Is it possible to travel to Cuba now, after COVID-19 pandemic?
This is a common question nowadays. Daily I receive lots of messages and emails from friends and social media followers. They are interested in knowing whether is possible or not to travel to Cuba now, under new COVID-19 life and traveling protocols. The answer is simple: Yes, you can. And up to some point it is even much better and easier than before. Read below to find out. I’ve summed it up for you.
First be sure you have a vaccination certificate. Secondly take a 72-hour negative PCR test before arriving to any Cuban airport. It is completely mandatory. Otherwise you won’t be allowed to enter the country. After all it isn’t a big deal. Almost all countries have the same covid protocols. Once you are in Cuba you can freely move everywhere without any problem. Using masks is mandatory on the street.
Additionally one more thing. Probably you are required to present a 72-hour negative PCR test to enter your country or your next vacation stop. The fastest way to get it: Havana. There are 3 clinics providing that service for tourists but I recommend only two of them. The Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro Kouri”, commonly known as IPK. And Siboney International Clinic. Both facilities are located in the same neighborhood, very close one to the other.
After clarifying the covid matter let’s get down to real business: how to plan by yourself your cubacations.
How to book your Cubacations?
The easiest way it is to get a vacation package if you are not so meticulous about how you’d like to spend your vacations. Cuban government travel agencies provide the typical packages with boring travel itineraries. They advertise them a lot in association with foreign travel agencies or hotel companies. Do not book it at first: there’s still a lot of fish to catch!
First of all if you are the I-wanna-do-this-and-that type of traveler there are also good private businesses. They provide you with those same offers but very much flexible and attractive to the point you can decide to change what you don’t want or like or even better plan it all from head to toe.
Furthermore these private businesses also collaborate among them. They are able to connect you with good accommodations, transportation, experiences and many professional services, so you don’t need to worry about calling a taxi or stressing yourself trying to get a reservation confirmed. They do it all for you.
Boutique Hotel Vapor 156 in Havana
I give you this example: Boutique Hotel Vapor 156 in Havana; easy to find if you Google: “vapor 156 havana” or simply: “best boutique hotels in Havana“. The website is www.vapor156.com. This is a private business with an excellent guest oriented service. The building is gorgeous, carefully remodeled and beautifully decorated. Friendly, English speaking staff, always ready to give you a hand in whatever you have in mind.
Finally when visiting the website apart from booking the room, take a minute to go to the service section. It’s worth it. It will save you a lot of time, money and effort once you are in Cuba. Most of businesses don’t accept payments by credit cards. This hotel does. It represents an advantage you will really appreciate it. So do not lose the opportunity to book and plan with this hotel as many services you’d like if you want to save money and make your cubacations more productive. Once you are in Cuba you will be required to pay in cash most of the times.
That’s all for now cubatravelers!
Next post I will give you details of amazing places to visit out of the ordinary tour circuits.
Remember our primary intention is to give you the ultimate inspiring tips to travel to Cuba
A warm Cuban hug ?
