Highlights of Cuba 

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice at TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website. 

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

Travel insurance is compulsory, so make sure your policy covers medical care abroad.

We would advise taking all essential medication with you, as supplies are not always readily available. 

Cuba’s official currency for tourists is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Cuba operates on a cash economy. Euros and USD are widely accepted, with change given in Cuban pesos, which should be enough to use for small tips and small purchases in local currency. Some government shops and hotels will only take a card payment so you may use your credit card and if it does not work your guide will be happy to offer assistance.

Accomodation

Your accomodation in Havana is made up of threee beautifully restored colonial style buildings, rooms will be allocated between these 3 adjacent properterties. 

Food in Cuba

Cuban food is flavourful and comforting, rooted in a mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, with staples like rice, beans, plantains, pork, and yuca. However, due to long-standing economic challenges and supply limitations, food variety can sometimes be limited, especially outside major tourist areas. Certain ingredients like fresh dairy products, seafood, or imported items may not always be available, and menus can be simpler than expected. While travellers may not find a wide range of international cuisine, they can expect hearty home-style meals, fresh tropical fruits, and generous hospitality that reflect the island’s rich culture and resilience.

During this trip, we have made several reservations at restaurants for lunch and dinner to try and bring you the best of Cuban cuisine in traditional restaurants.

In Jibacoa, you will be staying on an all-inclusive basis, and all meals will be at the hotel.

Safety

Cuba is a safe destination and violence of any kind is rare, however opportunistic theft can be an issue therefore we recommend that you use the safe in your accommodation and make sure that you create your own PIN code for same. Keep a copy of your passport with you rather than the original and only your cash requirement for that day.

What to pack

We would recommend light, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring as you will find many cobbled streets and areas of uneven ground. 

• Light rain jacket, sudden showers are common in summer.
• Swimwear, a beach towel and suitable shoes to be used at the beach.
• Some everyday items can be hard to find in Cuba, so it’s best to bring them with you:Toiletries & medications, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary products, and any prescriptions. Pharmacies in Cuba often have limited supplies, and certain medications may not be readily available. We recommend bringing all prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines, cold medicines, antidiarrheals, and basic antibiotics and pack them in your hand luggage.
• Sunscreen & insect repellent, essential for tropical sun and mosquitoes.
• Adapters & Chargers,Cuba uses Type A/B and Type C/F plugs.
• Snacks & special items, especially if you have dietary needs.
• Packing these essentials ensures a smoother, more comfortable trip so you can focus on exploring and relaxing.

Donations

People often ask what they can bring as donations to support local people. Among the most needed items in Cuba are basic medicines such as painkillers, cold medicines, antihistamines, and antidiarrheals. School supplies, personal and feminine hygiene products, as well as gently used second-hand clothing, especially for children, are also highly appreciated. These donations are always warmly received and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

British passports must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Cuba and must be in good condition, with no damaged or missing pages.

British citizens are required to obtain a Cuba Tourist Card before travelling. Our agent will issue a tourist visa for British passport holders, they will require a scanned photo of your passport and your flight information. Visas are issued 5-6 days before departure. The cost of your visa is included in your holiday price.