CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Cuba

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 1 has been updated (H1N1).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Cuba

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Cuba do not experience problems. Normal security precautions should be observed while in Havana and other Cuban cities. As a precautionary measure, Canadians should avoid political demonstrations.

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Reports of Canadians who are victim of pickpocketing, theft and assault, are increasing, especially in Havana (the neighbourhoods of Old Havana, Centro Havana, the Malecón, and Vedado), and on the beaches of Playa del Este and Varadero.

Theft of items from checked baggage at Cuban airports, particularly in Havana, is frequent. Bags, including locked suitcases, are being opened, and items removed. Do not pack valuables in your checked luggage. All bags are routinely x-rayed on arrival and departure, as part of normal local procedure.

Reports of violent crime are also on the rise. Exercise caution at all times, especially in tourist areas and crowded places. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid wearing jewellery or showing signs of affluence. If you are being robbed, remain calm and do not resist. When reporting a crime to local police, you should insist on receiving a full copy of the report. Police officers may only speak Spanish.

Unscheduled electric power surges and outages are common. Most tourist resorts are equipped with generators.

Telephone communication is a problem. Calls are often not answered, even at major institutions. Technical problems also exist. Calls may be connected to a different number than the one dialled. It often takes persistence to place a call to another city (particularly after rain). Reliable cell phone service is available in most major cities. Canadian cell phones generally function. Canadians can use their own cell phone as long as it is compatible with American standards. They may arrange for cell phone service by contacting Cubacel at 820-2222.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Cuban authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba or its consulates for up-to-date information.

Passports and visas

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Cuba. The passport must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also carry a tourist card (or visa), or a business or student visa. The tourist card is generally provided by tour operators or airlines, or can be obtained from a Cuban government office in Canada in the case of privately organized flights. It can also be purchased at certain airports in Canada.

Tourist card or visa: Required
Personal visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Visitors are prohibited from undertaking business activities when travelling on a tourist visa.

Travellers intending to stay at a private residence or do business while in Cuba should check with the Cuban government office in Canada prior to their departure.

Canadian tourists who were born in Canada may stay in Cuba for up to six months, and will have to check in with immigration authorities or with a tourism office in Cuba prior to the 90th day of their stay to apply for an extension. Canadian tourists who were born outside of Canada may be treated differently by Cuban officials and may be informed that they can only stay for 30 days, even though they are travelling on a Canadian passport.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizens (of Canada and some other country) may have difficulty boarding a plane to Canada with their non-Canadian passport and their Canadian citizenship card. The Canadian citizenship card is not a travel document.

Cuba does not recognize dual citizenship. Cuban-Canadians must enter Cuba on their Cuban passport. They must also show a valid Canadian passport in order to return to Canada. Under Cuban law, the Government of Canada cannot provide consular services to Canadian nationals or to permanent residents of Canada with Cuban citizenship. Travellers born in Cuba (regardless of current citizenship) should contact a Cuban government office in Canada to ensure compliance with Cuban regulations. Failure to do so may result in being refused entry into Cuba, detention upon entry or being refused departure by Cuban immigration authorities.

U.S. Residents

Under U.S. law, people residing in the United States, including Canadian citizens, are prohibited from spending money (in any currency) related to Cuban travel unless they are licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). For more information about the Cuban sanctions program, contact the OFAC at 202-622-2000.

Boat Traffic

The U.S. government closely monitors boat traffic in the Straits of Florida. Officials will seize any vessel without an OFAC licence if they believe it is headed for Cuba. Canadians who dock their Canadian-registered boats in Florida are subject to these measures, whereas those Canadian boats simply en route to Cuba via the U.S. will be exempt. Expect to be thoroughly searched and questioned if you are in the latter category.

Imports and Exports

Articles prohibited from entry into Cuba include drugs, explosives, pornographic material, literature considered subversive, perishable food items, radio transmission equipment, wireless microphones, radio and TV receivers differing from household model, GPS devices, satellite receiver antennas and stations, air conditioners and small appliances that draw heavily on electricity. Such items are routinely seized on arrival, without compensation.

Cuban customs may also seize any imported item that they do not consider to be for the tourist's personal use.

Cuban customs may apply steep tariffs for travellers whose personal baggage exceeds 30 kg and/or who are carrying more than 10 kg of medication.

Donations of any type, whether by individuals, organizations, or businesses, must be coordinated through the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa.

You may export from Cuba up to 50 cigars without producing any receipts. If you exceed that amount, you will have to show the official receipt upon leaving. The cigars must still be in their original boxes with all official seals. Art objects (including artefacts and paintings) purchased in Cuba must be accompanied by an export permit (usually provided by state-owned galleries). Otherwise, items must be registered with the Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales, Calle 17 #1009 e/10 y 12, Vedado, Tel. (53-7) 833-9658.

For detailed information on import and export requirements, please refer to the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba website.

For information on what you can import into Canada, please refer to the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Documents Required Upon Entry

Upon entry in Cuba, it is recommended to have a return air ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. Travellers arriving with "air only" tickets must show that they have sufficient funds to meet their minimum financial needs (equivalent to CUC 50.00 per day for the duration of the stay).

Departure Tax

There is a mandatory departure tax of CUC 25 payable only in Cuban Convertible pesos.

Children

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Any Canadian child (under 18 years of age) travelling to Cuba without parents should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Ottawa or one of its consulates in Canada well in advance of departure in order to obtain up-to-date information on entry requirements. Special procedures regarding the letter of consent may apply.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Cuba - HAVANA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Calle 30, No. 518 esquina a 7ma, Miramar, Havana, Cuba
Tel.: (53-7) 204-2516
Fax: (53-7) 204-2044
E-Mail: havan-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.cuba.gc.ca

Cuba - GUARDALAVACA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Hotel Atlantico, Suite 1, Guardalavaca, Holguín, Cuba
Tel.: (53-24) 430-320
Fax: (53-24) 430-321
E-Mail: honcongvaca@canada.com

Cuba - VARADERO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Calle 13 e/Avenida Primera y Camino del Mar, Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba
Tel.: 53 (45) 61-2078
Fax: 53 (45) 66-7395
E-Mail: honconvdero@canada.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Havana and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or e-mail sos@international.gc.ca. To call collect from Cuba, dial 012 to reach a local operator. Advise the operator that a recorded message will indicate that collect calls are accepted.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The Government of Cuba has implemented enhanced screening measures at all ports of entry in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak. Travellers entering or exiting the country, or reporting for domestic flights, may be subjected to medical examinations and, in some cases, quarantined for up to 7 days for medical observation if they are believed to have symptoms of the virus or have come in contact with a suspected carrier of the virus.

As in many other areas of the Caribbean and Latin America, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets and long sleeved shirts is also recommended.

There have been reports of an increase in dengue fever in some areas of Cuba, including Havana. Cuban Public Health Authorities are undertaking insect control measures, including fumigation and aerial spraying. The chemicals can cause discomfort and travellers are advised to close windows and doors if fumigation is being carried out nearby. For information on symptoms associated with dengue fever and protective measures to be taken, see the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.

Generally, Cuba’s medical services are acceptable, although basic medicine and equipment are not always available.

The Cira García Hospital (Calle 20, No. 4191, corner of Av. 41 and Playa; tel.: 204-2668 or 204-2489) offers health services reserved for foreigners. International Servimed clinics provide emergency medical care and are located in most major tourist areas around the island.

In most hospitals, guarantee of payment (or payment in cash) must be provided in advance. Check with your insurance company for payment/reimbursement procedures. You may have to complete all transactions regarding your hospital bill before you leave the country.

Canadians with prescription medications are responsible for determining whether or not their medication is prohibited in Cuba. They should bring sufficient quantities of prescription drugs with them. Medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. As pharmacies sometimes run out of stock, visitors should also bring basic medicine, particularly if travelling to outlying areas.

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice should be boiled first.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Once sentenced, a Canadian may request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. This request is made according to the rules set out in the Transfer of Offenders Treaty signed between Canada and Cuba. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Cuban authorities and may take up to a year or more to execute.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Canadian consular officials may be accompanied by Cuban authorities during visits with Canadians who have been arrested or detained.

Cuba does not recognize dual citizenship, and Cuban-Canadians visiting Cuba are considered to be Cuban nationals. Canadian Consular staff may be denied the right of providing consular assistance to detained Cuban-Canadians.

Under the Cuban judicial system, charges are not laid until the investigation is complete, and the accused may be jailed during the entire period of investigation. Although Cuba retains the death penalty, to date, it has never been applied in the case of a foreign offender.

Crimes such as drug trafficking, assault, sexual assault, and assisting in illegal migration of people are punishable by long prison sentences. Drinking and driving is against the law.

Cuba is actively working to prevent child sex tourism, and a number of tourists, including Canadians, have been convicted of offences related to the corruption of minors. The legal age of consent in Cuba is 16. Prison sentences range from 7 to 25 years. Release on bail before trial is unlikely.

Travellers may be approached and offered black-market goods (e.g. cigars) or asked to change dollars for Cuban convertible pesos. Engaging in black-market transactions is illegal and can lead to difficulties with the Cuban authorities. Never transport packages for strangers. Pack all luggage items yourself.

It is forbidden to leave Cuba with illegally purchased lobsters. Authorities can impose heavy fines, and require the offender to pay before leaving the country.

Visitors should avoid military zones and any other restricted or heavily guarded areas. These are not always identified. Photographing military or police installations or personnel, or harbour, rail, and airport facilities, is forbidden.

Marriage to a Cuban citizen does not guarantee your spouse immediate access to Canada. The immigration process takes at least 10 months, and you must initiate the sponsorship in Canada. For additional information, consult Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Marrying a Cuban does not automatically entitle you to live with your spouse in Cuba, even for just a few days. To be able to stay in your spouse’s residence, you must have a personal visa so that you are properly registered with local authorities. Your spouse can be fined or jailed if you do not follow the rules. Cubans accompanying foreign visitors, especially in bars and hotels, may be asked for identification papers and denied entry.

Canadians wishing to marry a Cuban in Cuba may visit the website of the Embassy of Cuba in Canada for more information on required documents and procedures.

Two Canadians who have never been married before need to present the following documents to be married in Cuba:
a) valid passport; and
b) the tourist card obtained upon arrival.

If either of the Canadians has been married before, in addition to a valid passport and tourist card, he or she must produce the following documents:
a) if divorced, certificate of divorce;
b) if widowed, certificate of marriage and the spouse's death certificate.

Furthermore, these certificates must be legalized and authenticated by Canadian authorities, translated into typewritten Spanish, without errors or corrections, and then forwarded to the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in Canada for legalization and authentication.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Canadians should avoid driving in Cuba; driving conditions can be hazardous. Signs are scarce. Bicycles, pedestrians, and horse-drawn carts use the middle of the road and do not readily give way to oncoming vehicles. Many vehicles are old and poorly maintained. Inoperable vehicles are often left on the road until repaired. Few roads are lit and vehicles rarely have lights or reflectors. If you must drive, drive defensively at all times and avoid driving after dark. The Autopista Central (national highway), which runs half the length of the island, is generally in good condition. Other roads are generally poor. The highway between the Guardalavaca hotels and the Holguín airport is particularly dangerous. Allowing hitchhikers into your vehicle is not advised.

Traffic accidents are a frequent cause of arrest and detention of Canadians in Cuba. Accidents resulting in death or injury are treated as crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Regardless of the nature of the accident, it can take five months to a year for a case to go to trial. In most cases, the driver will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place. In some cases, he will be imprisoned during this delay.

Canadians should be cautious when renting a vehicle in Cuba. Although insurance is offered, coverage differs from that in Canada. If the traveller is in any way at fault in an accident, rental agencies will nullify coverage and seek damages to cover the cost of repairs. Contract agreements do not cover occasional drivers and the signatory is responsible for all people driving the vehicle. Rental agencies are government-controlled and can prevent your departure from the country unless payment is obtained. Charges associated with accidents can range in the thousands of U.S. dollars.

Radio taxis are generally reliable. Unlicensed private taxis should be avoided. Yellow, three-wheeled Co-co taxis are unsafe and should be avoided.

City buses are infrequent and overcrowded. Tour companies offer good bus service between airports and the all-inclusive resorts. Buses used for organized day trips from hotels are also in good condition.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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Cuba has two official currencies: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the National Peso (moneda nacional or MN). Transactions involving foreigners almost always take place in CUC. However, visitors should familiarize themselves with the moneda nacional, since it is a common scam for merchants to give change in moneda nacional instead of CUC. CUC is worth substantially more than the MN.

Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at Cadeca exchange houses, found in Cuba’s international airports and in urban areas, as well as in banks and major hotels. Australian dollars cannot be exchanged anywhere on the island. Canadian currency (cash and traveller’s cheques – with the exception of American Express Travellers Cheques, which are never accepted) may be exchanged for CUC without fees. Keep receipts for Travellers Cheques separate.

Exchange of U.S. currency is possible, but subject to an additional fee. CUCs can be exchanged for U.S. dollars (and Canadian dollars, if available) at international airports before leaving the country. It is not possible to exchange CUCs outside of Cuba.

Debit cards and Canadian money transfers are not accepted in Cuba. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Credit Cards issued by American financial institutions, such as American Express cards, and some credit cards issued by certain Canadian financial institutions, are not accepted. Other credit cards are generally accepted at major establishments such as state-run hotels and restaurants, and international resort chains. Private restaurants (Paladars) and private guest houses (Casas Particulares) do not accept credit cards of any kind. Credit card cash advances (in CUCs) may be obtained at banks, hotels or Cadeca exchange houses.

ABMs are few and do not always work in Cuba. In Havana, cash advances in CUCs from Visa cards can be obtained from the ABM machines located in the Miramar Trade Centre and in some hotels. In Varadero, ABMs are located in the Plaza America and at banks. If you use an ABM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Hurricane season in the Caribbean extends from June to the end of November. Please visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding can occur during the Hurricane Season. Transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel, and water supplies may be disrupted. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the Embassy of Canada in Havana or either of its Consulates if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure, and ensure they leave a detailed copy of their plans (including dates of travel, itinerary, hotel name and location, etc.) with a family member, friend and/or work contact. This will facilitate the Embassy’s ability to locate Canadians should disaster strike.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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