CUBA OPENS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Well, this has been a long time in coming, and the news of this has constantly been pushed back. That said, international travelers recently started arriving in Cuba, traveling to directly to resorts on islands such as Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria. Most of these visitors were from Canada, Europe, and Russia. Since Jose Marti airport in Havana has not been open, commercial flights from the USA to the island were not happening.

IMG_8190.jpg



Finally, Havana’s airport will open this Sunday, November 15th. American Airlines will begin immediate service. I am still checking to see which other airlines will also be restarting their service to Cuba.

Some things to know about what has been happening in Cuba, and what travelers should expect regarding COVID protocols:

  • Cuba really has been on lockdown, and very strict with its COVID restrictions. As a result, this country of 11,000,000 people has only lost about 125 of its citizens to the virus

  • This lockdown has severely hurt Cuba’s economy, as so much of their currency comes from tourist business. My friends in Cuba say that some of the things they used to consider pretty easy, have become very difficult and expensive. Mostly, this has had to do with the finding of available food staples at a price they could afford

  • Right now, no COVID testing is required before traveling to Cuba. All travelers will be tested upon arrival with both a nasal swab and temperature check. Any people testing positive will have to quarantine

  • My understanding is that arriving international travelers must have insurance in order to pay for Covid care in case they do test positive. I am researching this more and will give updates as they come

  • Our fishing partners are doing their best to plan for groups of anglers. Some destinations will be ready to accept guests more quickly than others. Again, I will update you as I can. In the meantime, reach out if you have any specific interest and I will do what I can to help



That is what I have for the moment. I plan to travel to Cuba at the end of this month, mostly to see many of my friends, as well as to assess the situation first hand. I will give a report upon my return.





Jon CovichComment