Carry-On Only for Havana: Cuba Packing Guide

Havana is unlike any other Caribbean destination. The 1950s American cars circling the Malecón seafront, the faded colonial grandeur of Habana Vieja, the sound of live salsa from doorways on a weekday afternoon — the city has an energy that is completely its own, preserved partly by geography and partly by half a century of economic isolation. That isolation is also the practical challenge of travelling here: the cash-only economy, the limited internet, the pharmacies with empty shelves. A carry-on only trip to Havana rewards preparation.

Flights to Havana: HAV (José Martí International Airport)

Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV) is the main international gateway. Terminals 2 and 3 handle most international and US charter and scheduled services.

From the US, direct flights operate from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK and EWR), Tampa, and a handful of other cities. American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and United have all operated Havana routes, though schedules and availability shift with US-Cuba relations. Check current nonstop routing directly with airlines — the status of individual routes changes with policy.

From Europe, Iberia, Air Europa, and Air France connect Havana via Madrid and Paris. Air Canada connects via Toronto. These non-US routes are straightforward, without the additional regulatory layer that US travellers face.

US Travellers: The OFAC Requirement

US citizens and permanent residents can legally travel to Cuba under the terms of an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) general license. Since the elimination of group people-to-people travel in 2019, the most widely used category for independent travellers is "Support for the Cuban People" (31 CFR 515.574).

What this requires in practice: staying at private guesthouses (casas particulares) rather than government-owned hotels; eating at private restaurants (paladares) rather than state-run establishments; and engaging in authentic interaction with Cuban people rather than purely leisure activities. There is no license application required — you self-certify at check-in and keep records of your activities. Carry your booking confirmations for private accommodation and records of transactions.

This is not a loophole or grey area — it is the current legal framework for US travel to Cuba. Consult a legal professional if uncertain, and check for any policy changes close to travel.

The Cash Problem: Your Most Important Pre-Trip Task

US bank cards — debit and credit — do not function in Cuba. This is a result of US financial sanctions: no US bank processes transactions with Cuban merchants. There are no foreign ATMs for US-issued cards anywhere in Cuba.

For US travellers: you must bring all the cash you will need for the entire trip before you board. USD is accepted at exchange houses (CaDeCa) and some hotels. EUR is also widely accepted and in some periods exchanges more favourably. Bring more than your budget suggests — add a meaningful buffer for unexpected expenses, medical issues, or a longer stay. If you run out of cash in Havana, there is no quick solution.

For non-US travellers: European and Canadian cards may work at some hotel ATMs and point-of-sale terminals, but reliability is inconsistent. Cash remains essential, and relying entirely on card is risky. Bring the majority of your budget in cash.

Currency: Cuba has moved away from the dual-currency system (where CUC ran parallel to CUP). The current practical situation for tourists involves exchanging foreign currency to Cuban pesos (CUP) at official exchange points. Rates and practices shift; ask at your casa particular upon arrival for current guidance.

What to Pack for Havana

Clothing. Havana is tropical year-round. Average temperatures range from 23°C in January to 32°C in August, with high humidity in summer. Lightweight, breathable fabrics — cotton, linen, moisture-wicking blends — are appropriate year-round. Pack fewer items than you think you need; you'll be walking constantly and want clothes that dry overnight. The dress code is casual; Cubans dress stylishly but not formally for most occasions.

Walking shoes. Habana Vieja's streets are cobblestone and uneven; the Malecón's sea-spray-slicked sidewalk requires rubber-soled shoes. Comfortable trainers or light walking shoes serve every activity in Havana. Sandals are fine for heat but not for all-day exploring on rough terrain.

Medications and basic medical supplies. This is non-negotiable. Cuban pharmacies are frequently understocked — common over-the-counter items including painkillers, antihistamines, diarrhoea medication, and antiseptic may not be available. Pack a full personal first aid kit with anything you might need for a digestive upset or minor injury. Prescription medications in full supply are essential; replacing them in Cuba is not straightforward.

Downloaded maps and content. Google Maps works in Cuba but internet access is expensive, slow, and purchased in time-limited packages at ETECSA Wi-Fi hotspots (hotels and parks). Download Havana's map offline in Google Maps or Maps.me before flying. Download any music, podcasts, or reading material you want for the trip. Do not count on streaming or casual browsing.

Small daypack. A lightweight daypack for daily exploring is more practical than a crossbody bag for walking the Malecón to Habana Vieja to Vedado. Keep your cash in a money belt under clothing — petty theft targeting tourist bags exists, particularly in crowded areas.

Gifts: A Meaningful Part of the Trip

The "Support for the Cuban People" travel category specifically encompasses bringing everyday items that Cubans value and that are difficult to obtain under the current economic situation. This is not charity — it is a genuine expression of people-to-people exchange that opens conversations and connections.

Items Cubans particularly appreciate include: basic medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen, vitamins, antiseptic), toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes), reading glasses, and clothing. These are everyday items, not luxury goods. If you are staying in a casa particular, a small gift of basic toiletries or medications for the host family is warmly received and meaningful in a way that cash tips alone are not.

Pack a small portion of your bag space for these items. They weigh little and matter enormously.

Havana's Neighbourhoods

Habana Vieja (Old Havana). The UNESCO-listed colonial core is the most visually striking part of the city. Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, the Capitolio, and the waterfront fortresses (Morro Castle across the bay) are all walkable. The Museo de la Revolución in the former Presidential Palace is essential for understanding Cuban history.

Vedado. The broader residential and hotel district west of Habana Vieja, home to the Hotel Nacional, the Malecón's full sweep, and the jazz bars around Calle 23. Less touristic, more authentically lived-in.

Fusterlandia. The mosaic-covered neighbourhood in western Jablito, where artist José Fuster has covered his house and surrounding buildings in Gaudí-like ceramic murals over decades. Quieter than the main tourist routes and a striking afternoon excursion by taxi.

Bottom Line

Havana rewards the well-prepared traveller. Sort the cash before you land, pack medications you might need, bring a small quantity of practical gifts, and download offline maps. The packing itself is simple — tropical clothes, walking shoes, a daypack. The operational complexity of Cuba is entirely financial and logistical, and it all resolves cleanly with preparation done at home.