The largest Caribbean island, Cuba, is around 200 km off the east coast of Mexico. In the capital Havana in the northwest de
About two of the eleven million residents live on the island Cuba’s. The world famous Cuban culture not least through the cigars, the rum and the music, which became famous in this country especially through the film “Buena Vista Social Club”.
The old town of Havana, declared a World Heritage Site, and the nearby seaside resort of Varadero with its fine beaches and crystal clear water are interesting for tourists (who come to Cuba in large numbers as part of a package tour). Trinidad, located inland, was once a leader in sugar cultivation and the resulting prosperity is documented to this day in the splendid streetscape.
Various parks are also worth seeing, such as the orchid garden in Soroa or the Baconao Park near Santiago de Cuba with 200 life-size replicas of prehistoric animals.
But not only the beautiful landscapes and interesting parks attract tourists to Cuba. The revolution has not lost its historical charm either. Today many still want to follow in the footsteps of the activists of that time and therefore book a trip to Cuba.
By Latin American standards, according to internetsailors, Cuba has a well-functioning infrastructure. Traffic and telecommunications in particular are of a high standard. Particularly noteworthy for Cuba is the fact that the school system is not neglected and can certainly keep up with European and American schools in terms of level. It is similar with the health system that is arguably the best in Latin America. A socialist economy still rules in Cuba (although certain openings to the market economy can be observed). This makes Cuba one of the last countries to pursue this type of economy.
Health and Diseases in Cuba
Vaccination protection
The health service of the Federal Foreign Office will provide vaccination protection against tetanus, hepatitisA and diphtheria recommended, protection against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies for longer stays (more than 4 weeks) and / or special exposure. In addition, the standard vaccinations for adults and children should be up to date according to the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute.
Malaria
There is no malaria in Cuba.
Dengue fever
During and after the CubanIn the rainy season (from May to October) dengue fever outbreaks occur again and again, although there are also years with very high numbers of illnesses. The Cuban authorities do not publish the number of annual illnesses.
Dengue fever is mainly transmitted by diurnal mosquitoes (Stegomyia aegypti and Stegomyia albopicta). In individual cases it can lead to serious damage to health, including death (dengue hemorrhagicfever, Dengue shock syndrome).
Consistent protection against mosquito bites is the only possible protective measure. Which also includes:
- wearing light-colored, body-covering clothing, long trousers and long sleeves all day
- the exclusive use of recommended mosquito repellants based on diethyltoluamide (= DEET, e.g. Nobite®) or Icaridin (= Bayrepel®, e.g. Autan®). Repeated application of the repellent to all unprotected parts of the body during the day and in the early evening hours
- Sleep under a mosquito net, keep the bedroom mosquito-free
- Avoid spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, gardens and slums
Diarrheal diseases
Most diarrheal diseases are preventable with proper drinking water and food hygiene. When traveling in the Dominican Republic, travelers should take special hygiene measures before consuming fruit and vegetables; they should preferably be freshly cooked or freshly peeled. The tap water is not suitable for drinking in the country. Drinking water in plastic bottles is recommended. From April to September (the warm season) there is a risk that fish ingest poisonous algae, which can also cause severe poisoning in humans (Ciguatera). No changes can be seen in the fish themselves. It is therefore imperative that you pay attention to local warnings.
HIV / AIDS
The risk of a life-threatening infection with HIV / AIDS always arises from sexual contact and drug use (for example unclean cannulas or syringes or cannulas). The use of condoms is therefore always recommended, especially with casual acquaintances.
Medical supplies
Medical treatment for foreigners is only possible in special foreigners ‘hospitals or foreigners’ departments in hospitals. The costs can be higher than the usual in Germany.
In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:
A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information and liability for any damage that may occur cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.
Cuba – important addresses
Cuban Tourist Office in Germany : Kaiserstraße 8,
60311 Frankfurt / M
Telephone: (069) 28 8322, Fax: (069) 29 6664
email: [email protected]
Opening times: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
The tourist office of Cuba in Germany is also responsible for Austria.
Office du Tourisme Cubain : 280, Boulevard Raspail,
75014 Paris
Telephone: 0033 1 4538 9010, Fax: 0033 1 4538 9930
email: [email protected]
The tourist office of Cuba in France is also responsible for Switzerland
Ministerio de Turismo : Malecón y G,
Vedado, CU-La Habana
Telephone: (07) 334323, 334318/19, 8327535 / -39, Fax: (07) 551923
email: [email protected]
Embassy of Cuba in Germany : HE Mr. Gerardo Penalver Portal, extraordinary and authorized representative Ambassador (since September 2nd, 2005),
Stavanger Straße 20, 10439 Berlin
Telephone: (030) 44 71 7319, Fax: (030) 916 4553
email: [email protected]
Opening times: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Consular department of the Cuban Embassy:
Gotlandstrasse 15, 10439 Berlin
Telephone: (030) 4473 7023, Fax: (030) 4473 7038
Opening times: Mon – Fri 8.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. (personal inquiries). Mon – Fri 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (telephone inquiries)
Embassy of Cuba in Germany – Bonn branch: Mr. Jose Carlos Rodriguez Ruiz, envoy (head of the branch),
Kennedyallee 22 – 24, 53175 Bonn
Telephone: (0228) 3090, Fax: (0228) 30 9244
email: ofidip-bonn @ t -online.de
opening times: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (by telephone arrangement)
Embassy of Cuba in Austria: Kaiserstrasse 84,
1070 Vienna
Telephone: (01) 877 8198, Fax: (01) 877 81 9820, Consular Department: Tel: (01) 877 81 9828
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Opening times: Mon – Fri 9.00 a.m. – 12 noon and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (telephone inquiries).
Embassy of Cuba in Switzerland: Gesellschaftstrasse 8,
3012 Bern
Postal address: PO Box 5275, CH-3012 Bern
Telephone: (031) 302 2111, Fax: (031) 302 9830
email: embacuba.ber[email protected], consular department: [email protected]
Opening times: Mon – Fri 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. (tourist inquiries also possible),
consular department: Mon, Tue, Tue and Fri 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Embassy of Germany in Cuba: Dr. Claude-Robert Ellner, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Calle 13, No. 652, Esquina á B, Vedado, La Habana
Telephone: (00537) 833 2460, 833 2539, 833 2569, Fax: (00537) 833 1586
email: [email protected]
Address: Embajada de la República Federal de Alemania, Apartado 6610, La Habana, Cuba
