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New driver requirements apply when renting a car in Cuba. Image: Adobe Stock

New hurdles for car rental in Cuba

From 1 February 2025, anyone wishing to rent a car on the Caribbean island will have to observe a number of new regulations.

New hurdles for car rental in Cuba: Anyone planning to rent a car on the Caribbean island after 1 February 2025 will have to observe a number of new regulations.

New regulations for car rental for tourists in Cuba came into force on 1 February 2025. The changes particularly affect those with minimum driving experience, compulsory insurance and petrol station rules for rental cars. Travelnews summarises the key points.

Stricter driver requirements

  • Category I Sport (REX brand): At least 3 years of driving experience required.
  • Category F Luxury (REX brand): At least 2 years of driving experience.
  • Other vehicle categories: At least 1 year of driving experience.
  • Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old.
  • If the driving licence has recently been renewed, the previous document must be presented in physical or digital form.
  • If the conditions are not met, the reservation will be cancelled and fees will be charged, with no possibility of a refund.

Compulsory insurance and deposit

  • Insurance is compulsory with every vehicle rental, either as part of the rental price or as an additional fee.
  • Insurance covers vehicle damage, third-party liability and theft, but not negligence or breach of the terms of the contract.
  • Cost: $10 to $30 per day, depending on the vehicle and provider.
  • In addition, a refundable deposit is required if no damage or fines are incurred.

Only refuel with US dollars

  • Tourist rental cars may only be refuelled at petrol stations that accept US dollars (USD) or other convertible foreign currencies such as the euro.
  • Petrol prices are over one dollar per litre, significantly higher than in many other countries.

Tourists who want to get around the island can rent vehicles from providers such as DimeCuba for as little as $84 per day including insurance. This offers a more flexible alternative to Cuba's often unreliable public transport system, as reported in ‘Periódico Cubano’.

(TN)