Last updated: 11/18/2020
There is a Level 4 Travel Advisory recommending U.S. citizens not travel to Cuba due to health and safety concerns and COVID-19-related conditions. While the Global Level 4 Travel Advisory has been removed, Cuba remains at Level 4. COVID related restrictions remain in place in Cuba.
Country-Specific Information:
- Cuba has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- Cuban government reporting about high risk areas, policies, and quarantine measures is subject to frequent change and often contradictory depending on the ministry or government office involved.
- On March 17, 2020, the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy Havana announced that Consular services will be limited to only emergency U.S. citizen services and nonimmigrant visa services.
- Shortages of basic medical supplies exist throughout Cuba, to include most over-the-counter medications such as antifever or oral rehydration medications, thermometers, respiratory face masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment.
- Cuba requires visitors to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States.
- Cost of medical service is usually covered by the Cuban government if required by local authorities. Otherwise travelers needing medical care generally must pay cash.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- As of November 15, 2020, all airports in Cuba are open to commercial flights.
- Incoming travelers will be given a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival. They are then required to self-isolate. On day five of isolation, they will be required to undergo a second PCR test.
- Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations. It is important for each traveler to contact the local immigration office as early as possible to avoid delays at the airport. Contact information for local immigration offices can be found here: https://www.minint.gob.cu/tramites/4#table-link
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Incoming travelers will be given a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival. They are then required to self-isolate. On day five of isolation, they will be required to undergo a second PCR test.
- Authorities may isolate individuals arriving from COVID-19 high-risk countries, or those exhibiting symptoms similar to COVID-19, as well as require evaluation at a local hospital or clinic. Those testing positive for COVID-19 will be taken to a government-run hospital for further testing/treatment.
- Due to shortages of critical medications and supplies, travelers outside Havana may be escorted to more well-equipped facilities as directed by attending physicians.
- Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes, but limited
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Non-compliance with Cuban government measures and hygiene protocols may result in fines and/or criminal penalties.
Consular Operations:
- In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens can contact us at +53-7839-4100 or email us at ACSHavana@state.gov.
- The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Havana is suspending routine U.S. citizen services effective March 16, 2020.
- As a result, the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy Havana will offer only emergency U.S. citizen services and emergency nonimmigrant visa services.
Other links:
- To receive U.S. Embassy Havana alert messages directly in your email inbox, please register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov.
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Cuba Country Information and Travel Advisory page
