Clarification on hand luggage that can be taken to Cuba

Despite the information provided by the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba (AGR) through its official channels and the explanation that the entity made to this drafting on the luggage that will be allowed to enter Cuba, the doubts of many travelers continue.

In a publication of ours about the restart of flights between Spain and Cuba through Cubana de Aviación, a reader alerted us: “Customs allows two 32 kg suitcases and a handbag or backpack with 5 kg, is what they are guiding in the Cubana de Aviación offices in Madrid and it was confirmed by Customs in Cuba ”.

When we explained what this entity had specified to one of our editors and we presented the experience of a Cuban who arrived in Havana on a humanitarian flight and was able to bring a 10 kg hand luggage, the reader responded: “Well, inform yourself well and ask Customs because they are the ones who say that and Cubana is simply complying with what they say and that is how they are selling the Madrid-SCU tickets ”.

Faced with the confusion, our editorial team contacted the AGR to clarify doubts regarding hand luggage and, incidentally, confirm the provisions regarding the luggage allowed when traveling to Cuba.

Hand luggage, can 5 or 10 kg be taken to Cuba?

“Responding to your query, we inform you that accompanied luggage is regulated to 2 pieces as checked luggage and a carry-on luggage with the weight allowed by the airline”.

Customs insists that this regulation was not established by them, “it is a government decision to be implemented and enforced by the Civil Aeronautics of Cuba, which belongs to the Ministry of Transportation.”

Regarding free baggage, they confirmed that a total of 30 kg is exempt from payment, which includes 25 kg of personal effects, and up to 50.99 pesos (5 Kgs) of miscellaneous. In addition, the rest of the articles exempt from payment, according to the Law and that you can review on the Customs website.

What is not part of what is explained in the previous paragraph, “is considered an import, having to pay Customs duties, and the valuation of miscellaneous items is made from the equivalence: One (1) kilogram = 10.00 pesos”.

In the case of the importation of household electrical equipment, Customs explains that “it is carried out according to the Customs valuation list.”

*** This entity did not respond to inquiries about the currency in which it should be paid and if cash is accepted or should be paid by card ***

It is important to remember that the aviation sector has taken measures during the health crisis to prevent the handling of objects both in airports and on the planes themselves.

One of the first measures was the elimination of hand luggage. This has been becoming more flexible but many companies insist on the importance of carrying as little luggage as possible given the current circumstances.

In the case of Cuba, although it is known that this is a sensitive issue for those who wish to travel to the island and help their families, from the beginning of the crisis the following was foreseen:

• In phases 1 and 2: the limitation of a single accompanying suitcase is maintained for all passengers arriving in the country.

• In phase three: For passengers entering the country, in addition to cabin baggage, limit the hold to two pieces of 32 kg.

The Cuban Directory is not responsible for any last minute changes by the Cuban authorities. We suggest each reader interested in clarifying their doubts, contact Customs directly through its public channels before making their trip:

Tel: +5378555466-71

[email protected]

[email protected]

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