The Cuban regime announced the elimination, starting this Thursday, May 1st, of the health fee at airports, ports, and international marinas in the country, in its effort to encourage the arrival of travelers to Cuba.
The news was confirmed by Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Cuban prime minister, during his appearance at the inauguration of the 43rd edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2025) this Wednesday.
In his speech, he referred to a series of measures to "update the regulatory framework and policies" aimed at "stimulating foreign investment in the country." Among those listed by the official, the cancellation of the fee imposed on travelers stands out, which was implemented on December 1, 2020, following the reopening of Cuban airports after the coronavirus pandemic.
The resolution, as stated in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba, dated November 14, 2020, establishes a sanitary fee of 30 US dollars or its equivalent in another freely convertible currency for the services of International Sanitary Control provided by Public Health authorities at airports, ports, and international marinas to individuals arriving in the national territory.
"There will be facilities for ticket sales in foreign currency and cash by airlines in the country, and the elimination of the health tax at airports, ports, and international marinas in Cuba starting tomorrow. The creation of public or private alliances between major tourism providers and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as self-employed workers who offer significant complementary services," said the Prime Minister this Wednesday.
In 2020, Cuban authorities justified the health tax measure due to the costs associated with the biosecurity protocol established to detect the coronavirus in passengers arriving on the island from abroad.
Now, in a desperate attempt to reactivate what is referred to by the regime as the "locomotive of the Cuban economy," the Government will implement several changes to encourage the arrival of tourists to Cuba, although some of these, previously announced, have not yielded results.
According to what was announced by Marrero, new air operations will begin, the sale of tickets in cash foreign currency will be allowed, and the health fee at airports will be eliminated.
The new strategies also include the creation of "public or private alliances" between large tourism companies and small and medium-sized enterprises or self-employed individuals, with which the authorities aim to monopolize the "significant complementary offerings" of the private sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elimination of the Sanitary Tax in Cuba
When will the health fee at airports in Cuba be eliminated?
The health fee at airports, ports, and international marinas in Cuba will be eliminated starting May 1, 2025. This measure aims to encourage the arrival of travelers to the country by removing the $30 fee that was charged for International Health Control services.
Why has the Cuban regime decided to eliminate the sanitary fee?
The Cuban regime has decided to eliminate the health tax as part of a strategy to reactivate tourism, considered the "engine of the country's economy." The measure aims to attract more tourists and facilitate foreign investment, in a context where tourism has significantly declined.
What other measures is the Cuban government implementing to improve tourism?
In addition to eliminating the health tax, the Cuban government is implementing new air operations, allowing the sale of tickets in cash currency, and promoting partnerships between tourism companies and small and medium-sized enterprises or self-employed individuals. These measures aim to attract investments and optimize the international tourism offering.
How has the health rate affected tourism in Cuba since its implementation?
Since its implementation in December 2020, the health fee of 30 dollars has been a discouraging factor for travelers. The measure was initially justified by the costs of biosecurity protocols, but its removal now aims to revitalize tourism, which has dropped by almost 30% in the first quarter of 2025.
What challenges does the tourism sector in Cuba currently face?
The tourism sector in Cuba faces challenges such as the perception of insecurity, shortages, blackouts, prices in foreign currencies, lack of air connectivity, and deterioration of services. These issues have resulted in a drastic decline in tourism, with a significant drop in visitors from key markets such as Russia and Canada.
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