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Official name: Republic of Cuba
Capital city: Havana
Official language: Spanish, English
Population: Around 11 million
Currency: Cuban peso (CUP)
Time zone: GMT-5
Driving side: Right
Climate: Tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October; the hurricane season runs from June to November
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, known for its colonial-era cities, white-sand beaches, classic cars, and vibrant music scene. Its rich cultural heritage is matched by a complex modern identity, shaped by socialism, revolution, and a thawing relationship with global tourism. Havana offers a mix of faded grandeur and lively nightlife, while Varadero, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba provide coastal and cultural highlights.
Cuba lies at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It consists of the main island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, and over 4,000 smaller islands and cays. The terrain is largely flat with rolling plains, punctuated by mountain ranges such as the Sierra Maestra in the southeast. Natural hazards include hurricanes, which can be severe during late summer and autumn.
Direct international flights operate to Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba from Europe and North America. Road travel can be challenging, with poor signage and limited fuel availability outside urban centres. Car hire is possible but expensive, and buses such as Viazul provide affordable long-distance services. Domestic flights and trains also connect major cities. Tourism is a central part of Cuba’s economy, with beach resorts, heritage towns, and eco-tourism options attracting millions of visitors annually.
UK visitors require a tourist visa, known as a tourist card, which allows a stay of up to 30 days and can often be arranged through travel agencies or Cuban embassies. Passports must be valid for the duration of the trip. Extensions may be possible from immigration offices in Cuba. The British Embassy is located in Havana, along with diplomatic missions from most other major countries.
Cuba operates with the Cuban peso (CUP), although many tourist services price in euros or US dollars. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash, preferably in euros, as international bank cards are often unreliable due to sanctions. ATMs are limited and may not accept foreign cards. Currency exchange is available at banks, exchange houses (CADECA), and hotels. Credit card use is restricted to non-US affiliated providers.
Healthcare in Cuba is generally of good quality in Havana but can be basic elsewhere. All travellers must have medical insurance that covers Cuba, and proof may be requested on arrival. Pharmacies often face shortages of basic supplies, so it is best to bring essential medicines. Tap water is not considered safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Risks include mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika virus, especially in rural areas, and heat-related illness in the hotter months.
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