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A Tourist Visa Card, costing US$25 or equivalent, may be issued by tour operators, travel agents or airlines for a single entry holiday trip of up to 30 days, provided land arrangements are pre-booked and paid. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is required, as well as sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay (US$50 or equivalent per day). Passports of nationals with diplomatic representations in Cuba need to be valid only at the moment of entry, but passports of nationals without diplomatic representations in Cuba must be valid for two months beyond date of entry.
Americans: US citizens must
be licensed by the Department of Treasury in order to travel to Cuba, but travel to the country is strictly controlled and only select categories of travelers are licensable. Tourist travel is officially impossible due to the US Embargo and travel for business reasons is heavily restricted. US citizens who are licensed require a passport valid for at least three months and a visa for entry.
UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required, however visitors are advised to take precautions against typhoid if traveling to rural areas. Most of the more serious tropical diseases are rare in Cuba, but viral meningitis and dengue fever do occasionally break out, including in urban areas like Havana. Dengue fever is on the increase and the best prevention against it is mosquito repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Hepatitis A is common. Food is considered safe. Bottled water is available and advised for the first few weeks, although mains water is chlorinated. Cuban medical facilities are mediocre and many medicines are unavailable, so those requiring regular prescription drugs should bring them, along with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter to facilitate entry through customs. Health insurance is strongly advised.
Safety
Cuba is considered free from any threat of global terrorism, but has an increasing crime rate. Visitors are warned that theft from baggage during handling is common, and valuables should not be packed in suitcases. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers in major tourist sites and on buses or trains. Crime is on the increase and visitors should be particularly careful after dark in Havana; in October 2005 there were two incidents in Centro Habana at about 2am, where foreign nationals were stabbed and robbed, and visitors are advised to take taxis after dark rather than walk. Beware of thefts from rooms in casas particulares (private homes). Tropical storms and hurricanes usually occur between June and November; although good warning is given, electricity, water and communications can be disrupted for weeks. Fidel Castro, Cuban leader since 1959, temporarily handed the reigns over to his brother on 31 July 2006, following surgery and an enforced period of rest. It is the first time in 47 years of communist rule that he has relinquished power; although the political situation is calm at present, political gatherings should be avoided.
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