Regulations

Regulations

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Proof of Insurance will be required at check in
Check in Time is 1:00 PM - Check out Time is 10:00 AM
No Cuban born crew or passengers without prior arrangement

Immigration regulations

The crew must establish communication with the port authorities before getting into jurisdictional waters (12 nautical miles, starting on the insular platform). This communications with the port authorities can be established by channel HF (SSB) 2760, of the Red Costera Nacional (National Coastal Network) and 2790 of the Red Turistica (Tourist Network), or by VHF through Channel 68 of the Red Costera Nacional or by channel 16 of the Red Turistica.

Custom regulations

Tourists are not required to fill in the customs declaration form. The possession of narcotics, pornographic materials, and firearms is forbidden, except for sports hunting weapons authorized in Cuba on arrival.

The possession of cash is unlimited, but it is recommended to declare if amount goes over 5 000 dollars since in order to re-export a similar or higher figure it will be required to present the corresponding customs declaration.

For further information you can visit the Customs of the Republic of Cuba website:

www.aduana.gob.cu

What you should know before coming to Cuba

All payments at facilities operating in foreign currencies in Cuba must be made with convertible pesos. Convertible pesos will remain at par with the US dollar at an exchange rate of one for one. You may exchange US dollars, Euros, Canadian dollars, Pounds Sterling or Swiss francs for convertible pesos (CUC). The exchange rates for those currencies are set in accord with the exchange rates on the international market plus 8 percent as a result of the reevaluation of convertible peso (CUC) since April 9th, 2005. Furthermore, when exchanging US dollars for convertible pesos a service charge of 10 percent will be levied, to protect Cuba's economic interests. You may exchange convertible pesos (CUC) for US dollars or for other convertible currencies in any of the money-exchange offices in Cuba (at the current international exchange rate).
Credit cards are accepted only when issued by non-US banks. Visa and American Express Traveler's checks are exchangeable at most Cuban banks.

See Useful information

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Useful Information

Visas

Visas for guests and crew will be issued (by the marina dock master) at the first Cuban international marina you visit (port of entry). You will receive an official paper document, and you must keep it throughout your stay in Cuba as it is part of the clearance procedure. This official paper document is your visa. All crew and guest must carry their passports when going ashore. Immigrations and Customs will check every time guests/crew go ashore, especially for boats staying at cruise ship terminals.

Crew and guests flying into Cuba will be required to pay for a visa either on arrival for flights not from the US or when checking in for flights departing from the US. In the US, visas can be paid by CC or Cash. In Cuba, only cash is accepted for this payment, be it in USD or EUR. Make sure your incoming crew has sufficient cash on them to cover this.

There are no special Cuban regulations for American guests or crew. The procedures are the same for all people on board, regardless of their nationalities.

Payment Methods

Please be advised that most goods and services including port calls must be paid for in cash. We recommend that you request an estimate of costs well before arrival to ensure you are carrying enough onboard. We suggest that the yacht carries a minimum of 50k in either EUROS or USD. In the case of Havana Port only cash is accepted, this is also true in general for most Cuban marinas, although sometimes they may accept credit card payments.

Credit cards issued by US banks are not valid in Cuba. As mentioned before, most products and services must be paid for in cash, because cards are not generally accepted regardless of origin, with few exceptions.

EUROS have a more favorable exchange rate to Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) than US dollars. Internet service is limited at best.

Cruising Permit

A “Cruising Permit” to sail in Cuban waters will be issued and given to you once you enter. This document is valid for 6 months so long as the vessel remains in Cuban waters.

This cruising permit must be presented at each marina visited for the vessel to be stamped in and out. The vessel must obtain clearance from each marina to be allowed to sail to the next destination, to which the yacht must sail directly. Deviations from the planned route must be informed to the Cuban authorities.

Our agency will be ready to assist you in the organization of your sailing plan. There are many interesting places to visit. Facilities / possibilities for nautical activities are better on the south coast.

Provisions

It is recommended that the vessel arrives fully supplied with food such as beef, dairy products, fruit (apples, pears, apricots, strawberries, grapes, etc), and specialty items. Save receipts for products and food purchased before arriving to Cuba. This will assist the Cuban agricultural authorities in the verification of food origins. Tropical fruit and organic vegetables are readily available.

All storage areas, freezers etc. may be inspected at any time the authorities deem necessary once you arrive at a new destination.

Fuel supply

On the North Coast, fuel is available at Marina Hemingway, Marina Los Morros as well as Havana Harbor.

On the South Coast of Cuba you can obtain diesel fuel at Marina Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba cruise ship terminal and Marina Cayo Largo del Sur, but depending on the size of the yachts, it may be difficult to go inside the marina. Fuel may be delivered by barge at the Cruise Ship Terminals. Since fuel is not widely available it is wise to organize a fueling plan in order to keep your cruising efficient/pleasant.

UHF/VHF radios

When in Havana no UHF/VHF radios can be taken ashore, local launch service at cost will be provided. Yachts own tenders are not allowed to be used in Havana harbor.

Drones

No drones are allowed in Cuba. If you have them onboard, they must be reported to the Port Authorities on arrival and these will be sealed until you depart Cuban waters. All Port Authorities have the right to inspect for drones. Crew signing on/off are not allowed to travel with drones either.

Things to do in Cuba

Attached you will find a "Proposal of Itinerary" and useful information related to sailing in Cuban waters. These can give you some ideas about places to visit and things to do during your stay in Cuba.

Jardines de la Reina, one of Cuba´s largest protected areas, is a beautiful spot to visit, however our agency needs at least one months’ notice to apply for permission to visit the reserve. We can send separate information on this area specifically, as there are many restrictions and the earlier you apply the better the chance to obtain authorization.