If you are heading for Cuba soon, you might already be well aware that Cuba is the home of various types of rum and also the creative cradle of several super-famous cocktails of the world. But what is the legal drinking age in Cuba?
For most travelers, the legal drinking age anywhere is not an issue.
But if you are just in the twilight zone of age and your trip to the home of the famous Havana Club, the Santiago de Cuba rum, the Cuba Libre, or the mojito is coming up – read on!
What is the legal drinking age in Cuba?
The legal drinking age in Cuba is 16, so if you are visiting Cuba, you can have one of the famous mojitos or Cuba liqueurs if you can prove you have passed this rather modest age limit.
When it comes to assessing what age is appropriate for what things, Cuba seems to differ quite significantly from the US, in particular, as well as other countries.
Most countries have set the lower age limit to consume alcohol to 18, while the US says you have to be 21.
So, if you are old enough, you can join this free Havana night tour, which will take you to the best places for dancing AND the famous Cuba Libre cocktails in Havana.
Legal Ages In Cuba
- The legal drinking age for alcohol is 16
- The legal penal age for prison is 16
- The minimum driving age in Cuba is 18
- The minimum age of sexual consent is 16
The Cuban Rums
Maestro del Ron Cuban Don Jose Navarro is responsible for creating the Havana Club 3-Year rum, as well as the Havana Club 7-year-old expression.
The Santiago De Cuba Carta Blanca rum is less sweet compared to the Havana Club version. The brand is known for producing high-quality aged rums.
Legal Drinking Age In Latin America
The minimum legal drinking age in most Latin American countries is 18 years.
This includes Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and others.
But in Cuba, the legal drinking age was set to 16 years of age in 2005, and that has not changed despite concerns about increasing alcohol consumption among very young Cubans.
In Paraguay, the minimum drinking age is 21 years old, like in the US.
This rule in Paraguay exists because of the high rate of harmful alcohol consumption in general in the country.
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Increasing Alcohol Consumption Among Young Cubans
According to studies conducted in Cuba, adolescents typically start using tobacco between the ages of 11 and 13.
According to data from the Center for Youth Studies, young Cubans spend 70% of their income on purchasing tobacco and alcohol.
FAQs Cuba Travel
Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?
This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba.
Americans can choose a reason for Cuba travel among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US Government.
Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?
Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to help the Cuban people”.
American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba.
What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?
You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens here.
The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”. There is no paperwork or application process connected to this; you just choose your reason and state that reason if anyone asks.
What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?
Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba apart from, hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and encounter Cuban culture.
US citizens need to choose one of the pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba and need to buy the PINK Cuban tourist card, also called a tourist visa.
Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:
- Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
- Cuban tourist card / tourist visa
- Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
- Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey
Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?
No, specific vaccines are not required before entering Cuba. Your country’s health department probably has recommendations for what vaccines you should consider.
How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?
You can buy a tourist card online from Easy Tourist Card, or from the Cuban embassy in your country.
You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure.
A tourist card can be bought at Miami International Airport’s check-in counter for American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?
A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:
- Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
- Buy one from your airline if they offer this
- Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
- Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country
Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?
Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now.
In addition, American citizens must choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling in Cuba.
Also read: 11 Iconic Cuba Landmarks From A Local: Journey Through Time And History!
Wrap-Up Drinking Age In Cuba
Although there are rarely any guards strictly asking for your ID when heading to the bar in Cuba, the legal drinking age is 16 for Cubans and foreigners alike.
So, if you have had your birthday before your Cuba holiday, you can taste all the famous Cuban cocktails while exploring the island.
Just be aware that most Cubans drink responsibly when going out to dance, and if anyone is overly intoxicated in the streets here – it is normally tourists underestimating the strength of the Cuba Libre!
You are hereby advised to pay attention to the quantity of rum the bartender puts into your drink, and you’ll be fine!
Check out the legal drinking age by country across the world.
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