Do you need a visa for Cuba in 2026? +
Not a classic visa, but a mandatory tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) costing €22 for most European nationalities. Purchased at the Cuban embassy, a travel agency, or the airport counter before your flight (Air France and Air Caraïbes sell it at check-in, €25-30). Valid 30 days, extendable once on site for another 30. Passport valid 6 months after the return date.
How many days do you need in Cuba? +
Minimum 10 days for the classic Havana + Viñales + Cienfuegos + Trinidad + Varadero loop. 7 days is enough for Havana + Viñales for a first taste. 2 weeks to push to Santiago de Cuba in the east (12h by bus or 1h45 by domestic flight). 3 weeks to add Baracoa and the truly isolated far east.
When is hurricane season in Cuba? +
Official season June 1 to November 30. Peak risk August to October, with September statistically the worst month (Irma 2017, Ian 2022, Rafael 2024). Avoid July to October if you can. If you go in season, watch National Hurricane Center bulletins and take out travel insurance with natural disaster cancellation cover.
Are there really shortages in Cuba in 2026? +
Yes, and you need to prepare. Fuel rationed since 2023, 6 to 12 hour queues at stations, which makes personal car rental tricky. Medication regularly out of stock in Cuban pharmacies (bring ibuprofen, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, prescription antibiotics, bandages). Power cuts of 4 to 8 hours outside tourist zones, especially in summer. Hotels and casas in tourist areas are less affected thanks to their generators.
What currency to use in Cuba in 2026? +
The Cuban peso (CUP) is the only legal currency since the CUC was abolished in 2021. In practice, since the official authorization in 2023, the euro and US dollar are accepted everywhere (casas, paladares, taxis, MLC shops). Bring 80% of your budget in EUR cash (small bills: 5, 10, 20 EUR, no 200 EUR notes), exchange to CUP progressively at your casa's informal rate. European credit cards work poorly, use only as backup.
Does internet work in Cuba? +
Limited. Cubacel (state monopoly) covers cities in theoretical 3G/4G, but actual speeds are low (1-3 Mbps). Cubacel eSIMs available from €25 for 5 GB but slow. Wifi via prepaid ETECSA cards (€1-2/h) in municipal parks and hotels. No reliable WhatsApp calls, no streaming. Treat Cuba as a voluntary disconnect — it's part of the trip.
Can you rent a car in Cuba? +
Yes but it's expensive and complicated. Plan €80-120/day for an economy category at Cubacar or Rex (the two state rental agencies), reservation essential 3-4 months ahead. Fuel rationed, unpredictable queues at stations. Many travelers prefer the Viazul bus (air-conditioned, €12-25 between towns) or shared collective taxis between travelers (€15-25 per seat on main routes).
Americans and ESTA after a Cuba trip? +
Important if you're combining Cuba with the USA. Since January 2021, Cuba is on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which invalidates ESTA for any traveler who has visited Cuba since January 12, 2021. You'll need to apply for a classic B1/B2 visa at the US embassy ($160, 6-12 month wait). Visit Cuba last, or separate the two trips by at least 6 months if possible.
