Cuba

Security Status

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

Travel Alert

Fuel Shortages and Power Outages

Challenges to the importation of fuel are compounding ongoing issues with Cuba’s national power grid. There are often prolonged power outages across the country, sometimes lasting over 24 hours. Power outages affect water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications.

Access to fuel can be very difficult, with long queues at petrol stations not uncommon. Petrol is currently limited to a maximum purchase of 20 litres. Businesses reliant on backup generation are also experiencing difficulties. In response to the fuel shortage, guests have been moved from the resorts they have booked to other hotels, to maximise efficient use of available power.

Cuba has advised that for the present airlines cannot refuel on the island. This has seen some routes cancelled. Some others have introduced refuelling stops elsewhere in the Caribbean. Yet more – short haul routes – are flying with sufficient fuel onboard to make their return journey.

Hospitals and clinics are also impacted, which may limit the availability of medical care.

While in Cuba, you should take the necessary precautions, including conserving water and food and keeping your mobile phone charged. Please monitor local media for updates, including on power cut schedules, and stay in touch with your airline or travel agent.

Mosquito-borne diseases

There are currently a number of reported instances of Dengue and Chikungunya in Cuba. Take precautions to avoid or prevent mosquito and other insect bites. Additionally, it is difficult to access repellent in Cuba. You may wish to bring a personal first-aid kit while travelling in country.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Cuba but will need to acquire a tourist card. In addition to advice from airline or travel operators who may be able to provide this, more information on the card is available here. Dual citizens (Irish-Cuban), should contact the Cuban Embassy for advice on entry requirements before undertaking travel.

A valid passport is required for travel to Cuba, and Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used. Please note that travelling to Cuba will impact on travel and entry to the United States – please see ‘US Travel’ section below.

The arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal must be completed at least 72 hours prior to arrival. A QR code will be issued to present to authorities on arrival.

Irish citizens in Cuba most frequently need consular assistance due to difficulties using debit/credit/cash point cards and exchanging money in Cuba. Please see our “additional information” section for further details. The Cuban Peso (CUP or moneda nacional) is the only legal tender in Cuba. Visitors should bring cash (eg: Euros) to Cuba, and use reputable bureaus de change (Cadecas), their hotel or a bank to exchange this money. Private hotels, bars and restaurants may accept cash payments in foreign currency. See our Additional Information Section for further information.

If your passport is lost or stolen, getting a replacement can be complex due to the limited availability of courier services to the island so keep travel documents secure at all times. Getting a replacement passport will be easier if a copy of the lost or stolen one is provided, so keep photocopies of your passport.

Before travelling to Cuba, you must have comprehensive travel insurance that will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation for the full duration of your stay. A copy of your insurance must be presented on arrival. Visitors to the island are encouraged to bring a sufficient supply of medication or other essential items as they are not always available. Visitors should also be aware that energy blackouts can occur at short notice on a rolling basis, and fuel supplies can be affected (this may also have an affect on the availability of transportation).

US Travel

On 12 January 2021, the United States designated Cuba a State Sponsor of Terrorism (more information available on the US State Department’s website here). Travellers who have visited a country designated as State Sponsor of Terrorism are no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program (ESTA), and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. If you have any doubts about your eligibility for an ESTA, we advise Irish citizens to apply in good time for a US visa through the US Embassy in Dublin or another US embassy or consulate.

From 7 July 2023, existing ESTAs will be revoked for travellers who have visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.

Anyone traveling to Cuba from the United States, regardless of citizenship and nationality (including Irish citizens), must comply with US regulations on travel to Cuba. US law prohibits travel to Cuba for tourism reasons. Travelling to Cuba from the USA is allowable under certain categories. For more information see the US Department of the Treasury website and the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba. For travel-specific questions, see the Code of Federal Regulations 31 C.F.R. 515.560 and the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) frequently asked questions.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season generally runs from June to November each year and can also affect the eastern and southern USA with heavy rain, flooding and extremely high winds.

Citizens with plans to be in the affected region during this period should consider the need to travel based on information relating to extreme weather projections. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

Visitors to Cuba are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Mexico on social media (X@IrishEmbMexico and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if a problem arises try talking to local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.

If emergency medical assistance is required during your trip, the emergency number (for ambulance) is 104. Your hotel or casa particular host can direct you to any clinics that cater to foreign tourists. It is important to contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Cuba, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is required, please contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.

Note that it can often be difficult to access basic supplies (toiletries, medicines, household goods, snacks) in Cuba. Therefore make sure you are prepared in advance of travel.

Most visits to Cuba are trouble-free but please take sensible precautions:

• Do not carry credit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and do not use ATMs after dark, especially if alone, and check no one has followed you.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Petty Theft

Theft from luggage during baggage handling at airports can occur both on arrival and departure. Always remove all valuables, lock suitcases and consider having them shrink-wrapped before check-in.  

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly on public transport, intercity buses and at major tourist areas including in Old Havana, El Centro, Vedado and the Malecon, as well as on the beaches of Playa del Este and Varedero. Take all necessary precautions if you are in Centro Havana at night and take a taxi to your accommodation rather than walk, even if your accommodation is only a few blocks away.

Thefts from hotel and guesthouse accommodation occur. We advised you to ensure that valuables are held securely and to exercise due caution at all times. 

Serious Crime

Car-related crime and muggings can occur from time to time in areas including Havana, Santiago and other areas less frequented by tourists. There have been attacks on foreigners using hire cars after staged punctures and by bogus hitch-hikers. Do not pick people up. If you get a puncture in a lonely spot, drive on several kilometres, preferably to a town, before stopping.

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, getting a replacement can take up to two weeks so keep your travel documents secure at all times. Getting a replacement passport will be easier if a copy of the lost or stolen one is provided, so keep photocopies of your passport.

Reporting Crime

If a victim of a crime while in Cuba, report it to the local police immediately. If assistance is required please contact us at the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.

Driving

Many vehicles, including public transport, suffer from lack of maintenance and roads are poorly lit and sign-posted. If driving:

• Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and an international driving permit and ensure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep vehicle doors locked and bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if stopped at traffic lights
• Beware of cyclists, potholes and cars that stop without warning to pick up hitchhikers

Traffic Accidents

If involved in an accident, you may be detained, regardless of who is at fault. If you have a traffic accident where someone is killed or injured, the police investigation may take several months during which time the driver will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba. In some cases the driver may be imprisoned during this delay.

Public Transport

• Only use established tour operators and regulated taxis
• Avoid using mopeds or three wheel Coco-Taxis for travel around Cuba

Hiring a Vehicle

If hiring a vehicle, we advise not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Cuba extends from June to the end of November.  Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. Familiarise yourself with hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans and identify local shelters. Carry travel documents at all times (ie passport, picture IDs) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. Also contact friends and family in Ireland with updates to let them know you are safe.

Check with a doctor well in advance of travelling to see if any vaccinations are required for Cuba.

Medical Facilities

Generally, Cuba’s medical services are acceptable, although basic medicine and equipment are not always available. Bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from a doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.

The medical facilities in Havana are better than those available elsewhere in the country, but it is sometimes necessary to medically evacuate those who require urgent specialist care. This can be very expensive so ensure that your medical insurance covers this. If medical treatment is needed you will be expected to pay in hard currency; a basic hospital stay can cost as much as €250 per day plus medical expenses.

Malaria

Malaria and dengue fever are endemic in low-lying rural areas of Cuba and outbreaks can occur throughout the year. If planning to visit these areas, before travelling there you should consult a doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication and on arrival take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent and clothing covering as much skin as possible provides some protection, and swampy water should be avoided.

Zika Virus

There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

While in Cuba, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, keep yourself informed of developments and follow the advice of local authorities. During periods of tension, access to the internet may be blocked in some areas.

Personal Identification

Personal identification must be carried at all times in Cuba as you may be detained if unable to produce it to the authorities on request. We advise you to carry a photocopy of the relevant page of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.

Illegal Drugs

Cuba is increasingly used as a transit country for drugs destined for Europe. Cuban law allows for the death penalty and courts are handing out very severe penalties (in excess of twenty years) for all drug related offences. Avoid any contact with prohibited drugs. Always pack your entire luggage yourself and never carry any items that do not belong to you in or out of the country.

Money

Irish citizens in Cuba most frequently need consular assistance due to difficulties using debit/credit/cash point cards and exchanging money so please be aware of the following:

• Check with your bank before you travel to confirm that your debit, credit and ATM cards will work in Cuba. If no confirmation is received from the bank, then bring euro in cash.
• Only change money in Cadeca exchange houses, large hotels or banks. Always exercise caution, check transactions carefully and ask for small denomination bills.
• Credit cards and travellers' cheques drawn on American banks are not accepted in Cuba. Confirm with your bank before departure that credit cards will be accepted in Cuba
• There are virtually no ATMs available for drawing cash against debit cards in Cuba
• While Western Union operates in Cuba, only Cuban nationals can access its services – foreign tourists cannot. There is no other way of transferring funds to Cuba
• Northern Irish and Scottish sterling bank notes/coins cannot be exchanged in Cuba

Visa/Passport

A valid passport is required for travel to Cuba, and Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months.

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Cuba but will need to acquire a tourist card. Further information on tourist card can be found here.

The arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal must be completed at least 72 hours prior to arrival. A QR code will be issued to present to authorities on arrival.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Cuba, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is required, please contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.

The Embassy operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance on weekends and public holidays.

If in need of emergency assistance during these times, please leave a message on the emergency message system by calling +52 55 8075 5086.

Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00