Cuba travel guides

Every visitor needs a tourist card, which functions as the visa and is normally valid for 30 days, extendable once. Most airlines sell them at check-in or you can buy one from a Cuban consulate or an authorised agency. You also need proof of travel medical insurance, which is checked on arrival. US citizens face additional restrictions under their own government's rules and must travel under one of the permitted categories, so check current US regulations before booking.

December to April is the dry season and the best time, with warm days, low humidity and little rain, though it is also the busiest and priciest. Carnival in Santiago in July and the Havana Jazz Festival in January are highlights. May to October is hot, humid and wet, with hurricane season peaking from August to October. Note that power cuts are more disruptive in the summer heat, when air conditioning matters most.

Bring enough cash for your entire trip, because Cuba's payment system is unreliable for visitors. Cards issued by US banks do not work at all, and other foreign cards frequently fail even where terminals exist. Euros are the easiest currency to bring, with US dollars and pounds also exchangeable. The official and informal exchange rates for the Cuban peso have diverged sharply in recent years, so read up close to your travel dates. Budget more cash than you think you need.

Casas particulares, licensed rooms in private homes, are the most rewarding option and put money directly into Cuban hands. They are inexpensive, widely available in Havana, Trinidad and Viñales, and hosts typically cook excellent breakfasts and help arrange transport. State hotels and the international resorts at Varadero offer more predictable amenities and reliable power and water, which matters during shortages. Many travellers mix the two, using casas in the cities and a resort for beach days.

Cuba has very low violent crime and is generally safe for visitors, with a heavy police presence in tourist areas. Scams and overcharging are the common annoyances, particularly with taxis, cigar touts and street hustlers in Havana. The greater practical difficulties are shortages: fuel queues, power outages lasting hours, and limited availability of medicines, so bring any prescriptions plus a basic first aid kit. Internet access requires purchased cards and is patchy.

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