4am on 18 January, if you intend to travel to England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. Share. You should contact airlines directly to know if and when they will have scheduled flights to and from Cuba. Hotels and guest houses are open for Cubans and foreign residents of Cuba (known as ‘national tourism’) and for international tourists but to a limited occupancy. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. If your PCR test is positive (even if you arrived with a certificate of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure to Cuba) you will have to go into hospital or a centre being run by the Ministry of Health. Cuba has been almost completely closed to tourism for months. If you are travelling independently in Cuba, you can use the list of medical facilities to find the nearest test centre that can give you the result in time for your travel. In July, the Cuban government began to allow international visitors to travel to small, isolated cays off the Cuban mainland where they would not be able to mix with locals other than hotel staff. Cuba’s lack of resources, which hampers recovery from disasters, also contributes to a housing shortage that makes physical distancing difficult. Travel and COVID-19. You may not have any or much internet access. If you are legally permitted to travel, check our advice for the country you are visiting. Corona Virus (COVID-19) Information from Captivating Cuba. While the Global Level 4 Travel Advisory has been removed, Cuba remains at Level 4. All holidays due to depart from England on or before 12 February 2021. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all, Find out which countries are welcoming US tourists back. Coronavirus – live US updates If your pre-departure test is positive, you will not be allowed to travel and will have to follow the Cuban protocols that include being admitted to hospital or health centre.. See ‘Returning to the UK’ section. He said he knows why vintage classic cars like his Chevy are now a rare sight on the streets of Havana. All arrivals will have to present a health insurance covering COVID-19, or purchase one in Cuba. Facing a … Cuba closed its borders to international tourism on March 24 and after that date quarantined incoming arrivals of Cubans and foreign residents in … Last updated: January 12, 2021, 02:04 GMT. You may face a long queue to shop in a pharmacy. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You will have to pay for your COVID-19 test by credit card or with GBP or US Dollars (may be between $30 and $50). Thirteen of Cuba’s sixteen provinces will now be open to tourism as the country says it's successfully curbed coronavirus infections with strict measures and a … Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health. Commercial airlines may insist you have a ticket for your onward connection to return to the UK to board the plane in Havana, and evidence of a negative test for COVID-19 taken within 3 days before your travel to the UK. The countries have finally started lifting the nationwide lockdowns amid COVID-19 pandemic to boost the tourism industry and the latest to join the bandwagon is Cuba as it now welcomes travellers. Check with your tour operator and seek local advice if you have questions about excursions to other parts of Cuba, including whether car hire is allowed. Advertisement. All arrivals to Cuba are required to present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours. Learn more about Worldometer's COVID-19 data. His savings long gone, Alejandro said friends from the US have wired him money to help him get by. A partial shutdown closed Cuba’s borders, tourism, schools and public transportation and it appears infections are contained. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Cuba on the TravelHealthPro website. From 10 January 2021, public pools in Havana are closed, Beaches in Havana are closed. Your mobile phone roaming may not work in Cuba. Last update: Monday 11th of January 2021. See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK. "The country has to provide services, produce and export," said Luis Antonio Torres Iribar, the head of Civil Defense for Havana province. Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel reception will be able to contact medical personnel for you. All other current entry requirements and restrictions continue to apply. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Background. Cuba is slowly opening Havana and other cities to tourism after doing the same with beach resorts in November, eager to breathe life into the devastated industry shuttered last … Face masks must be worn at all times when travelling on buses, in taxis, and private hire vehicles. Cuba is slowly returning to normality. Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. By Megha Paul On Dec 28, 2020. But as the number of cases continued to rise, the Cuban government switched course and implemented a full lockdown. On the list are the United States, Mexico, Panama, the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival. That is no longer a requirement but could be re-introduced if the Cuban authorities implement any new measures. All airports in Cuba are open again for commercial and charter flights. You should check the FCDO Travel Advice for any country you have to transit on your journey to/from Cuba, to keep up to date with current entry and transit rules. "It uses a lot of gas," he said. View Health for further details on healthcare in Cuba. Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Cuba? During the period of Cuban government coronavirus measures, visa extension requirements were suspended while immigration offices have had limited services. TUI River Cruises due to depart before March 2021. You are advised to pack items to help you to pass the time in a medical facility or self-isolation. Anyone who does not follow local rules can be fined or even prosecuted. 90 days from 15 November 2020. TD Editor . We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services. You should also bring your prescription medicines and any other pharmacy-type products you need with you and bring extra in case you have to stay longer than planned. Alejandro, the driver of a classic 1954 Chevy convertible who asked we not use his last name, is just one Cuban who works in the tourism industry and is feeling the pain. Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus. Over-the-counter medicines and pharmacy products are not always available. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health, nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, What to do if you’re affected by a crisis overseas, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases, Public parks can open, but currently only between 5am and 7pm in Havana, Social clubs, gyms, museums, gardens, theatres etc can open (except in Havana) to a limited capacity and visitors must observe social distancing, Swimming pools can open to a limited capacity and to restricted visit times, to allow cleaning for the next opening times. These are also places where it can be hard to social distance. Anyone with respiratory symptoms may be moved to a clinic or isolation centre and will have to pay for PCR test(s) and the medical services by credit card. In March, after the first three cases of coronavirus -- visiting Italian tourists -- were detected, the communist-run government said it would heighten screening at airports and that the island's expansive, if battered, state-run medical system could offer visitors "safe tourism" during the pandemic. Cuba's early entry into the biotech industry allowed it to harness international expertise and develop medicines to fight dengue fever and meningitis. So far only a few plane loads of tourists have arrived. Also check if you need to self-isolate. The pandemic has reportedly choked the lifeblood of Cuba, the island's $3 billion tourism industry, which has suffered since March when the first coronavirus cases were reported. If you are travelling with a tour operator on a package holiday, you should speak to the representative about how to comply with this requirement. Story continues below. Tailor made experts – any itinerary is possible with any budget. For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers. We use cookies to collect information about how you use GOV.UK. Cuba has implemented many of the same precautionary measures implemented around the world to minimize the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, restricting travel to the island until further notice, and closing schools. Rather it is “restricting” travel from those countries. We didn't think it would last this long.". When you return, you must follow the rules for entering the UK. We completely appreciate that the recent outbreak of Covid-19 raises lots of questions with travelling or planning travel in the near future. The COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). You are responsible for organising your own COVID-19 test within three days of your departure to the UK, in line with UK government testing requirements. All commercial air and maritime travel has been suspended since April 2, and anyone entering or leaving Cuba needs special government permission to do so. Cuban authorities aim to have PCR test results within 48 hours but that is not always achievable given the high volume of testing. "There's no one," he gestured at the empty colonial streets of Old Havana. While the Havana airport remained shut down, officials hinted that more lifting of restrictions was in the works. Hotels may limit the numbers of people using facilities at any one time, especially swimming pools (if open) and elevators. All telephone numbers are available 24/7. To shed light on frequent traveller questions such as: If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact a local clinic straight away. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Cuba on the TravelHealthPro website. Only Cubans returning home can enter By Nora Gámez Torres. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. Check how the new Brexit rules affect you. Havana Airport re-opened on 15 November 2020. "Life has to continue. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Any change in the situation in a province or municipality may mean inter-provincial or municipal transport links also change. See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has reported nearly 4,300 COVID-19 cases to date and 100 deaths. On an island dependent on tourism, there are now virtually no tourists. Cuba’s top epidemiologist said Saturday irresponsible partying over year-end fueled a surge in coronavirus infections and he warned of a crackdown to contain the spread. For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance. COVID related restrictions remain in place in Cuba. Here all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Cuba and everything travelers need to know before booking their trip. In late September, Cuban officials began to ease restrictions in Havana -- where the pandemic has hit hardest -- allowing restaurants to reopen at reduced capacity and permitting people to swim in the ocean and visit the beaches again. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cuba-coronavirus-lockdown-tourism