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Kuba: co wiedzieć przed podróżą

Najważniejsze

  • Cuba is in a severe fuel and power crisis: repeated nationwide blackouts, water and food shortages, many flights cut. The UK advises against all but essential travel (Sept 2026); Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel.
  • Since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard (any issuer) no longer work in Cuba, including ATMs. Bring all the cash you need (EUR/USD) plus an emergency reserve.
  • You need an eVisa (paper tourist cards withdrawn) unless visa-exempt, plus the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival (QR code checked at check-in).
  • Medical insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory (US policies not accepted); otherwise buy Asistur cover at the airport.
  • A Cuba visit since 12 Jan 2021 makes you ineligible for the US ESTA. US citizens may not travel for tourism under US law (OFAC categories only).

Wjazd i wizy

Most visitors need a Cuban eVisa (single entry, up to 90 days, extendable once by 90 days) bought via evisacuba.cu, an embassy, airline or tour operator; the 10-character code is entered in D'Viajeros to generate a QR code. Russia, Belarus, China and UAE citizens are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements. Proof of onward travel, Cuba-valid medical insurance and sufficient funds are required. Travellers flying from the US need an eVisa issued for US departures; US citizens must fit an OFAC authorised category.

Formularze i zezwolenia online

Ważność paszportu: At least 6 months after arrival (and 3 months after departure), with 2 blank pages.

Na granicy mogą poprosić o

  • Show the D'Viajeros QR code (save a PDF/printout — Wi-Fi may be down).
  • Show Cuba-valid medical insurance; if missing, buy Asistur cover at the airport.
  • Keep proof of onward ticket and funds.

Cło

  • Declare foreign currency over USD 5,000 equivalent; export more only with bank proof.
  • Drones are confiscated until departure.
  • Meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds are banned.
  • Disable built-in GPS; professional photo/video gear may need a licence.
  • Art and antiques need an export permit (Bienes Culturales).

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: gov.uk ↗, misiones.cubaminrex.cu ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, evisacuba.cu ↗, dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu ↗

Pieniądze

Głównie gotówka. Karty akceptowane rzadko.

Apple Pay — nie działa · Google Pay — nie działa

Gdzie korzystnie wymienić

  • CADECA exchange offices and banks (the official floating rate is far better than the old 120 rate)
  • Paying directly in EUR/USD where accepted

Gdzie lepiej nie wymieniać

  • Street changers (illegal, scams and fake notes)
  • Changing large sums into CUP — it can't be reconverted or used abroad
  • Damaged or old foreign banknotes (refused)

Bankomaty: Foreign cards no longer work at ATMs (since 6 June 2026). Cuban prepaid cards bought with cash are an alternative for some state shops and hotels.

Napiwki: Tips in cash (EUR/USD or CUP) are very welcome: ~10% in restaurants, 1–2 per bag for porters, tips for guides and drivers.

  • Bring all cash for the trip plus a reserve for delays or medical needs; exchange CUP back before airport security.
  • Russian Mir cards have been accepted at some Cuban ATMs/terminals in the past — do not rely on them.
  • US-issued cards have never worked; American Express is not accepted.

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Zasady i zakazy

Zakazane

  • Drones
  • Any drugs (very long sentences)
  • Photographing military, police and government sites
  • Joining or filming protests
  • Exporting art/antiques without permit
  • Unofficial currency exchange

Przepisy łamane przez turystów nieświadomie

  • Carry ID; private rental stays (casas particulares) must register guests.
  • Criticising the government publicly can lead to detention.
  • US travellers must avoid entities on the US Cuba Restricted List (many state hotels).

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Kultura i ubiór

Religia: Catholic and Afro-Cuban Santería traditions; officially secular state.

Ubiór: Casual, light clothing; smart-casual for restaurants and clubs; cover up away from beaches.

Savoir-vivre

  • Bring small gifts (medicines, toiletries) — shortages are severe; donate through hosts.
  • Ask before photographing people; some expect a tip.
  • Patience is essential: queues, blackouts and delays are part of daily life.
  • Avoid discussing politics in public.

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: gov.uk ↗

Klimat

Tropical: dry season November–April (warm, sunny), hot humid wet season May–October with hurricane risk June–November (peak Aug–Oct).

Miesiąc po miesiącu
  • styczeń: Jan: dry, ~19–26°C, best weather
  • luty: Feb: dry, pleasant
  • marzec: Mar: dry, warm
  • kwiecień: Apr: dry, getting hot
  • maj: May: rainy season starts
  • czerwiec: Jun: hot, wet; hurricane season begins
  • lipiec: Jul: hot, humid, ~32°C
  • sierpień: Aug: hot; hurricane risk rises
  • wrzesień: Sep: peak hurricane risk, wet
  • październik: Oct: wet, hurricanes possible
  • listopad: Nov: dry season returns
  • grudzień: Dec: dry, pleasant, peak season

Najlepszy sezon: December–April.

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: cuba.travel ↗, nhc.noaa.gov ↗

Co zabrać

  • All the cash you need (EUR/USD, clean notes) + reserve
  • Printed eVisa, D'Viajeros QR and insurance
  • Torch/headlamp and power bank (blackouts)
  • All medicines you need, in original packaging with prescription
  • Water purification tablets or filter bottle
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries
  • Offline maps and downloaded entertainment

Czego nie brać / zakaz wwozu

  • Drones
  • GPS devices (switch off phone GPS at entry if asked)
  • Relying on bank cards
  • Fresh food, meat and seeds

Praktyczne

Gniazdka: Type A/B (110 V) and C/L (220 V), 60 Hz — both exist, often in the same hotel

Woda: Tap water is not safe; ice may be made from it. Drink bottled water — it can be scarce, so carry a filter.

Ruch: prawostronny

Telefon i eSIM: ETECSA (Cubacel) tourist SIM/eSIM; mobile data and Wi-Fi are slow and often down during blackouts.

Aplikacje: Maps.me, Organic Maps, WhatsApp, a VPN app

Internet: State-controlled; some sites blocked; outages frequent.

Zdrowie: Severe shortages of medicines and supplies; diarrhoeal illness, dengue, chikungunya and Oropouche outbreaks reported. Hepatitis A advised. MEDEVAC can cost USD 15,000+.

Ubezpieczenie: Mandatory: medical insurance valid in Cuba (US insurers not accepted); evacuation cover strongly advised.

Numery alarmowe: 106 police, 104 ambulance, 105 fire

Sprawdzono 29 października 2026 · Źródła: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travelhealthpro.org.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Zasady wjazdu się zmieniają. Przed podróżą sprawdź stronę ambasady lub urzędu imigracyjnego kraju.