Classic Cars, Salsa & Caribbean Soul
No. Citizens of the UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and most Latin American countries can enter Cuba with just a Tourist Card (tarjeta de turista) — no visa application required. The tourist card is purchased before departure from the airline or a Cuban consulate, typically costing $15-50 depending on nationality and point of purchase.
Technically, working remotely on a tourist card is not authorized. Cuba has no digital nomad visa. In practice, internet access is so limited and expensive that sustained remote work is very difficult — Wi-Fi is available at hotels and public parks (ETECSA hotspots) but speeds are slow and connections unreliable. The Starlink satellite constellation is blocked. Serious remote workers should consider this a significant barrier.
No. Foreign nationals cannot own real estate in Cuba. Only Cuban citizens and permanent residents can buy and sell property (a right restored in 2011). Foreigners married to Cubans may have the property in their spouse's name. Long-term visitors typically rent from licensed casas particulares (private homestays) or through state-run rental agencies.
Absolutely not. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Cuba's immigration system tracks entries and departures meticulously. If you need more time, apply for the 30-day extension at an immigration office before your current authorization expires.
No. Foreign nationals cannot own real estate in Cuba. Property ownership is restricted to Cuban citizens and permanent residents. Since 2011, Cubans have been allowed to buy and sell homes, creating a domestic real estate market — but foreigners are excluded. If you are married to a Cuban, property can be held in your spouse's name. All foreign visitors and long-term residents use the casa particular system or state-managed rentals.
Airbnb is the most accessible platform for finding casas particulares, and many hosts offer monthly rates at significant discounts. For better deals, arrive in your target city and negotiate directly with casa owners — word of mouth and walking the streets is still the most effective method. Facebook groups ("Casas en Cuba", "Havana Rentals") and local contacts can also connect you with unlisted apartments.
Home internet (Nauta Hogar) is available through ETECSA but remains slow and expensive by global standards — typically 2-4 Mbps download. Not all casa particulares have home internet; many residents use ETECSA Wi-Fi hotspots in parks and public spaces. Mobile data (4G via ETECSA) is available but also slow and capped. If you require reliable internet for work, confirm connectivity before committing to accommodation.
Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Petty crime (pickpocketing, scams, overcharging) does occur, particularly in tourist areas of Havana, but physical danger is minimal. The police presence is heavy and visible. Common-sense precautions — avoiding dark streets at night, not flashing valuables, and being aware of tourist-targeted scams ("jineteros") — are sufficient for most people.
Internet in Cuba is limited, slow, expensive, and censored — a significant drawback for anyone accustomed to constant connectivity. ETECSA (the state telecom monopoly) provides mobile data (3G/4G) and Wi-Fi hotspots in parks and public spaces. Home internet (Nauta Hogar) is available in some areas but speeds rarely exceed 4 Mbps. Social media and messaging apps work, but VPNs are advisable as some sites are blocked. Starlink is prohibited. This is improving year by year but remains a major limitation.
Daily life in Cuba revolves around community, music, and the art of "resolver" (making do). Expect long queues (colas) for basic goods, spontaneous conversations with strangers, domino games on doorsteps, music pouring from every window, and a pace of life that is simultaneously frustrating and deeply human. The scarcity of consumer goods is real and constant — but so is the warmth of Cuban hospitality, the richness of the culture, and the absence of the commercial saturation that defines most modern societies.