Is it safe to travel to Cuba 2021?

This is a question that many of you ask us the first time you travel to Cuba, and our answer is always Yes! It is safe to travel to Cuba and we are going to explain the reasons why, and, give you some tips to travel to Cuba as well.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba in 2021?

The island of Cuba has innumerable attractions that have turned it into one of the most visited destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The history of its colonial cities; the art and architecture of La Habana, Cienfuegos or Trinidad; its mesmerizing natural landscapes; the unique adventure experiences in the wild less explored nature; its paradisiacal beaches; Its tasty typical Creole food and the kindness and hospitality of its people are the key to an unforgettable experience.

Cuba has the lowest crime rate in Latin America

Cuba keeps a very low crime rate, since Cubans are very peaceful and friendly. It's not just us who say it, as according to the platform Numbeo, global database on perceived crime rates,  The Caribbean nation has the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean and Latin America region, with 29.02 out of 100 in 2020.

Moreover, drug use is a crime strongly punished on the island. Also aggression or acts of violence against any tourist. All this, together with the effective surveillance by police forces, makes all provinces of Cuba offer a secure atmosphere.

Probably the famous yet questioned 'Comités de Defensa de la Revolución - which are a kind of neighborhood association for surveillance, but with real power - have long remained guardians of the neighborhood, tackling criminal groups early.

Recognized and award-winning security

For these, and other reasons, Cuba was awarded in 2018 with the Excelsior Award as the safest destination in International Tourist Fair @ Madrid (FITUR XXXVIII).

The Cuban ambassador to Canada, Josefina Vidal, stated in September of this year: “Cuba has been and still is a safe destination for tourists from all over the world, including Canadians, who have historically shown their preference for an island that offers them not only natural wonders, a rich culture and a warm and welcoming people, but also security. "

On the other hand, last October, during a promotional event in Shanghai, China, the strengths and attractions of Cuba for health tourism were remarked, due to the growth of scientific advances in Cuban medicine, the humane treatment of professionals in the field and the value for money.

All tourists are received with great hospitality

We can assure you that walking through the streets of Havana will make you feel much safer than in Madrid or any other capital in the world.

This is so even after the unprecedented protests of July 11 that went around the world, because it really does not seem that the situation of social peace has changed after those events.

In general, tourists of all nationalities receive the warmth and kindness of Cubans without distinction. Some U.S. tourists mistakenly believe that just because they are North Americans they will be treated worse in Cuba. Nothing could be further from the truth. You just have to ask any North American who has visited the island. The Cubans are anxious to see Americans arrive, as Cuba lives mainly from tourism. It is logical, therefore, to think that they will not reject tourists from a country with the potential to become the main source of tourism to the island.

If you are one of those who like to get up to practice some exercise very early in the morning. Or, if you prefer to walk at night to explore the Cuban streets and experience its unique night vibe, in Cuba you can feel free to do both activities, without taking any risk. We can affirm from our own experience that we feel safer walking around Havana at night than, for example, in Madrid.

Besides, from our customized trips Travel Agency, we always provide our clients with a mobile phone with a Cuban line and direct contact with a local travel coordinator who will be aware of any need and unforeseen event that may arise.

Has a post-COVID-19 protocol been implemented on the island?

During the global scourge of the pandemic, the Cuban government maintained a very effective control of COVID-19, so impact of the coronavirus in Cuba has been very soft during the first and second waves, about 5.75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in november.

Since the opening of borders in November, the third wave has striken harder in Cuba with high accumulated incidence rates. Data from Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba.

These figures should improve as massive vaccination progresses on the island. Cuba has developed its own vaccines, 5 vaccine candidates, three of them already authorized that began to be distributed among the population in March: Abdala (efficacy 92.8% with 3 doses), Soberana 2 (91.2% with 2 doses and a third of Soberana Plus).

The Ministry of Tourism has worked hard to ensure that all Cuban hotels and private homes comply with the hygiene and safety standards, based on what the World Health Organization (WHO) dictates. All accommodations, restaurants, paladares and services for tourists still keep their charm and appeal. But now they are much safer and focused on protecting customers and workers.

Cubans apply rigorously all health protocols and all facilities have been adapted to respect social distancing measures; the personnel have means of protection such as masks, gloves and disinfectant.

Cuba travel advisory: documents required to travel to Cuba

Regarding Covid-19: Cuban's Government announced, the past september 6th, that as of November 15, 2021, the entry restrictions will be eliminated and it will only be necessary to present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR, but until then, you can consult all the latest requirements to enter Cuba.

If you are aeuroepan citizen, you'll also have to present:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from entry to Cuba
• Tourist visa (mandatory document for all citizens not born in the country.From the date of your arrival in Cuba, your stay permit is 30 days) or, instead, a visa issued by the corresponding Cuban consular authorities in accordance with the activities to be carried out in this country and for the duration of the entire stay

Traveling to Cuba from Spain?

If you live in Spain, we offer more detailed information in this post about flights and likely dates to travel to Cuba from Spain.

Can North American travel to Cuba?

Americans are welcome to Cuba. However, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for a restricted number of categories of travel. Here you find all the information about your entry requirements.

Traveling to Cuba from Canada?

Canadian nationals holding a valid Canadian passport, or a Canadian permanent resident card do not need a visa to enter Cuba. They can travel with their valid passports (and PR card) and the tourist card generally provided by tour operators or airlines at time of check in, you can also obtain it from a Cuban government office in Canada.

It is important for you to know that the Canadian passport should be valid for at least one week after the return date.

Cuba travel advisory: best advice to travel to Cuba safely

We always reccomend to hire a multiadventure insurance policy with high medical coverage to travel carefree. Check here why it is so important to hire a good travel insurance to travel to Cuba.

Cuba travel advisory: best way to organize your trip to Cuba

If you are thinking of organizing a trip to Cuba, whether with your family, with your group of friends, with your classmates, with your company partners or even if you want to spend a honey moon you will never forget, don't miss any of our recommendations to travel to Cuba without complications.

We always recommend that you let yourself be advised by experts and connoisseurs of the place, since the value for money in Cuba is not always satisfactory and you can easily feel disappointed. However, if you know your grounds, there are real wonders to discover on the island at all levels.

If you travel with a lot of time and you like adventure you can of course organize a trip on your own and at your own pace, and surely you will enjoy the thousand adventures that will happen to you on the way, but if you are short on days, and you want transfers on time, A-level field trips, specialized local guides and quality accommodations, without a doubt, let yourself be guided by a travel agency specialized in your dreamt destination.

 Cuba travel advisory: things to do and to see in Cuba

Cuba offers the most varied routes. It is not only an island with Caribbean paradisiacal beaches as many believe. But Cuba also has incredible natural landscapes, Colonial cities full of magic and charm, in addition to a culture overflowing with creativity, music, art and dance which are impossible to miss.

You can enjoy all kinds of field trips around Cuban provinces , guided routes through the main historical cities, hiking, boat trips, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, snorkeling, diving, and a lot of other activities. You can also enjoy guided city-tours focused on diverse cultural themes, including heritage, architecture, art, music, salsa, Afro-Cuban religion, etc. We also design them tailor-made, adapting them to any special interest you may have. We will always look for the best local guides to accompany you, well-trained professionals with whom we work regularly.

We suggest a selection of organized tours , very popular if you can spend, at least, 10 days in Cuba of pure enjoyment, relaxation and learning, but if you are closer, we also design weekend trips and 4-5 days trips on the island where we concentrate the best experiences so that you leave wanting to return !!

Cuba travel advisory: where to stay in Cuba

In Cuba there are two types of accommodation, Hotels from the Government (which may have foreign capital participation such as a Meliá Hotel, and where the stars rating does not always match a European standard, for example, a 5-star may be a 4 or a 3 in Europe), or the popular private houses, which are basically small privately owned hotels.

Depending on the destination, we recommend one type of accommodation or another. For example, in the cays there are only government hotels, but in the rest of the country you have a wide selection of Cuban Private Houses with super interesting proposals, many of them being authentic Boutique hotels. Be careful because you can easily make mistakes, as there are many houses on the internet, but not all of them meet the standards you are used to. If you seek exclusive accommodations, either charming accommodation or simpler but well located lodges, we recommend a wide offer of private inns trustable collaborators of ours in Cuba.

Cuba travel advisory: best restaurants and bars in Cuba 

Here, we have our favourites, a very detailed selection of places that we like, because of their ambiance, type of food, location, type of music, kind of flavor (creole authentic blend), international cuisine, and so on. If you want to know some of our recommendations, consult the gastronomic section of our blog.

Cuba travel advisory: our transportation tip 

Getting around Cuba is one of the most important questions. If you have enough time and you feel adventurous (not all the roads are in good condition, there is almost no signposting and finding fuel can be difficult at times), a cheap rental car in Cuba can be an option, but 'cheap' and 'car' together is quite difficult in Cuba. We are more into travelling with a car and driver. You will travel with a person who knows the Cuban roads, who will give you a more friendly and personalized treatment. In addition to that, we will always guarantee you a comfortable car, with all the requirements and insurance licenses in order.

So, if your are thinking about organizing a trip to discover the authentic Cuba count on CubaUnique. We are with waiting for you!

Article written by Gabriela Rodríguez, independent Cuban guide.

Video produced and edited by Javier Ernesto Hernández-López.

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