2024 OCR World Series Cuba

The World Obstacle OCR World Series, Cuba includes a 100m / 12 obstacle sprint course and 3 km / 12 obstacle beach OCR. Race is right by to the Starfish Hotel, Carretera Las Morlas Km 14.5, Autop. Sur, Varadero 42110

Prior to the OCR World Series Cuba is the Pan Am Open Pentathlon Championships May 7-10. The Pan Am Open includes Obstacle Triathle (swim-run-shoot), Obstacle Laser Run, Obstacle Laser Run mixed relay (U15/U17/U19) , and Pentathlon Obstacle race (all age groups). For US athletes wishing to compete in these events, contact USA Pentathlon Multisport kmontford@usapentathlon.org and gsokolovas@gmail.com. Full details and the event invitation is available here

Most flights departing the US arrive in Havana with a few direct to Varadero.

Everyone traveling for this event will be provided with a letter of invitation which is required immigration to and from the United States and Cuba. Travel details must be completed and returned by Sunday April 14th to ensure smooth entry to Cuba and support of the local authorities.

Airport Transfers

The event venue is 150 km drive from Havana airport - most flights departing the US arrive here. If you are not using the official race hotel (Americans should not stay here due to US government restrictions), email Maria maria@cubatravelservices.com or Pedro pedro@cubatravelservices.com to organize transport before you leave for Cuba, or wing it!

Should you rent a car in Cuba in 2024?

• Renting a car could become an adventure (a journey with an unexpected outcome!)
• Fuel is much more expensive for private individuals than they are for licensed transport operators.
• Fuel shortages are not uncommon, which often lead to rationing of fuel.
• Insurance is a major requirement.
• You must be at least 21 years old and have had a license for at least 3 years to rent a vehicle.
• Booking a car can be time-consuming, frustrating, and sometimes impossible
• You’ll need to Spanish language skills.
• The minimum rental period is three days.
• If you have an accident in Cuba, then you will not be leaving the country until any claims are resolved.

Travel to Cuba for the OCR World Series, Cuba, is on invitation from Federación Cubana de Pentatlón Moderno, in collaboration with North, Central and Caribbean Confederation of Modern Pentathlon (NORCECA), Modern Pentathlon Sudamerica as part of the Pan American Open Pentathlon Championships.

Cuban Entry Requirements

• Travel to Cuba is limited to specific purposes. On check-in to your flight and whenever asked, the purpose of your visit to Cuba is for Athletic Competitions.
• Complete the D'Viajeros Advance Information of Travelers Form. Can only be completed before you depart and within 48 hours from departure for Cuba. You will receive a QR code and email that you present to Immigration officers on your arrival in Cuba. Instructions for completing the form here.
• You may be able to complete the Travelers Form at a kiosk at the airport. Check with your departure airport and airline.
• Visas can be purchased at American Airlines Gate 7 in Miami or at your departure gate. Check with your carrier if not American Airlines.
• Cuban Tourist Card/Visa. Instructions on how to complete the form here.
• Current passport valid for at least 6 months after your entry into Cuba.
• Proof of Travel Medical Insurance.

Cuba requires all travelers to Cuba to have travel medical insurance. U.S. airlines include the mandatory travel medical insurance in your ticket. The travel medical insurance must include coverage for medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. The Cuban health insurance that is included in your ticket with any U.S. airline, is provided by ESICUBA and is valid for 30 days. If you travel to Cuba from another country like Mexico, your air ticket will not include this insurance and you may be asked to show proof of insurance on arrival.

For further questions, contact the U.S Department of the Treasury and view these FAQs

US citizens should not stay at the official race hotel. You should book accommodation that is not on the US Government off-limits to American travelers list, see below. Fortunately there are many cost effective options, including through Airbnb.

The US State Department maintains a list of prohibited accommodations. Please refer to the list here before you book your accommodations in Cuba.

Review the full list of off-limits hotels here before you book your accommodations in Cuba.

Currency in Cuba

The sole national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso, also known as the CUP or simply the peso. It is officially the only currency accepted in Cuba for most transactions.

Because the Cuban peso is held to an official exchange rate ($1 = 120 CUP), a “black market” for foreign currency is now well established in Cuba, leading to an unofficial exchange rate for Cuban pesos of around $1 USD = 265+ CUP. It is not recommended to exchange large amounts of money (over $100) at the airport or at the CADECA official money exchange locations. Contact us and ask where you can exchange your money.

Currency options will be provided on arrival in Varadero.

Most Cubans accept foreign currency, especially Euros or USD. Best to change your currency for Cuban pesos (you’ll get more pesos that way!) but you won’t have an issue paying for things in foreign currency.

NOTE: The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

Credit or debit cards are not widely used in Cuba, and most travel websites strongly recommend you do not use them, particularly if they are linked to a US bank. Some authorized travelers in Cuba are permitted to use credit or debit cards issued by a U.S. financial institution with respect to activity that is authorized pursuant to the CACR. Travelers are advised to check with their financial institution before traveling to Cuba to determine whether the institution has established the necessary mechanisms for its issued credit or debit cards to be used in Cuba.