Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a tourist card to enter Cuba. Passports must be valid at least six months after the date of entry and have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
Holbrook Travel will purchase and provide tourist cards. One half of the tourist card/visa will be collected upon arrival in Cuba. Keep the other half safely with your passport, as it will be collected from you upon your departure from Cuba. If it is lost or misplaced, the replacement cost is roughly $100.00 USD and can be purchased at the airport prior to departure.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport or you are a Cuban-born person, please check with the Cuban Embassy for requirements based on your nationality. Also, be sure to have your required documents (passport, remaining half of visa) for re-entry into the U.S.
Please note: The U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that all travelers to Cuba retain itineraries for at least 5 years.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Cuba, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required. The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Cuba.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
Dengue fever and Zika virus are known to be present in Cuba. Travelers to Cuba should protect themselves against insect bites: Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Travelers’ Diarrhea
The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most frequent health problem for travelers worldwide. To avoid contracting this, use bottled water, which is about $1.50 to $2 for a small bottle purchased in your private home or casa particular and some restaurants. Water costs much less in stores.
Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or peeled fruit. When in doubt, ask your trip leader. If you contract diarrhea, it is very important to drink large quantities of purified water with rehydration salts and consult your doctor for appropriate medication.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
