Opening up for tourism – The lowdown.
Havana has had its first week in Phase 1, so now it is becoming clearer how the authorities are creating a road map to open up the entire country to international tourism. Because of its low infections and fatality rates, Cuba is one of the worlds safest destinations for Covid free Travel. Therefore, com with us and have a safe holiday.
COVID-19 Statistics in Cuba:
| Total Confirmed | Total Deaths | Total Recovered |
| 2369 | 86 | 2227 |
Travel requirements to visit the Island
From July 3, Cuba reopened to international tourism, but you will have to wait a little longer to visit Havana. The government recently announced a three-phase plan to reopen fully.
Some requisites upon arrival are:
- Anyone arriving in Cuba will undergo a swab test and temperature screening.
- Only travelers resulting positive for COVID-19 will go to a hospital.
Phases for traveling to Cuba
In this initial phase, tourists can only come to visit Cuba’s keys, or Cayos, such as: Cayo Santo Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Largo del Sur. There you can find some of the finest Cuban beaches. Accordingly Cubans can not visit the keys. The separation is an effort to contain any possible new cases of coronavirus brought from abroad. Indeed Lonely Planet has the story in more detail.
Visitors wishing to visit Havana and the other colonial towns will have to wait until phase three, which it looks like will be late October or early November.
These protocols make Cuba a safe vacation destination
Some 150 measures make up the health and hygiene protocols taking place to prevent Covid-19 transmission in Cuban hotels. Accommodations will be operating at 60% max to ensure social distancing. Also each hotel will have a medical team that will follow up on each traveller’s health and biosecurity. All staff will also undergo testing, isolating themselves after working seven-day shifts. Consequently unnecessary bedding, carpets, dressing gowns, and leaflets will be removed. Blankets and robes will be handed out upon request.
Restaurant entrances will have disinfectant available, and the daily menu will be in clear sight. Therefore, tables will be 1.5 m away from each other, and the buffet service will have limited capacity. Room service will be available in every hotel. During the first phase, service at bars will be banned, but there will be table service. Additionally, antibacterial gel or disinfectant will be available in front of elevator entrances, and elevators will have a 50% capacity. Guests will be given an individual safety kit with masks, gloves, etc. All of the above illustrates how we work to deliver a safe vacation in Cuba.
Our best advice
We suggest to plan for a visit from mid-November. You will miss the hurricane season, and after a few months of easing slowly from lockdown, Cuba will be better prepared to receive you. At this stage, the top 5-star city and Beach hotels aim to be operational, as well as the boutique private properties and casa particular. Operating a 21-day full refund cancellation policy so you will not be obligated. If phase 3 to Havana opens earlier then we will be sure to let you know. For more information, read our article about Top tips on how to take a safe vacation in Cuba in the times of Covid.
Both Reuters and Travel and Leisure have written excellent articles on Cuba’s reopening.
Cuba Private Travel is ready for booking 2020 festive and 2021
Would you wish to discuss a Cuba Safe Vacation for your clients or yourself email us now at enquiries@cubaprivatetravel.com
