17 Aug 2021 | 12:20 AM UTC
Cuba: Authorities maintain most existing COVID-19-related travel protocols and domestic restrictions as of Aug. 16 /update 25
Cuban authorities largely maintain existing COVID-19-related international travel restrictions and domestic controls as of Aug. 16.
Event
Cuban officials have maintained most existing COVID-19-related restrictions as of Aug. 16. Most measures have remained unchanged since roughly February. However, since July 15, Cuban nationals who land at Varadero's Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport (VRA) or Cayo Coco's Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC) must remain in mandatory isolation in designated hotel facilities for 14 days following their arrival instead of the usual 7 days. These passengers are also limited to one checked bag per person.
While the current measures are slated to stay in force until further notice, authorities may adjust domestic restrictions at the provincial and municipal levels based on local case numbers. As of Aug. 16, the following controls are in place:
International Travel Restrictions
All travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry.
All travelers must declare their health status and take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival.
All travelers must remain in mandatory isolation in designated hotel facilities at their own expense for at least seven days and undergo a second PCR test on their fifth or sixth day. The isolation period ends when the second test result is negative. However, Cuban nationals landing at airports in Varadero (VRA) or Cayo Coco (CCC) must remain in mandatory isolation for a longer period of 14 days; this subset of travelers is also limited to one checked bag per person. Authorities will transfer those who test positive for COVID-19 to a hospital or health center.
All passengers must pay a sanitary/health tax included in the flight ticket price to cover the costs of sanitization and COVID-19 testing.
Some flight operations are continuing; however, flights are limited and cancellations may occur with little-to-no notice.
Domestic Measures
Strict restrictions limiting nonessential commercial activity and public transport amid increasing COVID-19 case numbers remain in effect in most provinces. Local authorities can enforce tighter measures on business, public transport, and recreational and group activities based on local disease activity. Various nightly curfews are in place depending on the province and/or municipality.
Individuals must abide by local restrictions, wear a facemask in all enclosed public spaces, and adhere to sanitization and physical distancing requirements.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local 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.
