Starting this week, Cuba has eliminated the need for visitors who test positive to stay in “hotel-hospitals,” instead permitting travellers to isolate in their hotel. The ministry of tourism says the move will allow people to have “a higher level of comfort and ease concerns from testing COVID positive while visiting the island.”
The new measures took effect on Jan. 8 replacing previous requirements that passengers who test positive for COVID-19 quarantine at these government designated facilities.
Now, passengers can stay at their hotel in select rooms that are separated from the rest of the hotel in a different block or section and overseen by medical personnel.
“It’s great that we are able to accommodate our clients this time around and offer them a chance to follow the isolation protocols on-site, where they can enjoy the same level of comfort as the hotel they chose for their holidays,” says Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Canada.
“We understand that testing positive while abroad is a big stress for our visitors, so it is very important for us to lessen their concern and offer for their isolation period the same type of accommodation, wi-fi, food and services they booked for their stay,” he added.
Gomez notes that Cuba – one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world – will give booster shots to its entire population in January in an effort to keep Omicron at bay.
“As we continue to surf through the present wave, Canadians visiting the island can have the highest certainty that they are not only going to have a great holiday but also a safer one,” says Gomez.
Currently, visitors to Cuba are required to present proof of vaccination or, if unvaccinated, a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival. Children under 12 are exempt from both requirements. Passengers must also have proof of insurance with COVID-19 coverage or purchase it upon arrival.
Canadians can take their pre-return test at their hotel in Cuba for US$30 (and if testing positive, isolate at the hotel under the new measures.)
Also, effective Jan. 1, travellers must provide information within 72 hours in advance prior to entering Cuba (in the past, clients were given these forms on board). Once provided, a QR code will be sent by email and an electronic or printed version of the code must be shown upon arrival. The form can be found HERE.
https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/