07 Jan 2022 | 07:03 PM UTC
Cuba: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related travel and domestic restrictions as of Jan. 7 /update 31
Tightened COVID-19-related travel and domestic restrictions in force in Cuba as of Jan. 7.
Event
As of Jan. 7, authorities in Cuba are imposing tightened COVID-19-related restrictions on international travel and domestic activity. Under the new directives, mass events are not allowed. Moreover, several new restrictions have been implemented for travelers entering Cuba, including stricter testing, vaccination, and quarantine requirements.
Domestic Measures
The use of protective facemasks remains mandatory in indoor public spaces, as well as on public transport. Local authorities can enforce tighter restrictions on business, public transport, and recreational and group activities based on local disease activity. Nightly curfews may be in place depending on the province and/or municipality.
International Travel Restrictions
Except as indicated otherwise, travelers entering Cuba from most countries must show proof of being fully vaccinated in addition to possessing a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their travel. Additionally, some passengers may be randomly selected for additional testing upon arrival. Cuban citizens and residents may enter the country without being fully vaccinated but must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, quarantine for eight days at an approved location, and take another test on day seven; citizens whose second test result is negative may end the quarantine on day eight. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the pre-travel test and vaccination requirements.
Travelers entering from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, or Eswatini remain subject to additional restrictions in order to enter Cuba. Such individuals must present proof of being fully vaccinated and a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their travel, in addition to taking a PCR test upon arrival. Moreover, persons arriving from the eight southern African countries in question must quarantine for eight days and take an additional test on day seven; if this test is negative, they may end quarantine after day eight.
All passengers must continue to pay a public health tax included in the flight ticket price.
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.
