Cuba Beach Holidays
Varadero's white sand, Havana's seafront, and untouched cayos off the coast. Plan your Cuba beach holiday with flights, hotels, and visa info.
€1 = $27
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Travel warning
Weather in Cuba
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Cuba
Autumn
SPF 50
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 30
Entry requirements for Cuba
You need a tourist visa (tourist card) before travelling to Cuba for a holiday.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and 3 months after your planned departure date.
You must complete an online arrival form on the D'Viajeros portal within 72 hours before entering the country and have the QR code ready.
You must show proof of onward or return travel to enter Cuba.
Airlines will check your completed D'Viajeros form at check-in, so have your QR code ready.
Good to know:
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Declare any foreign currency you are taking into Cuba if the total value exceeds 5,000 US dollars.
Safety in Cuba
Cuba is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not pack valuables in your hold luggage and consider shrink-wrapping suitcases before airport check-in.
Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in crowded areas of Old Havana, on public transport, and in nightclubs.
Only use registered yellow taxis and do not hail taxis or accept lifts from people you do not know.
You must bring enough cash for your entire trip and any emergencies, as international cards like Visa and Mastercard are not accepted.
Only exchange money at official Cadeca exchange houses, as doing so elsewhere is illegal and can lead to fines or prison.
Bonus tips:
Check the condition carefully if you hire a moped or motorbike and ensure all riders wear a crash helmet.
Avoid taking photographs in or near any military zones or restricted areas as this can be treated as espionage.
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Driving in Cuba
A UK driving license is accepted for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Cuba drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Cuba
It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Cuba. Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing conditions and activities you plan to undertake. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not applicable in Cuba.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in Cuba, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; opt for bottled water. Medical facilities may be limited, especially outside major cities.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Cuba
Tipping in Cuba is appreciated for good service, though not always expected as salaries are generally low. While state-run establishments may technically prohibit tipping, it's generally accepted discreetly. Private businesses are more accustomed to receiving tips.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
A few CUP per round of drinks or service
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest CUP
Hotel Porter
1-2 CUP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CUP per night
Tour Guide
5-10 CUP per person for a half-day tour, more for a full-day or private tour
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming in Cuba can be very expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates before you travel. Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially lower rates.
Local SIM
5 GB for 500 CUP (~£15)
Network coverage
3G, 4G
Electrical in Cuba
Voltage
110V/220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type L
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access in Cuba is limited and can be slow. Wi-Fi is primarily available in hotels, some parks, and internet cafes. You typically need to purchase a prepaid NAUTA card to access these Wi-Fi networks. Expect lower speeds and potentially unreliable connections.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
106
Police
106
Ambulance
104
Fire
105
Save 106 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cuba
Country code
53
To call Cuba from the UK, dial 00 53 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Calle 34 No. 702 e/ 7ma y 17 Miramar, Playa, Havana, Cuba
Phone
+53 7 214 2200
Website
Jose Marti International Airport
Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport
Abel Santamaria Airport
Frank Pais Airport
Antonio Maceo Airport
Ign Agramonte International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The advice on crime now includes reports of burglaries at properties and instances of violent crime.
Siphoning of fuel from parked vehicles is now described as a regular occurrence.
The advice now includes keeping your passport in a secure place and avoiding showing signs of affluence.
The wording about ATM cash withdrawals is now less certain: it says it is 'likely that you will not be able' rather than 'will not be possible'.
A new major power grid collapse occurred on 14 July, the third in a week.
The statement on essential infrastructure disruption is now more definitive, changing from 'may lead to' to 'is leading to'.
Iberia and World2Fly have been added to the list of airlines that have suspended flights to and from Cuba.
The phrase 'Iberia and Air Europa are reducing the number of weekly flights...' has been removed.
The advice on ATM withdrawals now states it is 'likely' you will not be able to withdraw cash, instead of 'It will not be possible'.
International Visa and Mastercard cards will no longer be accepted from 6 June.
You must now bring enough cash for your entire stay, as ATMs will not work with international cards.
Check with hotels and tour providers about making payments in advance via international bank transfer.
Cash can only be exchanged at Cadeca exchange houses; it remains illegal to exchange with individuals.
International cards like Visa and Mastercard are now suspended from 6 June. ATMs no longer accept them.
All payments must now be in cash (US dollars or euros) or via Cuban prepaid cards. Bring enough cash for your entire trip.
It is now illegal to exchange money anywhere except official Cadeca exchange houses. Doing so risks a fine or prison.
On 13 May, the government announced it has exhausted all reserves of diesel and fuel oil.
Infrastructure disruption is now described as may lead to severe and sustained problems, moving from a current state to a warning of potential future deterioration.
Health
Arbovirus epidemic was declared in 2025, and the official warning is no longer live. However, Dengue, Oropouche and Chikungunya viruses continue to circulate.
Medical treatment no longer specifies payment 'by card'. You or your insurance company will need to pay with foreign currency before any treatment.
Beaches in Cuba
No beaches listed for Cuba yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.