Cuba opens for tourism — The lowdown.

Havana has had its first week in Phase 1 and it is now becoming clearer how the authorities are creating a road map to opening up the entire country to international tourism. With low infection and fatalities rates Cuba is one of the worlds safest destinations for Covid Free Travel.

Cuba COVID-19 Statistics:

Total Confirmed: 2369

Total Deaths: 86

Total Recovered: 2227

Cuba travel requirements

From July 3, Cuba reopened to international tourism, but you will have to wait a little longer to visit Havana. The Cuban government recently announced a three-phase protocol for the reestablishments of normality within the island.

The only constant travel requirements upon arrival are:

• Anyone arriving in Cuba will undergo a swab test and temperature screening.
• Only travelers that will be tested positive for COVID-19 will be transferred to a hospital.

Phases for traveling to Cuba

In this initial phase, tourists will only be permitted to visit Cuba’s keys, or Cayos, including Cayo Santo Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Largo del Sur some of the best Cuban beaches. Cubans will not be permitted to visit the keys. The separation is an effort to contain any possible new cases of coronavirus that could be brought from abroad. Lonely Planet has the story in more detail.

Visitors wishing to visit Havana and the other colonial towns will have to wait until phase three Havana, which it looks like will be late October or early November.

These protocols make Cuba a safe vacation destination

Some 150 measures make up the health and hygiene protocols that have been approved to prevent Covid-19 transmission in Cuban hotels. Hotels will be operating at 60% max to ensure social distancing. Each hotel will have a medical team that will follow up on each traveller’s health and biosecurity. And hotel staff will also undergo testing, isolating themselves after working seven-day shifts. Hotels will remove unnecessary sheets, pillows, carpets, dressing gowns, and leaflets. Blankets and robes will be handed out upon request.

Restaurant entrances will have disinfectant available, and the daily menu will be in clear sight. Tables will be 1.5 m away from each other, and the buffet service will have limited capacity. Room service will be available in every hotel. During the first phase, service at bars will be banned, but there will be table service. Antibacterial gel or disinfectant will be available in front of elevator entrances, and elevators will have a 50% capacity. Guests will be given an individual safety kit with masks, gloves, etc.

Our best advice

Best advice is to plan for a visit from mid-November. You will miss the hurricane season, and after a few months of easing slowly from lockdown, Cuba will be better prepared to receive you. At this stage, the top 5-star city and Beach hotels aim to be operational as well as the boutique private properties and casa particular. We operate a 21-day full refund cancellation policy so you will not be obligated. If phase 3 to Havana opens earlier then we will be sure to let you know.

Both Reuters and Travel and Leisure have written excellent articles on Cuba’s reopening.

We are ready for booking 2020 festivities and 2021

If you wish to discuss a Cuba Trip for your clients or yourself email us now at enquiries@cubaprivatetravel.com