useful information
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flight
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13 hrs +
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time difference
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GMT –5 (GMT-4 from the second Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
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language
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The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the main tourist spots
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health
No vaccinations are officially required, however visitors are advised to take precautions against typhoid if travelling to rural areas. Most of the more serious tropical diseases are rare in Cuba, but viral meningitis and dengue fever do occasionally break out, including in urban areas like Havana. Dengue fever is on the increase and the best prevention against it is mosquito repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Hepatitis A is common. Food is considered safe. Bottled water is available and advised for the first few weeks, although mains water is chlorinated. Cuban medical facilities are mediocre and many medicines are unavailable, so those requiring regular prescription drugs should bring them, along with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter to facilitate entry through customs. Health insurance is strongly advised.
visas and entry requirements
British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card. A Tourist Visa Card, costing US$25 or equivalent, may be issued by tour operators, travel agents or airlines for a single entry holiday trip of up to 30 days, provided land arrangements are pre-booked and paid. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is required, as well as sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay (US$50 or equivalent per day). Passports of nationals with diplomatic representations in Cuba need to be valid only at the moment of entry, but passports of nationals without diplomatic representations in Cuba must be valid for two months beyond date of entry.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.