Plan
your trip with this comprehensive Cuba travel guide. Explore key tips
on culture, safety, visas, transport, and when to visit — all
designed to help you experience Havana, Trinidad, Varadero, and
beyond with confidence.
Country: Cuba
Continent / Region: Caribbean (North America region)
Capital City: Havana (La Habana)
Government Type: One-party socialist republic
Population: ~11.2 million
Official Language(s): Spanish
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 10–15% (higher in tourist zones)
Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP); U.S. Dollars and Euros widely used in tourism
Time Zone (GMT): GMT-5 (Cuba Standard Time), GMT-4 in summer
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B/L, 110V or 220V depending on region
Adapter Needed: Yes – UK travellers need a Type G → A/B adapter
Emergency Numbers: 106 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire), 107 (tourist assistance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 9 h 45 m by direct flight
Best Time/Months to Travel: November – April (dry season; warm and pleasant)
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: Tourist Card (Visa de Turista) required for most visitors
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Yes – Tourist Card required before travel
Visa Duration / Cost: Valid 30 days; extendable once; approx £25–£30 via airline or embassy
Vaccinations Needed: Routine UK vaccines; hepatitis A and typhoid recommended; dengue precautions advised
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Cuba):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £40 / £85 / £160 per person
Tipping Culture: 10% expected in restaurants; small tips appreciated for guides & musicians
Public Transport Options: Buses (Viazul for tourists), taxis, collective taxis (almendrones)
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Viazul bus Havana–Varadero ≈ £10; local bus ≈ £0.10
Internet / SIM Availability: Limited; ETECSA SIM and Wi-Fi cards sold at offices and hotels
Main Climate Type: Tropical with dry and rainy seasons
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 20–26 °C
• Spring (Mar–May): 24–30 °C
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 26–33 °C
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 24–31 °C (hurricane risk)
Major Cities: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Natural Attractions: Viñales Valley, Topes de Collantes, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur
Popular Tourist Destinations: Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba
Main Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic; Afro-Cuban Santería also practised
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Greet with a friendly handshake or light kiss; warmth and humour valued; casual dress fine but modesty appreciated in churches
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), Moros y Cristianos (rice & beans), yuca con mojo, tostones, Cuban sandwiches
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Havana Carnival (July), International Jazz Festival (Jan), May Day Parade (May 1), Revolution Day (July 26)
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Old Havana (UNESCO), Trinidad Historic Centre, Viñales Valley, Castillo del Morro, Bay of Pigs Museum
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate – petty theft possible; violent crime rare
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis; “friendly local” touts; fake cigar sellers
Health Risks: Dengue and Zika virus (avoid mosquito bites); heat exhaustion
Recommended Travel Clinics: Havana International Clinic, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Comprehensive cover essential – proof required on arrival
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Generally slow; Wi-Fi mainly in hotels and public hotspots
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Old Havana (UNESCO), Malecón Seafront, Varadero Beach, Viñales Valley, Trinidad Old Town
Unique Experiences: Classic car ride through Havana, tobacco farm tour in Viñales, live jazz evening in Casa de la Música
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Baracoa (cocoa region), Cienfuegos waterfront, Isla de la Juventud marine reserve
Popular Areas to Stay: Old Havana (Habana Vieja), Varadero Beach resorts, Trinidad historic centre, Viñales guesthouses
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £40 / £90 / £180 per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Havana’s Vedado & Centro Havana; Trinidad’s Casa de la Música; Varadero beach bars
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Mojito, Daiquiri, Cuba Libre, Havana Club rum; famous bars include La Bodeguita del Medio & El Floridita
Entertainment Options: Live salsa clubs, jazz bars, cabaret shows (Tropicana), street music and festivals
Car Rental Availability: Available but limited; book early and inspect vehicles carefully
Domestic Flights / Trains: Flights connect Havana to Santiago and Holguín; trains slow but scenic
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: Classic taxis ≈ £1 per km; shared almendrones cheaper (≈ £0.50 short rides)
Best Markets / Districts: Almacenes de San José Artisans Market (Havana), Trinidad Handicraft Market, Varadero Souvenir Plaza
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Cuban cigars, rum, music CDs, artwork, wooden carvings, handmade jewellery
Local SIM Card Providers: ETECSA (Cubacel) only provider; SIMs available with passport
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; many shops close Sun afternoon
Tap Water Safety: Not safe to drink – use bottled or boiled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Cuba boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has one of the highest literacy rates in the world — over 99 % of its population can read and write.