Kuba

Översikt

Cuba does not experience the same threats associated with other Central American and Caribbean country, largely due to strong state influence. Food and other products’ supply is limited amid the ongoing US trade embargo and severe weather incidents, which have devastated agriculture and infrastructure. The main threats to foreign nationals remain focused upon petty and street crime, particularly in the major urban areas. Cuba’s diplomatic rapprochement with the US in 2015 has also eased the island’s relations with other countries, easing the country’s decades-long international isolation.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to seek vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid, and MMR. Rabies may also be necessary if the nature of the visit involves rural travel and / or interaction with wildlife.

Cuba is in general considered a safe destination, although the quality of the tap water remains in question. Many Cubans do boil their own water, but some, including foreign visitors, do drink tap water without any negative consequence. However, as a safety precaution, visitors are advised to use bottled water only.

The Caribbean region including Cuba does experience dengue fever and outbreaks have been recorded in the country. As a result, insect protection measures are considered important.

Cuba has a long medical history with a reputation for inexpensive procedures at a high standard. The country also has a high number of qualified medical staff with statistics indicting one doctor for every 170 people.

However, medical support and logistics is lacking and finding even simple medicines can be challenging. Medical support in Havana is better than the remainder of the country, although fully comprehensive medical insurance in required. Most medical treatment will be charged for in cash, and extensive procedures could require medical evacuation.

Visitors can access the government’s Servimed system, which is a paid for service that supplies higher medical care than which is provided for the Cuban population. Some 40 clinics are operational across the country.

Servimed also operates a chain of pharmacies, however, these can be lacking in medical supplies. It is advised to carry all supplies needed into Cuba ensuring that all packages are clearly labelled and sealed appropriately.

Pass

Visitors to Cuba must travel on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of first entry into the country.

Visum

Most visitors entering Cuba as a tourist are required to apply for a Tourist Visa-card, normally valid only for one entry within 180 days after the date of issue. It is valid for a 30 day stay in Cuba, extendable in Cuba for a further 30 days maximum.

Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Namibia, Russia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine staying up to 30 days do not require a tourist visa. However, visa requirements for travel to Cuba are regularly changing and it is therefore advisable to check the local diplomatic service for the most recent information.

Nationals from Barbados staying up to 28 days do not require a tourist visa.

Non-Cubans can only obtain a business/work visa or a work permit through a Cuban business or a foreign business registered in Cuba. Business visas are generally for up to three months. Work permits are renewable annually.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/