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Destination Guides - North America / Cuba
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| Crime is on the increase and attacks on tourists have occurred in the centre of Havana at night. Theft from luggage is common and be aware that bogus tour operators and taxis operate from the airport. You should remove all valuables from your suitcases, ensure they are locked and have them shrink-wrapped before you check-in. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| It is recommended that you vaccinate against Hep A and Typhoid. Dengue Fever outbreaks occur occasionally. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
22 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
7 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
12 |
17 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
18 |
8 |
6 |
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| The climate is sub-tropical all year. Expect hurricanes between August and November. The rainy season falls from May to October. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for Havana, Cuba
| Friday |
Max Temp: 30°C (86°F), Min Temp: 25°C (77°F), Wind Direction: NNE, Wind Speed: 6mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1012mb, Humidity: 75%, Sunrise: 07:14CDT, Sunset: 19:37CDT |
| Saturday |
Max Temp: 31°C (88°F), Min Temp: 25°C (77°F), Wind Direction: ENE, Wind Speed: 6mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1012mb, Humidity: 64%, Sunrise: 07:15CDT, Sunset: 19:36CDT |
| Sunday |
Max Temp: 31°C (88°F), Min Temp: 25°C (77°F), Wind Direction: NE, Wind Speed: 6mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1013mb, Humidity: 69%, Sunrise: 07:15CDT, Sunset: 19:35CDT |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| Avoid taking photographs of military or government establishments. The death penalty is still used for some drug related offences. They have strict import laws and some food might be confiscated on arrival. Be aware that prices are set throughout the island for tourists and there is no room for haggling. A dual currency is used on the Island: the tourist Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP), the tourist Peso cannot be purchased outide of the country. You are more likely to use the tourist Peso than the Cuban Peso as these are not generally available for exchange at the hotels. If you are staying in an all inclusive resort, you will probaby not even see them. |
| Getting Around |
| This is not the safest country to travel around due to concerns with the safety of public transport including: mopeds, 3 wheeled taxis, internal flights and trains. The road network is good but driving standards are poor. Renting a car is the best way to get about. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| Liberation Day 1 January, Victory of Armed Forces Day on 2 January, Labour Day on 1 May, Independence Day on 20 May, Celebration of the National Rebellion from 25-27 July and the Day of Cuban Culture/ Anniversary of the beginning of the War of Independence on 10 October. Christian holidays for 2010 include: Lent which commences on 17 February, Easter from 2-5 April, Ascension Day on 16 May, Whitsun (Pentecost) on 23 May, Corpus Christi on 6 June, Assumption on 15 August and Christmas Day on 25 December. |
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| Religion |
| Mainly Catholic but 49% non religious |
| Visa Requirements |
| A Visa is required. This ia available through a travel agent or the Cuban Embassy in London. |
| British Embassy Details |
| Calle 34 No.70214, Entre 7 ma Avienda y 17, Miramar, 11300 Havana. (53)(7)204 1771 |
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