The Cuba Tourist Board says it is making it easy for Canadians to meet this country’s new requirement for travellers to produce a (negative) PCR test upon arrival home by providing testing services right at their hotels in Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, and Holguin, Cuba’s main tourism destinations.

The tests cost US$30 p.p. (payable by debit or credit) and Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, says the country is “totally ready to accommodate increased testing.”

“Clients staying at hotels in these destinations can have peace of mind that the test is done right at their hotels,” says Gomez, who explains that guests will be advised upon arrival on all the details on how to get tested and how to arrange the appointment through the doctor at each hotel.

Visitors staying in private homes can get tested at all international clinics, which are located throughout the country, he adds.

Gomez further states that, “Cuba has a world-class health system and the highest doctor/patient ratio in the world (three times more than Canada),” adding that Cuba boasts an advanced medical research industry that includes laboratories equipped and staffed to run virus tests.

Also, with a centrally planned, state-controlled economy, Cuba’s government can mobilize resources quickly in case of emergency, he adds.

Canadians arriving in Cuba require only a passport, tourist card and COVID-19 insurance (which can be purchased upon arrival for US$30 if required) and to pass a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Cuba.