- 6 h

Havana (La Habana)

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

110/220 volts, 60 Hz / adapter required

Banks

8.30 am - 3.00/4.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
Opening hours may vary. Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings.

Shops

9.00 am - 6.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
9.00 am - 1.00/2.00 pm (Sat)
Opening hours may vary. Supermarkets, shopping centres and larger retail stores may also open on Sundays from 9.00 am - 1.00/2.00 pm.

• 1 January: Liberation Day (Día de la Liberación)

• 2 January: Victory Day

• Good Friday: variable date

• 1 May: International Workers' Day (Día Internacional de los Trabajadores)

• 25 July: National Rebellion Day (Día de la Rebeldía Nacional)

• 26 July: National Rebellion Day (Día de la Rebeldía Nacional)

• 27 July: National Rebellion Day (Día de la Rebeldía Nacional)

• 10 October: Beginning of the Wars of Independence (Inicio de las Guerras por la Independencia)

• 25 December: Christmas Day (Navidad)

• 31 December: New Year's Eve (Fiesta Fin de Año)

• Travel documents must be valid on arrival.

• Travellers must obtain a Cuban tourist eVisa before departure at https://evisacuba.cu. It generally permits one entry and a stay of up to 90 days, which may be extended once for a further 90 days. Minors require their own eVisa.

• Former Cuban nationals who left Cuba before 1971 must hold a passport endorsed “Habilitado” for HE-11.

• Passengers and flight crew must complete the “D'Viajeros” form within seven days before the departure of their last direct flight to Cuba at https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/. The ten-character eVisa code must be entered in the form. A QR code is then generated and must be presented on arrival.

• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.

• Travellers must be able to cover their stay with USD 50 per person per day unless they have previously concluded a contract for tourist activities with MINTUR in Cuba.

Information last updated in August 2026

Cuba has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and two main seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. Conditions vary slightly by region.

Western Cuba (Havana, Pinar del Río):

• Dry season (November to April): Mild and relatively dry, ideal for tourism. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C.

• Rainy season (May to October): Hot and humid, with frequent rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C.

• Spring/autumn (April/May and October/November): Transitional periods with moderate rainfall. Average temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C.

Central Cuba (Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara):

• Dry season (November to April): Mild and dry, with slightly higher temperatures than in the west. Average temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C.

• Rainy season (May to October): Hot and very humid, with intense rainfall. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C.

• Spring/autumn (April/May and October/November): Transitional periods with moderate temperatures and variable rainfall. Average temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C.

Eastern Cuba (Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo):

• Dry season (November to April): Warmer than the rest of the country, particularly on the coast. Temperatures range from 21°C to 29°C.

• Rainy season (May to October): Hotter and more humid than the rest of the country, with heavier rainfall. Temperatures range from 26°C to 34°C.

• Spring/autumn (April/May and October/November): Transition to very hot conditions, with moderate to heavy rainfall. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C.

Your ideal time to visit Cuba:

• Beach holidays: Dry season (November - April)

• City breaks: Dry season (November - April)

• Mobile phone use: Roaming charges apply in Cuba. Check the fees with your provider before travelling and consider purchasing a suitable roaming package. Telephone and internet connections may be interrupted during the current energy crisis.

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in hotels, larger restaurants, public squares and parks in tourist areas, but is less widespread in rural areas and smaller towns. Access is provided by the state telecommunications company ETECSA through a Nauta account or access card. As an official reference price, a temporary one-hour Nauta account costs CUP 25; prices at hotels or intermediaries may differ.

• Prepaid SIM cards: ETECSA offers the CubacelTur tourist SIM. The standard package is valid for 30 days and includes mobile data, domestic minutes and text messages. It can be ordered through authorised international providers and collected on arrival or at an ETECSA office. Identification is required.

• Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), Havana: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive colonial architecture, cobbled streets and lively squares such as Plaza Vieja.

• Malecón, Havana: The famous seafront promenade extends for more than eight kilometres and is especially popular at sunset.

• Capitolio Nacional, Havana: An imposing building reminiscent of the US Capitol. It once housed the Cuban government and is now open to visitors.

• Plaza de la Revolución, Havana: A symbolic square with the José Martí Memorial and the large portraits of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Havana: An important art museum with an extensive collection of Cuban and international works.

• Castillo del Morro, Havana: A historic fortress at the entrance to Havana Bay offering impressive views of the city and sea.

• Valle de Viñales, Viñales: A picturesque valley in Pinar del Río Province, known for tobacco plantations, karst hills known as mogotes and dramatic scenery.

• Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Largo: An island with white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water and excellent snorkelling and diving.

• Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus: A well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, colourful houses and Plaza Mayor.

• Topes de Collantes, Sancti Spíritus: A nature park in the Escambray Mountains with hiking trails, waterfalls and abundant flora and fauna.

• Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos: A city with French flair and a beautiful bay. Highlights include Parque José Martí, Teatro Tomás Terry and Palacio de Valle.

• Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, Santiago de Cuba: A massive fortress overlooking Santiago de Cuba Bay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Basílica del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba: An important pilgrimage church dedicated to Cuba's patron saint, Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre.

• Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Holguín: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and exceptionally biodiverse national park with dense rainforest, rivers and varied wildlife.

• Baracoa, Guantánamo: Cuba's oldest Spanish settlement, known for its isolated location, tropical rainforest and blend of Caribbean and African culture.

Cuban cuisine reflects African, Spanish and Caribbean influences and ranges from substantial meat dishes to sweet desserts. Key specialities include:

• Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef slowly braised in a seasoned tomato sauce with onions and peppers, often served with rice, black beans and fried plantains.

• Moros y Cristianos: Black beans and white rice cooked together with spices and sometimes bacon.

• Lechón Asado: Suckling pig slowly roasted over an open fire or in a Caja China, often served at celebrations.

• Picadillo: A savoury minced-meat stew with tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, olives and raisins.

• Tostones: Green plantain slices that are fried, flattened and fried again until crisp.

• Yuca con Mojo: Boiled cassava served with a punchy garlic, olive oil and citrus sauce.

• Vaca Frita: Thinly sliced beef marinated in lime juice and spices, then fried until crisp and served with onions and peppers.

• Cuban sandwich: Roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles and mustard grilled in Cuban bread.

• Mojito and Daiquiri: Famous Cuban cocktails based on rum, sugar and lime, with mint added to a Mojito.

• Flan: A creamy custard dessert made with eggs, milk and vanilla, topped with caramel sauce.

• Greetings: A handshake and a friendly “Hola” are customary. Friends and close acquaintances often greet one another with a kiss on one cheek.

• Please and thank you: “Por favor” and “Gracias” are appreciated and show respect.

• Clothing: Light, breathable clothing is suitable. Wear more modest clothing in churches and for formal occasions; swimwear belongs at beaches and resorts.

• Dining culture: Wait until everyone has been served before eating. “¡Buen provecho!” is the customary wish for an enjoyable meal.

• Smoking: Smoking, particularly cigars, is widespread. Ask before smoking indoors or during meals and use designated smoking areas.

• Tipping: Around 10% is customary in restaurants. Small tips are also appreciated by porters, housekeeping staff and guides.

• Other: Allow some flexibility regarding punctuality. Treat Cuban culture and history respectfully, avoid provocative political discussions, and ask permission before photographing people.

• Drinking water quality: Tap water may contain impurities even when treated. Prefer sealed bottled water, especially in rural or remote areas, and avoid ice unless it was made with safe water.

• Vaccinations: No specific vaccination is generally required for entry into Cuba. Travellers should keep routine vaccinations up to date and seek individual travel-health advice, particularly regarding diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, poliomyelitis and measles.

• Mosquito-borne diseases: Cuba is experiencing significant transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Oropouche fever; Zika is also present. Protect yourself consistently against mosquito bites, including during the day.

• Mosquito protection: Wear long clothing, use effective insect repellent and choose accommodation with screens, air conditioning or mosquito nets.

• Medical care not guaranteed: Cuba's medical system is affected by serious shortages of medicines, medical supplies, antibiotics and anaesthetics, as well as inadequate infrastructure and limited ambulance availability. Returning to Switzerland is recommended even for relatively minor injuries or illnesses.

• Mandatory insurance: On entry, you must be able to prove that your health or travel insurance covers medical costs in Cuba, for example with an insurance policy or insurance card. Check in advance whether the insurer is recognised in Cuba. Anyone unable to provide proof must take out insurance with the Cuban assistance company Asistur. This applies to everyone residing outside Cuba. Further information is available from the Embassy of Cuba in Bern (Spanish) and Asistur: asisten@asistur.cu, tel. +53 7 866 44 99.

• Medication: Bring an adequate supply of essential medicines. Special rules may apply to controlled medicines such as methadone or substances used to treat mental-health conditions; contact the competent Cuban representation before departure.

• Inform yourself through the media before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• More information on the current security situation is available from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• The FDFA advises against tourist and non-essential travel to Cuba. If travel is urgent, follow official instructions, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and obtain flight information directly from the airline.

• The energy and economic crisis is causing severe shortages of fuel and electricity. Power cuts lasting hours or days regularly occur and also affect hotels. Food, everyday goods, medicines and medical supplies are scarce. Emergency medical care is not guaranteed, and telephone and internet connections may be unavailable for extended periods.

• The possibility of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

• Crime has increased, including pickpocketing, snatch theft, armed robbery, assaults on buses, theft from vehicles and taxis, and burglaries at private accommodation. Drug-related crime is also increasing.

  • Valuables: Do not display valuables and carry only small amounts of cash.

  • Documents: Keep important documents in the hotel safe and carry a copy of your passport.

  • Private accommodation: Use officially registered casas particulares, identified by a blue triangle at the entrance.

  • Taxis: Use only marked official taxis or other demonstrably safe transport services.

  • Hitchhikers: Do not pick up hitchhikers because of the risk of robbery and theft.

Information last updated in August 2026

• Driving licence: The Swiss driving licence is recognised for six months. An international driving permit is strongly recommended; it is valid only together with the national licence and is available from TCS contact points or the road traffic office in your canton of residence.

• Car hire: The minimum age is generally 21, depending on the rental company. Cars with a driver can also be hired and may be advisable.

• Traffic rules: Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained and pose a considerable accident risk. Avoid intercity travel at night. Fuel supplies are severely restricted and shortages are frequent.

• Vehicle equipment: Warning triangle and CH sticker mandatory.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰.

• Long-distance trains: Ferrocarriles de Cuba connects Havana with cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara and Camagüey. Services are currently severely reduced because of the fuel crisis and may operate only at long intervals. Delays and basic facilities are common.

• Regional trains: Connections are limited, infrequent and unreliable; current operations should be checked locally.

• Buses: Viazul serves major cities and tourist destinations, but services may also be reduced or changed at short notice. Local buses are often overcrowded. Reserve in advance and reconfirm shortly before travel.

• Underground/tram: Cuba has no underground or tram system. Urban transport consists mainly of buses and shared taxis known as almendrones.

• Tickets: Train and bus tickets are sold at stations; Viazul tickets can also be booked online. Due to major service reductions, always confirm current timetables. Local buses and shared taxis are generally paid in cash in CUP.

• Other: Official taxis, shared taxis, bicitaxis and mototaxis are available, although fuel shortages can restrict supply. Agree the fare in advance. For security reasons, travellers should not hitchhike and should not pick up hitchhikers.

• José Martí International Airport (HAV), Havana: There is currently no direct scheduled flight from Zurich; connections require at least one stop.

• Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Varadero: There is currently no direct scheduled flight from Zurich; services vary seasonally.

• Frank País Airport (HOG), Holguín: There is currently no direct scheduled flight from Zurich; services vary seasonally.

International connections are offered, depending on the season and current operating situation, by airlines including Cubana de Aviación, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, Aeroméxico and American Airlines. Timetables may change at short notice during the fuel and energy crisis; obtain binding information directly from the airline.

Good to know: Maintenance of aircraft used on domestic flights often does not meet European or international standards.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 106

• Fire brigade: 105

• Ambulance: 104

Embajada de Suiza
5ta Avenida no. 2005
entre 20 y 22, Miramar, Playa
La Habana 11300

Tel. +53 7 204 26 11
Email: havana@eda.admin.ch

Special legal provisions

The following acts, among others, are punishable:

• Photographing uniformed personnel, military facilities and public buildings such as airports and bridges.

• Rude behaviour towards police officers or disparaging comments about the country or its president; this may result in criminal proceedings.

• Participation in political activities by foreign nationals.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol; the limit is 0.0‰.

• Foreign drivers involved in an accident may be prevented from leaving the country for the duration of investigations and proceedings, which can last months. Hiring a car with a driver may therefore be advisable.

• Drug offences are punishable by lengthy prison sentences even for small quantities and any type of drug. Sexual offences also carry very severe penalties.

• Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, the death penalty may be imposed, for example for murder.

• Prison conditions are not comparable with those in Switzerland; the economic crisis has led to inadequate medical care and food in prisons.

Natural hazards

• Hurricanes: Hurricanes may occur from June to November and can cause flooding, infrastructure damage and transport disruption. Follow forecasts, warnings and official instructions. Further information: Instituto de Meteorología de la República de Cuba and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

• Earthquakes: Earthquakes can occur, particularly in the east. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions elsewhere in the Caribbean may also trigger tsunamis.

• In an emergency: Follow official instructions and contact your family as soon as possible. If international communications are interrupted, contact the Swiss Embassy in Havana.