How to Fly Into Cuba
Coronavirus affects travel to Cuba
Cuba’s communist government has implemented a strict lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Commercial air and maritime travel has been suspended since April 2 and anyone entering the country must obtain special government permission. While the lockdown has helped slow the disease, it has severely harmed the island’s economy, which relies on tourism. Visitors were advised to check in at a health center before traveling to Cuba, and they were not permitted to visit the island’s beaches.
Travel HealthPro offers travel tips and advice for travelers to Cuba. They recommend that travelers bring essential medicines and supplies with them. It is important to note that the availability of over-the-counter medicines and pharmaceutical products is limited in Cuba. It’s also important to bring extra prescription medication for emergencies.
The Cuban government has begun allowing international visitors to travel to tiny islands off the island, but only for a few months. Until July, international travelers would not be allowed to mix with locals other than their hotel staff. But even with the easing restrictions, few plane loads of tourists have been able to arrive on the island. The economic impact of the six-month tourism shutdown on the island is already being felt, says Collin Laverty, president of Cuba Educational Travel, which organized cultural tours for Americans before the embargo.
While Americans have been absent from the island for years, Canadians and Russians were the largest foreign travelers before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off travel to Cuba. However, the tourism industry in Russia has seen a dramatic increase. The number of Russian tourists arriving in July was up 42 percent compared to the previous year. Some 90,000 Russian tourists flew to Cuba in the first half of this year.
Getting health insurance
If you are planning to visit Cuba, you should have health insurance. The government runs the healthcare system in Cuba, but there are also private clinics that accept foreign patients. You should get medical insurance before you leave the country to protect yourself from unforeseen medical bills. Cuba’s healthcare system has changed a lot since Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Prior to that, the country had a dual private-public healthcare system, but now it is entirely a national system. Also, no hospital will accept credit or debit cards from foreign nationals. Instead, you must pay in cash.
While it isn’t essential to get health insurance when flying into Cuba, it’s best to have at least some type of coverage. Health insurance for travelers to Cuba isn’t as expensive as you might think, and it’s highly recommended. There’s no specific amount required, but the policy must have Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage. Generally, the coverage must be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
Cuban medical care is expensive. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office estimates the cost of hospital treatment in Cuba at PS200 a day, so it’s important to have health insurance when you travel to Cuba. Also, medical evacuation costs can be huge if you get sick or injured in Cuba. Thankfully, Cuba has a number of medical centers across the country that can treat you. If you do get ill or injured, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to receive help.
The healthcare system in Cuba is one of the best in the region, but it’s lacking some basic equipment and is understaffed. Many doctors leave the country to pursue more lucrative jobs elsewhere. As such, you’ll need health insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation as well as prescription medications.
Getting around in Cuba
Public transportation is generally poor in Cuba, but buses are a good option. Although there are a few local buses, most foreign travelers opt to use long-distance buses. However, they are slow and prone to frequent delays. If you want to avoid these problems, you can opt for a private taxi instead. However, you should be aware that Cuban taxis aren’t as cheap as foreign taxis, and you may need to haggle for a good price.
Driving in Cuba is generally safe, but it is important to remember that roads aren’t well-lit and may be potholed. It is also easy to get lost on the roads, as there are no street signs. Driving at night is dangerous, as push-bikes are common, and few cars have lights. In addition, Cuban drivers use their horn liberally. Road signs are often missing in Cuba, so it can be easy to get lost.
Car rental is generally a good option for exploring the island, although this option is costly. You should always bring your US drivers license and a credit card with you when renting a car. It’s worth noting that it’s important to book ahead of time, as prices aren’t fixed. Moreover, you should always bring a good road map with you, because the roads in Cuba are generally unlit and the road signs don’t match English.
If you’re planning on using your cellphone in Cuba, it’s best to buy a Cuba-specific SIM card from your carrier. While most major carriers offer international roaming coverage, international roaming will be more expensive.
Getting a green tourist card
If you are planning to travel to Cuba, you will need to obtain a green tourist card. The green card will allow you to enter the country for up to 30 days and can be used up to 180 days after you acquire it. The card will be valid for all nationalities except for those of the United States and the EU, and you can get one online.
The green tourist card costs between $20 and $50 US. The cost can vary depending on the airline you’re flying. Getting one before you leave home is a good idea. If you’re flying in from the U.S., you can often get it included in your ticket. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a tourist card separately from your flight. You can purchase a green tourist card online from a service called Easy Tourist Card.
You can purchase your card online or at an airport, although some airlines require that you purchase it online. Once you have it, you can buy your airline tickets and other documents online, or even at the airport. Purchasing the card ahead of time will save you time and money, and it’s easy to get through customs.
When you’re planning a trip to Cuba, be sure to buy a tourist card before you travel. These cards are mandatory for US citizens to enter the country, and you can buy them online or from an airport kiosk. The cost of the card can range anywhere from $20 to $75.
If you’re a Cuban, you may need to get a special visa to enter the country. This type of visa is known as an HE-11 and is issued by the Cuban government. These visas are different than those issued by the U.S. government, so you’ll need to check the Cuban government regulations before buying one.
