Cuba is an island country located in the northern Caribbean Sea, where it meets the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest island in the Caribbean and is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music and dance traditions (such as salsa and son), classic cars, Spanish-colonial architecture, and historically significant political landscape. The nation has a tropical climate, diverse ecosystems, and is famous for its cigars, rum, and beaches. Its history includes Indigenous Taíno roots, Spanish colonization, African cultural influences, and the 1959 Cuban Revolution, which shaped its modern political and economic systems.
Its capital, Havana, is the largest city of Cuba, located on island’s northwest coast along the Straits of Florida. It is known for its colourful architecture, historic fortifications, cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere, along with key landmarks like Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), Malecón (a famous seawall and promenade stretching along the coast) and Capitolio (a public edifice that resembles the US Capitol, but with its own unique architectural way). Havana blends old-world charm with Caribbean vibrancy, and is considered the cultural, political and economic centre of Cuba.
UTC-5 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Hurricanes, severe storms and earthquakes.
For driving and traffic offences;
Other offences tourists should be aware of are:
The official language of Cuba is Spanish, but English and Haitian Creole are also spoken.
In Cuba, vehicles drive on the right. While the legal driving age in Cuba is 18, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 for standard vehicles, and 25 for sports cars. A young driver surcharge is often applied to drivers under 25, and some agencies have a maximum age limit of 80, where drivers over 75 may also incur higher insurance fees. UK drivers must have hold a valid licence for at least a year, and have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Cuba.
Many roads in Cuba vary in quality: main highways are better, but secondary and rural roads can be poorly maintained. Be careful for pedestrians, hitchhikers, animals, horse-drawn carts, unlit vehicles on the road (especially at night), and some roads may be lacking in road signage and/or are poorly lit. Also, road signs in Cuba follow the Vienna Convention system, which should be familiar to UK/European drivers.
Gasolina Especial ('special gasoline'), which is higher-octane fuel (~94+), is commonly required for rental cars, and is particularly constrained. Local 'regular' fuel may be cheaper, but not always suitable (or even available) for rental vehicles. Some stations may not allow rental vehicles due to changes in car rental regulations mention fuel access limitations (Servi-Cupet ('tourist') or 'Cupet-Cimex/Oro Negro' stations are recommended). With potential shortages and stations not being super dense, it is recommended to refuel whenever you can.
To manage demand, Cuba has a network of petrol stations that sell fuel only in foreign currency (USD or equivalent), mostly in tourists areas and major routes. These 'dollar-only' station typically accept international credit cards, while cash payment is being 'phased out'. Make sure to check with your bank that your card will work in Cuba.
The BAC limit is 0.05%, but 0.00% for professional, commercial, young and novice drivers.
Legally required for vehicle occupants.
Children under 4 must use a child restraint system and be in the back seat. Under 12s must travel in the back seat, but the law doesn't specify further restraint beyond seatbelts if available.
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