In preparation for the winter season and taking into consideration that by November, 92.5% of the population will be vaccinated, Cuba is easing the travel restrictions starting on November 15th, 2021.

The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba announced the opening of all the tourist destinations in Cuba and more relax entry protocols as of November 15th, 2021.

The new rules will focus on the surveillance of symptomatic patients, temperature screening and diagnostic test performed at random. This means: NO covid test prior entering Cuba and NO PCR upon arrival at the Cuban airport (which in the past was completed to 100 % of the passengers).

The new protocols establish Canadian incoming travelers must show that they are fully vaccinated or, if they are not vaccinated, they must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Cuba.

The PCR test Canadians need to re-enter back in Canada is done right at the hotels and it costs 30:00 USD (payable locally by visa or debit/visa).

Also, the Cuban tourism authorities announced the opening of the local tourism market and the cancelling of the quarantine for passengers staying in private rental homes (B&B), additionally, the locals can stay at tourist facilities shared by international visitors.

Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto noted that Cuba has done an incredible job vaccinating its people including children as young as two years old. “We are the first country in the world to administer Covid 19 vaccines to toddlers”, he said ; “the vaccination program in Cuba, the strengthening of the health and safety protocols in all tourists’ facilities and the high vaccination rate in Canada have made possible these openings”.

According to Mr. Gomez “the fact that Cuba is relaxing the rules and that the tourists will be allowed to travel around and enjoy our beautiful country is very exciting and very good news at the time when Canadians are looking forward to returning to normal and are planning their winter travels”.