In anticipation of the winter season and in light of the fact that by November 92.5% of the population will be vaccinated, Cuba is easing travel restrictions from 15 November 2021, the Cuban Tourist Board announced in a statement.
Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism said that all tourist destinations in Cuba would be open and that more flexible entry protocols will be in place from 15 November 2021.
In addition, no Covid tests will be required before entering Cuba and no PCR tests will be carried out on passengers on arrival at Cuban airports, which was the case previously.
“The new rules will focus on monitoring symptomatic patients, temperature screening and random diagnostic tests,” the statement said.
Under the new protocols, incoming Canadian travellers must show that they are fully vaccinated or, if they are not vaccinated, they must submit a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before entering Cuba.
The PCR tests that Canadians need for their return to Canada are performed directly on site at the hotels and cost USD 30.00 each. They are payable locally by visa or debit/visa.
The Cuban tourism authorities have announced the opening of the local tourism market and the cancellation of the quarantine for passengers staying in private rental houses (B&Bs).
In addition, locals can stay in tourist facilities shared by international visitors.
Lessner Gomez, director of the Cuban Tourist Board in Toronto, noted that Cuba has done an incredible job of vaccinating its population, including children as young as two.
“We are the first country in the world to administer Covid-19 vaccines to toddlers,” he said. Cuba’s vaccination programme, strengthened health and safety protocols at all tourist facilities and Canada’s high vaccination rate made these openings possible.”
“The fact that Cuba is relaxing the rules and tourists are allowed to travel and enjoy our beautiful country is very exciting and good news at a time, when Canadians are looking forward to getting back to normal and are [in the process of] planning their winter travel,” he added.