The Cuban government has announced the elimination of the health fee at the nation's airports, ports, and international marinas, effective this Thursday, May 1st. This move aims to boost the influx of travelers to Cuba. The announcement was made by Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Cuban Prime Minister, during the opening of the 43rd edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2025) on Wednesday.
During his speech, Marrero highlighted a variety of strategies to "update the regulatory framework and policies" with the goal of "encouraging foreign investment in the country." Among the measures, the most notable is the removal of the fee imposed on travelers, which was initially implemented on December 1, 2020, following the reopening of Cuban airports after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution, as documented in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba dated November 14, 2020, mandated a $30 USD health fee, or its equivalent in another freely convertible currency, for International Health Control services conducted by Public Health authorities at airports, ports, and international marinas for incoming travelers.
"Starting tomorrow, there will be easier ways for airlines to sell tickets in foreign currency and cash in the country, along with the removal of the health fee at Cuban airports, ports, and international marinas. We will also establish public or private partnerships between major tourism providers and small businesses and self-employed workers who offer significant complementary services," the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday.
In 2020, Cuban authorities defended the health fee due to the expenses associated with the biosecurity protocols needed to detect COVID-19 in passengers arriving on the island from abroad. Now, in a desperate attempt to revive what the regime calls the "engine of the Cuban economy," the government is implementing several changes to attract tourists to Cuba, despite some previously announced measures having failed to yield results.
According to Marrero's announcement, new air operations will commence, cash sales of tickets in foreign currency will be permitted, and the health fee at airports will be abolished. The new strategies also include creating "public or private alliances" between large tourism enterprises and small businesses or self-employed individuals, allowing authorities to monopolize the "important complementary offer" of the private sector.
Key Changes in Cuba's Tourism Sector
Why did Cuba impose a health fee initially?
Cuba imposed the health fee in 2020 to cover the costs of biosecurity protocols needed to detect COVID-19 among passengers arriving from abroad.
What are the new measures to increase tourism in Cuba?
The new measures include the abolition of the health fee, the start of new air operations, cash sales of tickets in foreign currency, and the establishment of public-private partnerships in the tourism sector.
What is the goal of these changes in Cuba's tourism policies?
The changes aim to attract more tourists to Cuba and stimulate foreign investment by updating the regulatory framework and policies.