For a long time, due to its political landscape, Cuba was seen as the kind of destination that cautious travelers just didn’t flock to, especially those coming from the US. Because this is a relatively new travel hotspot for some vacationers, many aren’t entirely sure what they should or shouldn’t bring with them on their trip.
Fortunately for the undecided, we have compiled the most comprehensive list of what to bring to Cuba and what to wear in Cuba. This includes items you must bring to comply with the Cuban Government’s travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also highlighted recommended products based on our expertise and the travelers’ experiences.
Things to Bring to Cuba: What to Know
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
1. Entry Requirements
Your Cuba Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuba Visa)
Visitors from most countries will be required to obtain either a Cuba Tourist Card or a Cuba Visa. This little document is one of the single most important things to bring to Cuba.
You can get the Cuba Tourist Card bundled into your flight ticket from an online provider or at the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country.
While traveling around the country, please keep it on you at all times so that it’s not lost or stolen.
If you need to obtain the Cuban Tourist Card online, you can get it from Easy Tourist Card. They deliver the Cuba visa to almost anywhere.
Health insurance
This is another of the most important things to bring to Cuba. Cuban law requires that all visitors have valid travel insurance while visiting their country.
If you currently have insurance, make sure that it will provide coverage while you are on vacation. Additionally, ensure that you bring with you the proper proof. This is something officials will absolutely ask you about.
You also have the option to purchase travel insurance once in Cuba with Asistur, the local provider. However, be aware that this option is rather expensive.
Before traveling to Cuba, consider purchasing travel health insurance. Companies such as RoamRight offer these sorts of insurance plans if you travel to Cuba as an American citizen.
Sanitary Statement and Customs Declaration
Everyone traveling to Cuba must also fill out the Sanitary Statement for Travelers (Declaración de Sanidad del Viajero), a sort of health declaration form. You must also provide the Customs Declaration form.
To save some time and annoyances, complete the required documentation in advance on D’Viajeros, the government’s official site for this purpose.
As of April 4th, 2022, Cuban authorities no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR.
2. Luggage
A light travel suitcase or backpack
There are several different types of bags you can bring along for your trip. Your budget, the length of time you plan to spend in Cuba, and personal preferences will determine which is best for you. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want something light and durable to pack your things in.
If you are traveling on a budget or packing light, a travel backpack may be just what you need. This YORPEK backpack is designed for traveling by plane and holds up to forty-five liters.
If you aren’t a fan of the backpack, there are low-cost options for purchasing a suitcase. The twenty-four-inch AmazonBasics suitcase offers a protective shell and plenty of space for packing without an over-the-top price tag.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are zippable, often rectangular bags that help you organize your suitcase’s contents.
While any bag with a zipper could do, AmazonBasics offers a set of four packing cubes for a relatively low price. These will help to keep you put together while on your vacation. They also keep the entirety of your Cuba packing list easily accessible.
While it may not seem like a necessity, this is one of our top picks for what to bring to Cuba.
Laundry bags for clothes and shoes
While it’s entirely possible to go on vacation without them, laundry bags are handy. They help maintain organization and separate dirty clothes from clean.
At the same time, they can help from your clean clothes becoming dirty if everything is mingled together.
Carrying a set of laundry bags for clothes and another for shoes is an inexpensive way to alleviate this potential stress.
3. What to Wear in Cuba: Quick Guide on How to Dress in Cuba
Appropriate clothes and accessories
While the island’s landscape differs depending on where you’re staying, the climate is fairly similar throughout. It’s usually quite hot.
Pack mostly lightweight clothing suitable for sweating in the sun and bring along a light jacket or overshirt to wear during potential cold spells.
Although Cuba is a safe country to visit, don’t wear too many eye-catching accessories. When it comes to jewelry, if you don’t need to bring it and hate it if lost or stolen, consider leaving it at home.
You may be thinking about what to wear in Cuba for evening events or iconic venues like the cabaret Tropicana. Just bring smart casual clothes, if not overly formal. Remember, there is no need to dress up.
Sunhats
Sunhats offer protection from the sun, which can be quite brutal in Cuba. They’re also rather fashionable on the island for both men and women.
Sunglasses
Similar to sunhats, sunglasses will help protect from too much sunlight. In Cuba, you will really need them.
Although, the same line of thinking applies to sunglasses as jewelry. Consider leaving your more expensive pairs at home, so they aren’t lost or stolen during your trip. You wouldn’t want them sinking to the bottom of the ocean or anything.
Sneakers
While traveling in Cuba, you’re likely to do a lot of trekking down rather dusty roads. It’s in your best interest to bring along some close-toed walking shoes for those occasions.
Something simple such as a pair of New Balance tennis shoes for men or women would work just fine. They will also be suitable if you plan to visit the more mountainous parts of Cuba for outdoorsy adventure-seeking.
Walking sandals
A comfortable and stylish pair of walking sandals are essential for Cuba.
You’ll want to wear these while perusing shops and other touristy locations in Cuba’s more metropolitan cities.
KEEN men’s or Teva women’s are relatively inexpensive options that should remain comfortable after a day spent shopping.
Flip-flops
A simple, cheap pair of flip-flops are essential for both men and women when exploring the beautiful Cuban beaches.
Microfiber towels
A good microfiber towel is a must for any vacation where you plan to spend some time in the water or under extreme heat. Get a sweat towel that is lightweight, durable, and easy to pack.
Swimwear
Really? Do I need to remind you that Cuba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean?
Beaches are a no-no for you if you are coming from the US, but for the lucky rest: don’t forget to pack your swimsuits!
4. What to Pack to Stay Healthy
Face masks
Face masks are required everywhere in Cuba. It makes sense. They are proven to protect people from getting COVID-19. Once on the island, you will be required to use them at all times.
Get a pack of lightweight, disposable face masks suitable to use and carry everywhere in Cuba.
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is scarce in Cuba. Commonly, locals use hypochlorite instead.
Bring your own pack of hand sanitizer to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 from the surfaces, which may not be sufficiently clean in tourist facilities.
Over-the-counter medicines
Although Cuba is praised for having a free healthcare system, the truth is that shortages of basic over-the-counter medicines are not uncommon.
You never know what might happen, and you’ll want to be able to take care of little emergencies as they arise.
Therefore, consider bringing along your own travel first aid medication kit.
Toilet tissues
It’s complicated to find toilet paper in Cuba, except in high-end tourist facilities. You will likely find yourself needing some toilet tissues at some point during your Cuba adventure.
Therefore, bring a travel-size pack of toilet tissues. You will thank us later.
A filtered water bottle
Wait, what? Most people wouldn’t put a water bottle on their list of things to bring to Cuba.
We believe it’s a bad idea to travel without one. Water pollution in Cuba is still terrible. Additionally, the supply of purified water is meager.
If you don’t expect to have bottled water all the time, bringing your own filtered water bottle helps to eliminate some of the risks.
Sunscreen
As with all tropical, sun-soaked countries, bringing and wearing an appropriate amount of sunscreen is incredibly important.
You definitely don’t want to spend your vacation sunburnt and miserable.
Mosquito repellent
It’s important to keep in mind that mosquito-borne diseases are not uncommon in Cuba, such as Dengue and Zika.
For this reason, you must take whatever precautions necessary to repel the mosquitoes that carry this virus.
A simple bug spray is one of the most important items on the list of what to bring to Cuba. Make sure you use it every day and safely.
5. Electronic Devices
Your personal devices
Obviously, you’ll want to bring things such as your cell phone and, if necessary, your laptop, tablet, etc.
Before traveling with your cell phone, make sure you contact your service provider to discuss travel rates. Also, make sure you will have Internet service in Cuba at all.
Additionally, it may be a good idea to fill up your tablet or e-reader with plenty of new books and put some new music in your library.
Camera
You’ll want to bring your camera along to document all the adventures you’re going to have on your island vacation.
Make sure you have plenty of available storage, whether you’re bringing a professional camera or just using your smartphone.
Consider a waterproof camera so you can capture more of your beachside memories without the risk of water damage.
Portable charger
Bringing a portable charger means you are prepared for an emergency. Even if you cannot make it back to where you’re staying, you’ll be able to keep your devices charged.
Pin adapter, if necessary
Cuba uses the same plugins as the United States and Canada.
This means you will need to purchase a pin adapter to plug in your electronics if you are traveling from elsewhere in the world.
6. Touring Around
Cash, always cash
You won’t be able to spend US dollars in Cuba. You can’t use American debit or credit cards either, so they will be useless on your trip. Expect to pay most of your trip to Cuba costs in Cuban Pesos.
Before leaving the States, make sure to exchange your US dollars for Euros or Pounds. You can then take that cash and exchange it for CUPs (Cuban Pesos) once you reach Cuba.
The official place to exchange your money for CUP is called CADECA (Casas de Cambio). You can find them at airports, many resorts and hotels, cruise ports, and other tourism facilities across the country. Please, don’t exchange your money on the black market. You may be exposed to scams.
UPDATE: As of May 21, 2021, CADECA offices will no longer offer currency exchange services in Cuban airports. Due to the low influx of tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company lacks enough funds to sell foreign currencies. This may be a temporary measure; we will keep you updated.
Travel guide
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Cuba.
However, having a travel guide that can point you in the right direction can be helpful, especially if you are backpacking Cuba on your own.
Real Havana by Mario Rizzi promises to guide you away from the tourist traps and enjoy Cuba the way Cubans do. You can also read our ultimate guide to the best Havana attractions.
Spanish-English phrasebook
Unless you are fluent in Spanish yourself, a Spanish-English dictionary or phrasebook is a no-brainer.
Carrying one of these around with you will be incredibly helpful in communicating with the locals. This is important whether you have a simple question or you need help in an emergency.
7. Import Regulations
Finally, read carefully the Cuban import regulations and the answers to your most burning questions about what you can legally bring to Cuba.
8. What to Bring to Cuba: The Packing List to Cuba
To recap, here is the full checklist of things to pack to Cuba. Review it, cross off the items you already have, and pack it up!
- Cuban Tourist Card (Cuba Visa)
- Health insurance
- Traveler Sanitary Statement
- Cash
- Travel backpack or suitcase
- Packing cubes
- Laundry bags for clothes and shoes
- Sunhats (Our picks: Brooklyn Men’s Straw Sun Hat and C.C Women’s Sun Hat)
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers (Our picks: New Balance Men’s 990v4 and New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer)
- Walking sandals (Our picks: KEEN Men’s Newport and Teva Women’s Tirra Athletic Sandal)
- Microfiber towels
- Swimwear
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid medication kit
- Toilet tissues
- Water filter bottle
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant
- Personal devices (cellphone, camera, laptop)
- Portable charger
- Pin adapter
- Power adapter
- Travel guide
- Spanish-English phrasebook
It’s a Wrap!
Cuba is a wonderful destination. We couldn’t be more excited that it’s taking off as a traveling hotspot.
Hopefully, our guide on what to bring to Cuba and how to dress in Cuba helps you plan the holiday of your dreams. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and share this article if you enjoyed it!
I am a dual citizen PL/USA but after reading through your
website, I understand that I am bound by my American citizenship no matter what when travelling to Cuba.
I am a Spanish teacher and I would like to learn more a culture so the category “supporting people” would work for us for the couple days we are in Havana, then we are planning to go to Varadero and sail for a week. We will hire Cubans to help as sail/cook and would that qualify? I see that Varadero Marina is on the prohibited list of buisnesses by Dept. ot State of USA.
Thank you for clarify it for me, sending best wishes!
Hi Mirka,
Having a full-time itinerary (6-8 hours) supporting private businesses should qualify for the Support for the Cuban People category. However, please notice that we are not able to provide any legal advice. Hope you understand.
Hello, I am fully vaccinated. I understand I need a negative per test to come into Cuba. What about coming home to Canada? Is there a place to get the test in Cuba and what is the cost? Thank You
hello, i have the 2 COVID vaccines and the booster and 10 days ago i got covid, hence i have a recovery certificate. Do i still need to have a negative PCR? the reason is that sometimes the PCR can be positive even after 1 month,,,and we are travelling in 1 week..Thank you!
Hi Ioanna,
According to the latest Covid-19 regulations in Cuba, you still need to present a negative PCR test.
The Cuban travel website mentions that we do not need a negative PCR test to get there. Is this true? I’ve also called Sunwing multiple times and they’ve said every single time that I don’t need one but why does this article say that we need one?
Hi V,
As of January 5, 2022, all travelers present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours from the arrival date, regardless of vaccination status. Please, check out our updated guide to the current Cuba travel restrictions.
If you have a Visa bank Card that can be used as a ATM card through my bank Wells Fargo. Is that going to be a problem? For a 5 day stay would 2000 be sufficient in us currency? Thank you
Hi Miguel,
Unfortunately, in Cuba, you won’t be able to use credit cards that were issued by American banks. To learn more about using money in Cuba, check out our guide to the Cuban currency and budget tips for Cuba.
great
Is there a beer shortage right now in Cuba (Guardalavaca area) ?
Hi Jimmy,
We are not aware of any shortage in Guardalavaca these days.
Havana shopping. Besides your typical souvenir shops, there are flea markets and antique shops. However, I have heard there are restrictions on what you can take out of Cuba. Any idea where I can find something comprehensive? I would hate to buy some old books or antique/vintage ceramics or crystal and find I have to leave it at the airport.
Thanks in advance
Hi Brett,
You shouldn’t have any issue taking out books and souvenirs as long as they are not valuable objets d’art. Here are two clarifying articles about it from the Cuban Customs:
Allowed and not allowed articles.
Article subjected to export requirements.
Be sure to take cash , Canadian or U.S. . We just returned from Caso Santa Maria and most time the internet was down.
at the Bank to get Cuban currency
Hello! Thank you for these comprehensive guides. I’m confused about the microfiber towels you suggest. Are there not towels provided at hotels and resorts? Or are these for another purpose I’m just not thinking of? Thanks!
Hi EB,
Hotels and resorts do provide you with towels. We recommend microfiber towels against the sweat from the extreme heat in Cuba. Perhaps we should have clarified that better. Thanks so much for your question!
Is wifi available in Veraderos? Is it expensive? Travelling there from TO next week. I am with Rogers, can I use my phone there? Thanks!!!!
Hi Mary,
WiFi should be available in Varadero. Prices may vary depending on the service you will be using (NAUTA card, the hotel’s WiFi network, etc.). Please, check out our ultimate guide to getting Internet in Cuba for more details.
Hope it helps!
How many suitcases can you bring to Cuba?
First visit to Varedaro,Is wi-fi available in hotels
My family and I will be bringing items for donations, like soap, reading glasses, socks, candy, tooth paste and tooth brushes, will that be an issue? Will anyone be offended ?
Hi Dee,
Gifts and donations in Cuba are not expected but appreciated. No one should be offended. Instead, it will be helpful for the locals.
How much to purchase a straw hat while in cuba?
Hi Letoynia,
The price could be anywhere from 5 CUC from street vendors to 15 CUC at retailers.
We are leaving for Cuba, for a two week stay, how much luggage are we allowed to bring?
It is my husband and myself …also the weight of the luggage?
I want to bring two suitcases, but my husband disagrees … please bring some light to our disagrement.
Leaving from Montreal!
THANK-YOU,
Lucie
Hi Lucie,
Each person can bring 25kg (55 lb) of personal belongings exempt from payment of customs duties. An additional 5kg (11 lb) as gifts may be exempt from customs duties too. Also, you can bring up to 10kg (22 lb) of medicines in a separate bag inside your luggage without paying customs duties for it. You will have to pay customs duties if your luggage weight exceeds those amounts. Here is more info on what you can import to Cuba within your luggage.
Whatever you do, just make sure that your luggage doesn’t exceed the maximum amount of 125 kg (275 lb) per person allowed to bring to Cuba. Otherwise, the Cuban customs will seize some of your items 🙂
Hope it helps!
I need help with the luggage. With Southwest we can take (2) suitcases, of 50 lbs each. Are you saying that once in Cuba they may confiscate anything over the weight limit?
Hi Vivian,
Anything over 125 kg (275 lb) per person. You should be fine 🙂
Good god I travell alone and could use another suitcase so I cant imagine not taking one a piece.
I’m a bit confused about the weight limits as well. 275 is great but it seems that anything over 110 may be subject to a $10 US per kilo charge. So if I have 120 lbs of clothes, electronics and gifts would I be charged $50 + ?
Hi Dave,
Every kilo over 30 kg (66 lbs) costs 10 CUC. Keep in mind that these limits are per person. Therefore, if two people travel with 120 lbs (60 lbs each), there won’t be any additional cost. If, on the other hand, one person travels with 120 lbs, then there will be an additional 10 CUC/kg over 30 kg, which would be approximately $240 CUC [(54 kg – 30 kg)*10].
I want to bring a western saddle and head stall as a gift, is this allowed? The saddle is worth about $200.00 thx
Hi Linda,
We haven’t found any documentation regarding the import of those specific items, but I don’t think you will have any issue. Check out the official regulations on the allowed and not allowed articles and the items that need authorization. Hope it helps!
my health insurance is included in my plane ticket. so why do i need another insurance?
Of course, if your health insurance is included in your plane ticket, you won’t probably need another insurance.
Should you take all the cash you want to spend whilst in Cuba or can you get some money from ATM’s I’m travelling from the UK?
Hi Amy,
If you have a credit card that was NOT issued by a US bank, you can use it in Cuba. ATMs are mostly available in popular tourist cities like Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba. You should also be able to use the credit card at resorts, airports, or cruise terminals. However, keep in mind that Cuba is mostly a cash country. Read our guide to Cuban currency for more info on this matter: https://www.tourepublic.com/blog/cuban-currency/
Why is it a no no to swim if you are from the u.s.?
Hi William,
Unfortunately, if you are a US citizen, you are not supposed to go to Cuba as a “tourist”… which means that, as a US citizen, you shouldn’t (legally) go there to swim at the beach 🙁
Did you apply for a visitor visa? I assume you’re traveling from the states.
Hi Ali,
If you are traveling from the states, you will need to apply for a visa (technically called “tourist card” in the case of Cuba). However, in some cases, you can also buy it from the airline. Hope it helps!
Just to let you know along with adapter plug you may need a voltage converter depending on where you stay their voltage is 220V and American and Canadian voltage is 110V
That’s a great tip, Debra! Definitely adding it to the article. Thank you!
Thought the TIPS section said their power is 110 same as US and Canada … (?) …
Hi Wayne,
Yes, the power supply in Cuba is 110 volts. However, many modern hotels in Cuba have dual voltage with 220 volts sockets. Also, if you are staying in a casa particular, be aware that the air conditioning socket is for 220 volts 🙂
The swimwear section says beaches are a no-no if you are coming from the US….? Did i miss something there? Americans cannot go to the beach.?
yes! im confused by this too. what is the point of even going there then!