COVID-19

CHECK LIST AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANADIANS TRAVELLING TO CUBA (Updated on JUL 2022)

•Documents needed to travel: valid passport, tourist card (included and provided on board)
•All passengers arriving to Cuba from a direct flight from Canada, do not need to present a vaccination passport.
•To re-enter Canada – Canadians need an antigen test starting on March 1st, 2022. This can be done at the hotel; the cost is approximately $25 USD payable locally by Debit/Visa, Visa credit cards or Mastercard issued by Canadian banks. Test is by appointment only coordinated by your tour operator. In case the passenger is not staying at a hotel, the antigen test can be done at the airport or at the nearest international clinic
•Medical insurance is required for Cuba, medical insurance must cover any type of medical emergency including Covid-19. If you are unable to obtain insurance in Canada, you can purchase medical insurance in Cuba at the airport or visit www.cubatravel.cu.
•Starting on January 1, 2022, travellers must provide information in advance prior entering Cuba. Passengers can log in at: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/ to access this new form (in the past, clients were given these forms on board). All travellers must provide information online within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to authorities upon arrival.

CURRENCY: The local currency is Cuban peso (CUP). Convertible peso has been discontinued and is not accepted anymore. US dollars are not accepted anywhere in Cuba. Canadian currency is widely accepted in Cuba. At the hotels and resort areas, payments are accepted only with Debit/visa or credit cards from Canadian banks. Clients who don’t have a credit card can buy a pre-paid card in Cuba at the airport, exchange houses and resort areas. Payments outside the tourist areas are in local Cuban pesos (CUP); we recommend exchanging Canadian dollars into pesos as you need them and only if you are planning to travel outside of the tourist areas because you won’t be able to exchange the left-over pesos to Canadian dollars at the end of the stay. The recommended currency to use for your stay is Canadian dollars or local pesos.

•In the event that a tourist tests positive for Covid-19 in Cuba, the isolation time will be at the hotel where they are staying, A HOTEL ISOLATION SECTION WILL BE COORDINATED BY THE HOTEL. The tourist who tests positive will be isolated in the designated isolation section, tourist must comply with all hotel regulations and restrictions. (For more detailed information about isolation times, please contact the doctor on site at the hotel where you are staying or the hotel itself, they have more detailed and direct information from the Cuban Ministry of Health)

Sol Melia Blog – New Covid-19 Protocols FAQs:  https://blog.meliacuba.com/destinations-hotels/get-ready-to-discover-cuba-5-questions-to-answer-before-traveling-to-the-island-infographic/

Effective Jan 08, 2022

Friendly reminder that medical insurance including Covid-19 insurance is mandatory for entering Cuba

Travellers who test positive for Covid-19 and are asymptomatic:
•Travellers who test positive will remain in isolation at the hotel that they are staying, at a specific section and within the rooms assigned by the hotel
•Guests who test positive will need to cover expenses in full while staying in isolation and they should follow the Covid-19 protocols by the hotel, The Ministry of Health (Cuba) and by The Ministry of Tourism
•Please verify with your insurance company if accommodation and medical expenses are covered if you test positive for Covid-19

Travellers who test positive for Covid-19 with mild symptoms:
•Travellers who test positive will remain in isolation at the hotel that they are staying, at a specific section and within the rooms assigned by the hotel
•Guests who test positive will need to cover expenses in full while staying in isolation and they should follow the Covid-19 protocols by the hotel, The Ministry of Health (Cuba) and by The Ministry of Tourism
•Please verify with your insurance company if accommodation and medical expenses are covered if you test positive for Covid-19

Travellers who test positive for Covid-19 and have severe symptoms:
•They will be redirected to the international clinic in destination
•While staying in isolation, guests who test positive will need to cover their medical expenses in full and they should follow the Covid-19 protocols
•Please verify with your insurance company if accommodation and medical expenses are covered if you test positive for Covid-19

For additional information, please contact Cuba Tourist Board at:
Website: https://gocuba.ca/en/
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel#: 416 362 0700

Cuba updated entry requirements as of January 1, 2022

To facilitate and speed up the check-in procedure at the Cuban airport, Cuba’s Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Tourism are implementing a new online form to be completed  prior entering and leaving Cuba.
Travellers can log in at: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/ to access this new form.

In the past, clients were given these forms on board, but starting on January 1, 2022, paper copies of the following documents will no longer be available:
•International Boarding and Disembarkation Card
•Customs Declaration Form
•Traveller’s Health Affidavit

All travellers must provide information online within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to authorities upon arrival.

Cuba has made the process of entering the country more hassle free, it has eliminated the quarantine and the PCR test upon arrival.

Please note: travellers to Cuba must show your valid passport, tourist card (will be provided), Covid-19 medical insurance and proof that you are fully vaccinated (all Health Canada approved vaccines and mixed doses are accepted) or, if you are not vaccinated, you must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Cuba; children 12 years of age and under, are exempted from presenting a vaccination certificate or PCR test.

***CUBA IMPLEMENTING NEW COVID-19 MEASURES AS OF NOV 07, 2021***

Updated on Oct 20, 2021

Cuba has new COVID-19 measures effective as of November 07, 2021. These new measures will be for ALL Canadian passengers arriving in Cuba (including Cuban citizens and foreign residents of Cuba).

  • No 72hrs PCR test is required prior to travelling to Cuba for fully vaccinated passengers.
  • Fully vaccinated passengers need a proof of the two vaccine doses (printed or digital copy by the Canadian Government)
  • Mixed vaccines are accepted in Cuba
  • Non-vaccinated travellers need a 72hrs PCR TRAVEL test before travelling to Cuba (Mandatory)
  • Entering Cuba, PCR test will be randomly selected, like any other country
  • Passengers need to have a COVID-19 covered insurance while they are visiting in Cuba (available at the airport on arrival in Cuba for $30 USD or booked with Hola Sun Holidays at the time of reservation or with your travel agent
  • Cuban citizens, foreign residents of Cuba and tourists will be allowed to travel safely all over the island and NO quarantine will be required on arrival
  • Canadian passengers need the 72hrs PCR test before travelling back to Canada, the cost will be $30 USD paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Banks. For more details please see section below under:  ENTRY REQUIREMENT TO CANADA 
  • Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the 72hrs PCR test before travelling to Cuba

Additional information: Click here for FAQ

For more details visit: https://www.gocuba.ca/news-view/cuba-covid-19-update/

COVID-19 Updates – Entry Requirement to Canada (Jan 01, 2021)

The Canadian government officially announced a new travel rule, effective January 07, 2021, that requires all international passengers five years of age or older entering Canada to have a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival.

Click here for Pre-departure COVID-19 Molecular Testing for Air Travellers
Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the covid-19 pandemic countries worldwide have imposed various travel restrictions to limit the spread. There maybe last-minute changes or limited warnings of these new restrictions, please be sure to obtain the most up to date travel restriction prior to making a reservation and before travelling.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain, at their own expense, all documentation required by the relevant authorities: Customs, airlines and immigration officials may deny a passenger entry or exit of their country for any circumstances. It is also the responsibility of the passenger to obtain the relevant information for travelling including but not limited to schedules, airlines, passports, visas, tourist cards and hotels.

For more details, visit Canada.ca/ArriveCAN.

Full details on PCR TESTS IN CUBA:

PCR test cost will be 30USD (payment by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price)

PCR TESTS IN CAYO COCO

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price. An invoice will be given to each client

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• Clients staying at an all-inclusive hotel in Cayo Coco will be tested at the doctor’s office within the property. Every hotel will assign a room or several rooms to run the PCR test

• Clients must collect the result the day before their flight in the afternoon or the same day of the flight in the morning directly at the Medical Centre at the hotel where they are staying

PCR TESTS IN CAYO SANTA MARIA DESTINATION

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price. An invoice will be given to each client

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• Clients staying at Playa Cayo Santa Maria, Royalton Cayo Santa Maria and Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria will be tested at the hotels. Every hotel will assign a room or several rooms to run the PCR test

• Clients must collect the result the day before their flight in the afternoon or the same day of the flight in the morning directly at the Medical Centre at the hotel where they are staying

• They will be given a receipt that reflects the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the result was made, which will be duly signed and stamped

• Air only passengers can have the test done at: Optica Internacional “Miramar”, City of Santa Clara, Phone: 42 208069

PCR TESTS IN CIENFUEGOS AREA

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price

• Customers will get a receipt that will reflect the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the result was made, which will be duly signed and stamped

• For the convenience of its guests Rancho Luna has assigned a nursing room where the PCR test will be done.

• For Air Only passengers who are staying in private homes or city hotels must go directly to the Internationaql Clinic, Address: Avenida 10 entre 35 y 37. Phone numbers: 43661622 Ext 101/103 or 43661623

PCR TESTS IN HAVANA

• The cost of the PCR test will be 31.50 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price. An invoice will be given to each client

• The PCR test must be done at the Clinica Internacional Siboney. Address: Calle 17 e- 200 y 202 No. 2005. Siboney, Playa. 53 7 271 11 23. Business hours: 8:00 – 12:00, Clinica Internacional Camilo Cienfuegos y Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Pedro Kouri”

• Customers must pick up the test results at the same clinic. They will get a receipt, which will reflect the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the test was done, which will be duly signed and stamped

PCR TESTS IN HOLGUIN/GUARDALAVACA AREA

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price.  An invoice will be given to each client

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• Clients staying at Brisas Guardalavaca and Club Amigo Guardalavaca will be tested at the Guardalavaca International Clinic.

• Clients staying at Playa Pesquero will take the test at the Playa Pesquero.

• Hotel Playa Pesquero will assign a room or a specific area for the PCR test

• Clients staying at Villa Don Lino hotel will take the test at Villa Don Lino hotel.

• Clients staying at Paradisus Rio de Oro hotel will take the test at Paradisus Rio de Oro hotel.

• Clients must collect the result the day before their flight in the afternoon or the same day of the flight in the morning directly at the Medical Centre at the hotel where they are staying

• They will be given a receipt that reflects the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the result was made, which will be duly signed and stamped

• Air Only passengers who are staying in private homes will take the tests and collect the results in the same place where the test is done, it will be organized as follows: Banes Municipality: Municipal Hygiene Center of the city of Banes. Holguin Municipality: Optica Internacional “Miramar” in the city of Holguín. Rafael Freyre Municipality and all beach areas: International Clinic in Guardalavaca

PCR TESTS IN PLAYA SANTA LUCIA/CAMAGUEY AREA

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price. An invoice will be given to each client

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• Clients staying at Hotels Brisas Santa Lucía and Hotel Club Amigo Caracol will be tested at the Doctor´s office in Hotel Brisas Santa Lucia

• Clients must collect the result the day before of their flight at the Doctor´s office in Hotel Brisas Santa Lucia

• They will be given a receipt that reflects the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the result was made, which will be duly signed and stamped

• Air Only passengers who are staying in private homes will take the tests and collect the results in the same place where the test is done, it will be organized as follows: At Clínica “Mártires de Pino Tres” Cisneros No.203, City of Camagüey. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Phone number: 32292793

PCR TESTS IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA AREA

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price

• Customers will get a receipt that will reflect the passenger’s name, with the number of the test, the laboratory where the result was made, which will be duly signed and stamped

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• For Air Only passengers who are staying in private homes or city hotels must go directly to the International Clinic, address: Ave.Raúl Pujols Esquina Calle 10, Reparto 30 de Noviembre, Santiago de Cuba. Phone +53 22 714021 or +53 22 714019, 43661622 or 43661623 Ext 101, 103

PCR TESTS IN VARADERO

• The cost of the PCR test will be 30 USD per person, to be paid by credit card or debit visa from Canadian Bank only, transfers are not included with the price . An invoice will be given to each client

• Test will be done 72hrs prior to the return flight

• Clients staying in all inclusive hotels will be tested at the doctor’s room within the property. Every hotel will assign a room or several rooms to run the PCR test.

Clients must collect the result the day before their flight in the afternoon or the same day of the flight in the morning directly at the Medical Centre at the hotel where they are staying

Customers staying at Casa Particular or with a family have to go to the International Clinic, 72 hours before their return flight to Canada. The results can be obtained the day before the return flight at the same clinic.

• The International Clinic opens from 9 am to 12 pm. Location: Calle 61 y 1ra Ave. Telephone number: 45 667226

Covid-19 Updates – Entry Requirement to Cuba (Dec 31, 2020)

Please see this page for all our most up to date information on policies and procedures to ensure the safety of our customers.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic countries worldwide have imposed various travel restrictions to limit the spread. There maybe last-minute changes or limited warnings of these new restrictions, please be sure to obtain the most up to date travel restriction prior to making a reservation and before travelling.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to obtain, at their own expense, all documentation required by the relevant authorities: Customs, airlines and immigration officials may deny a passenger entry or exit of their country for any circumstances. It is also the responsibility of the passenger to obtain the relevant information for travelling including but not limited to schedules, airlines, passports, visas, tourist cards and hotels.

December 30, 2020

As per the Cuba Tourist Office in Toronto, Cuba does not require a negative PCR test from Canadian visitors prior to arrival. However, a PCR test will be taken locally at the airport in Cuba upon arrival.

Please be advised that the federal government has updated its travel advisory as of December 30, 2020 regarding the entry requirements to Cuba.

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba

It states the following:

-You will be subject to a mandatory PCR test upon arrival
-If the PCR result is positive, you will be transferred to a health facility and hospitalized in isolation

COVID-19 Insurance

COVID-19 coverage and health insurance are mandatory for travel to Cuba. Travellers to Cuba must provide proof of medical health coverage and COVID-19 coverage.

Hola Sun offers Manulife COVID-19 coverage which provides a maximum of $200,000 for emergency medical travel insurance for COVID-19 and related conditions.

Travellers can purchase coverage through Hola Sun Holidays. For details and to purchase the coverage please contact our reservations department.

***For customers who have booked a package or flight prior to August 31, 2021  with departures up to December 31, 2021,  COVID-19 insurance remains included.
Manulife COVID-19 Insurance: CLICK HERE

Attention Quebec Residents – The Hola Sun COVID-19 insurance product can not be sold to Quebec residents for booking done through Hola Sun Holidays. Please go to www.caribesol.ca for COVID-19 coverage options.

OWG Airlines

OWG has implemented safety measures in accordance with Transport Canada so that travelers can enjoy their flight experience with peace of mind.

The safety of travelers is our top priority, travelers can enjoy a comfortable and safe flight aboard OWG to CUBA. CLICK HERE for more information.

Hoteliers

Our hotel partners have implemented safety measures to protect all their guests and staff at the resorts. You can enjoy your vacation in CUBA with  peace of mind knowing that your safety is the top priority for our hotel partners.

See below to view protocol for each hotel chain:

Sanitary Fee

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
December 01, 2020

Please be advised that effective December 01, 2020 Cuba will be implementing a Sanitary Fee which will apply to all passengers arriving on the island.
The fee covers the cost of the Covid-19 PCR test that will be done at the airports, sanitizing products,
extra cleaning, and disinfecting services provided at all airports throughout the island.
All passengers who are booked on all-inclusive packages or air only with Hola Sun Holidays will not be charged the sanitary fee.

Government of Canada Travel Advice

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

Ministry of Tourism of Cuba Covid-19 Protocol

https://www.gocuba.ca/news-view/cuba-covid-19-update/

Certification Program “More Hygienic and Safe Tourism (T+Hs)

Cuba Adapts to the New Normal 

Watch Cuba COVID-19 Health Measure Video