Holidays in Cuba
Caribbean Islands

Discover the palm fringed sandy shores of Cuba on your next getaway to the sun. This Caribbean paradise is an experience you will never forget, with its rolling hills, forests, and plantations; Cuba also has the perfect conditions for water sports.

Enjoy the nightlife in Havana, Cuban style, where every bar echoes to sounds of Salsa and Jazz musicians. Havana is a fascinating experience, displaying a strange mix of historic buildings and streets, frequented by classic 1950s American cars cruising past the sidewalk.

Every year hundreds of couples chose Cuba to celebrate their dream wedding, in Hotels like Sol Meliá Cayo Guillermo thanks to a wedding program, which makes that very special day an unforgettable one.

The Paradisus Río de Oro Hotel is also an exception venue for weddings, the splendour, comfort, and the elegance of this luxury eco-resort, has made this hotel extremely popular for marriage ceremonies.

Surrounded by colourful vegetation, picturesque beaches, and an astonishing natural environment, its small wonder that the Sol Meliá Hotel group have become so popular young couples looking for that day to remember forever.

Your next Holiday in Cuba starts here. Whether you are seeking rest and relaxation, or a more active and energetic Holiday, you can now book online with confidence.

Travel Information -

Language: The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the main tourist spots.

Visa and legal issues: A tourist visa card (visada tarjeta del turista) is necessary for travellers from most nations. This visa, which is really little more than a piece of paper on which you list your vital statistics, costs between 15-25 CUC (or 15-25 Euro), depending on where purchased. It can be purchased at the Airport in Cuba on arrival. It is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at any immigration office in Cuba.

Canadians are the exception, getting 90 days on arrival and can apply for a 90 day extension. Your passport needs to be valid at least six months past the end of your planned return.

If you want to stay with friends or family in Cuba you have to go with your futural host within two days after arrival to a migration office and pay 40 CUC for a 30 days family visa.

It is important to note that there is also a departure tax of CUC 25, to be paid in cash when departing Cuba by airplane, this is not required for boat departures. This tax is not well publicised but it is essential to remember it. You will run into significant difficulties if you do not have enough cash to pay this tax when leaving the country. An ATM is available at the airport but these facilities are not as reliable in Cuba as in other places.

Although the government of Cuba permits U.S. citizens to visit, the U.S. itself restricts its citizens from travelling there, except with a license issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. However a US citizen cannot travel to Cuba for purposes of tourism.

Health: No vaccinations are officially required, however visitors are advised to take precautions against typhoid if travelling 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.

Tipping: Tipping in convertible pesos is very welcomed. A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants and by taxi drivers. Small amounts are appreciated by all service staff.

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. 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, has handed the reigns over to his brother, Raul, following surgery and a long period of rest. Although the political situation is calm at present, political gatherings should be avoided.

Communications: The international access code for Cuba is +53. The outgoing code is 119 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 11944 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Havana is (0)7. Cellular phone companies have roaming agreements with many international cell phone companies, but not the United States. A GSM network covers most main towns, and cell phones are available for rent. Public telephones are widely available for domestic as well as international calls, but international calls are expensive. Pre-paid phone cards are available. Internet cafes are located in the main towns and cities.

Duty Free: Travellers to Cuba over 18 years do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; gifts to the value of US$50; and up to 10kg of medicine. Seeds, fresh animal or vegetable products, narcotics and psychotropic substances; explosives, firearms and ammunition; pornographic material; publications directed against public order and morality and household electrical appliances are all prohibited. Strict regulations govern the import or export of philatelic collections; precious stones and metals; artistic, historical or cultural artefacts; and books printed prior to 1940.