Yes, casas particulares in Cuba require a national registration and permit to operate legally. Homeowners must obtain a government-issued license, adhere to strict hygiene, safety, and tax regulations, and display a blue sign (blue anchor symbol) outside their property to indicate it is an authorized rental. The sign will read - 'Arrendador Divisa’. If the sign is in red it means that the casa particular is only for Cuban tourists.

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In Cuba, the majority of

There is no tourist tax on accommodation in Cuba, the only tourist tax paid is the departure tax which has now been added to the cost of flight

Yes. Cuba requires STR operators, particularly “casas particulares,” to maintain a guest register and report information to government authorities. This helps with national security, immigration control, and tourist tracking.

Generally,

Formal requirements specifically targeting online platforms are less publicly detailed in Cuban legislation, as the short-term rental market in Cuba historically operated through state-approved channels and local agencies. However, international platforms like Airbnb operate with limited functionality due to U.S. sanctions and Cuban regulatory frameworks.

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Cuba’s Constitution and national laws emphasize equality and prohibit discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, and nationality. While not specifically tailored to STR, these general anti-discrimination principles apply to all accommodation providers, including “casas particulares.”

Cuba generally requires hosts to collect and submit guest information to immigration and local authorities, although it is not explicitly clear how international booking platforms must share data. In practice, these platforms may need to comply with governmental requests under Cuban law, but such obligations are not widely publicized. Airbnb, for its part, has special authorization from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, allowing non-U.S. travelers to use its services for trips to Cuba. Due to U.S. regulations, Airbnb must gather basic travel information—such as home address and purpose of visit—before completing any booking to Cuba. For further guidance on travel restrictions, visitors should consult the U.S. Treasury’s website on Cuban sanctions.

Cuba does not typically mandate a specific liability insurance policy solely for STR properties. However, operators of “casas particulares” must maintain a valid license and meet general safety and lodging requirements. Insurance products are limited and controlled by state-run insurers. Some hosts may voluntarily carry insurance for property and liability, but this is not a broadly enforced national requirement.

The Law for the Protection of Cultural Heritage includes provisions aimed at safeguarding the country's historical buildings and monuments.

properties classified as part of Cuba's cultural heritage may not be easily altered or repurposed for commercial uses like short-term rentals without approval from the relevant authorities, such as the National Council of Cultural Heritage.

Environmental regulations in Cuba encourage responsible tourism. While there may not be STR-specific sustainability mandates, general environmental laws apply:

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Cuban legislation tends to prioritize long-term housing security. However, short-term rentals are distinguished from long-term tenancies. Hosts cannot arbitrarily convert long-term rentals into short-term tourist accommodations without adhering to licensing rules. Long-term tenant protection laws generally do not apply directly to STR guests but prevent displacing Cuban residents to create Casa particular inventory without proper legal processes.

Yes. Hosts must report all foreign guests to local immigration authorities. This is done shortly after check-in and typically involves providing passport details, length of stay, and accommodation address:

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While formal “digital platform verification” laws are not broadly published, platforms operating in Cuba typically must ensure that listed accommodations are legally licensed. Government authorities may hold hosts responsible for compliance rather than placing the onus on digital platforms. However, platforms recognized internationally might voluntarily comply with local requirements to maintain operational good standing.

While Cuba does not have an extensive consumer protection law directly aimed at casa particulares, the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) has established regulations and standards for the operation of private accommodations. These rules aim to ensure that guests receive quality service and safe lodging. For example:

Hosts are required to meet certain health and safety standards, which indirectly protect consumers Casa particular hosts must provide accurate information about their property, including clear pricing and amenities.

• Non-resident Cuban citizens or foreigners wishing to operate

There is no classification like this in Cuba, instead they are classified according to the type of accommodation they offer;

a shared room

an apartment

an entire house

They can also be classified based on ownership, that is, government owned or privately owned casa

During significant national events and festivities in Cuba, authorities may temporarily tighten regulations. This often means stricter monitoring and reporting of guest information, increased security inspections, and the potential enforcement of curfews or noise limits during certain celebrations.

Major cultural gatherings include:

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Homeowners found renting accommodations without proper authorization risk substantial fines and, in severe cases, may face the confiscation of their property.

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