04 May 2021 | 08:10 PM UTC
Cuba: COVID-19-related travel protocols and domestic restrictions in force as of May 4 remain largely unchanged /update 21
COVID-19 restrictions in effect in Cuba remain largely unchanged as of May 4 by comparison with those in force in early April.
Event
As of May 4, the COVID-19-related restrictions in effect in Cuba remain largely unchanged by comparison with those in place during the first week of April. Protocols will probably stay in force into at least early June, although domestic restrictions at the provincial and municipal levels may be adjusted based on local case numbers.
International Travel
Officials are maintaining existing entry and quarantine requirements for all arrivals. Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana is operating with the following additional restrictions:
All travelers must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry.
All travelers must declare their health status and will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival.
All travelers are required to remain in mandatory isolation for at least five days; a second PCR test will be administered on the fifth day. The isolation period ends when the second test result is negative. Cuban nationals and residents will complete their isolation at designated centers free of charge, while nonresident foreigners will be isolated in designated hotel facilities at the traveler's expense.
All passengers must pay a sanitary/health tax included in the price of the flight ticket to cover the costs of sanitization and COVID-19 testing.
Individuals are required to abide by local restrictions, wear a facemask in all enclosed public spaces, and adhere to sanitization and physical distancing requirements.
International travel options continue to be limited; however, flights to and from Europe have resumed. Reduced flight frequencies continue for operations between Cuba and the US, Mexico, Panama, Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Colombia, as well as Spain, France, and Russia. Flights to and from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nicaragua remain suspended.
Domestic Measures
Most provinces have regressed to the strictest level of restrictions amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers. Under these circumstances, heightened restrictions are placed on nonessential commercial activity and public transport, which may only be used by essential workers. Following this stage, commercial and recreational activities may resume gradually under phases 1 and 2 of recovery. Stricter capacity limits and rules around operating hours are enforced under Phase 1. Under Phase 2, authorities may lift restrictions on intercity passenger transport and further ease restrictions on tourism. Generally, under Phase 3 (one step behind New Normal), all economic and production activities may continue, and interprovincial travel may resume.
Local authorities could enforce tighter restrictions on business, public transport, and recreational and group activities. Officials are enforcing some of the strictest measures in Havana, where all public and private transportation traffic is prohibited nightly between 21:00-05:00. Officials have also suspended all interprovincial passenger transport.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.
