CubaGenWeb is an online bi-lingual depository dedicated to Cuban Genealogy, offering resources and data for genealogical research. It provides links to various Cuban databases and indexes, including birth, marriage, death, biographies, cemeteries, censuses, histories, immigration records, land records, military records, newspapers, obituaries, and probate records. The best place to begin genealogical investigation is with older family members and relatives who can provide names, dates, and family stories.
Uncover the rich lives of your Cuban ancestors through census records, court records, deeds, naturalization records, military records, ship passenger lists, birth, marriage, and death records. By meticulously collecting and archiving records, individuals can research and uncover their ancestral roots, explore familial connections, and gain a deeper understanding of their Cuban heritage.
To find family genealogies online, visit Rootsweb’s World Connect Project Search or the Family History Library’s indexes of parish records of some Cuban parishes. If you are still in touch with family living in Cuba, ask them to visit the local civil registry and request records from them.
CubaGenWeb offers an organized collection of resources and tools for genealogical research of Cuban ancestry and family history, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, newspaper clippings, obituaries, scrapbooks, albums, and family memoirs. The Cuba family history research page offers record collections, history, and genealogy resources to help you trace your Cuba ancestors.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba Genealogy | Guide to Cuba ancestry, family history and genealogy: parish registers, transcripts, census records, birth records, marriage records, and death records. | familysearch.org |
| Any tips/sources for research on family in Cuba? | If you’re still in touch with family that lives in Cuba, then you could ask them to visit the local civil registry and request records from them … | reddit.com |
| Cuban Genealogy Research: Useful Tips and Tricks | Cuban genealogy relies primarily on government civil registration and Roman Catholic church records. Unfortunately, very few of these records are available … | legacytree.com |
📹 VISITING Cuba in 2025 might be a nightmare FOR YOU ( MUST WATCH)
This video provides tips for travelers planning a trip to Cuba. The creator emphasizes that Cuba is unique and different from other countries, and that visitors should be prepared for inflation and potential challenges. The video also encourages viewers to support Cuban people by staying in local businesses and tipping in USD.
What Nationality Visits Cuba The Most?
In 2021, Russia emerged as the largest source of international visitors to Cuba, with over 146, 000 Russians traveling to the island, while Canada ranked second with approximately 69, 000 visitors. Despite this influx, Cuba experienced a significant decline in international arrivals for the second consecutive year due to broader global trends. When comparing tourist numbers to its population, Cuba ranked 107th globally, with 0. 032 tourists per resident, and 22nd in the Caribbean.
In terms of tourism revenue, Cuba earned approximately $1. 15 billion in 2020, a notable decrease from $2. 64 billion in 2019. The country's picturesque beaches and rich attractions, including Habana Vieja, continue to draw travelers despite challenges. In 2023, international tourism witnessed a resurgence, with 2. 4 million tourists reported, a dramatic increase from 2022 which hosted over 1. 6 million visitors.
By 2023, Russian tourists visiting Cuba reached about 185, 000, reflecting a growing interest. As Cuba attracts many travelers, including from the US under specific policy exemptions, it remains a captivating destination that offers unique cultural experiences amidst evolving tourism dynamics.
Where Can I Find My Cuban Ancestry Records?
Cuba is recognized as a historical melting pot, with records beginning on image 2, 416. This collection contains marriage records (1842-1849) and baptisms (1847-1848), accessible digitally only through FamilySearch affiliate libraries. The comprehensive guide to Cuban ancestry comprises parish registers, census records, and various vital records. Online databases offer links to a variety of records including birth, death, marriage certificates, and immigration documentation.
CubaGenWeb serves as a bilingual resource hub for those tracing Cuban genealogy, focusing on facilitating ancestral research. While some records pertain to enslaved individuals or those with African heritage, many Cuban genealogical records remain under-distributed. Currently, acquiring documents from Cuban Civil Registers necessitates assistance from relatives or friends in Cuba. FamilySearch provides a list of free genealogy records, while cooperation among organizations aims to digitize more birth, marriage, and death records.
Despite the evolving landscape in Cuba and challenges in obtaining resources, numerous genealogy platforms, including Ancestry. com and FamilySearch, serve as tools for those researching Cuban lineage. Additionally, archives and mailing lists like CUBA-L provide community support for genealogy enthusiasts. The ongoing efforts in digitizing records and offering resources are essential for uncovering the rich historical narratives of Cuban ancestors.
Does Family Search Have Records From Cuba?
The FamilySearch Library holds various resources for Cuban genealogy, including indexes of parish records and finding aids accessible through the FamilySearch Catalog. Users can find online databases and indexes with vital records such as births, marriages, deaths, censuses, military service, and immigration records, along with biographies and historical newspapers. The service offers exploration of over 274 million names across 1, 728 databases. CubaGenWeb is a notable bilingual online platform dedicated to Cuban genealogy, aimed at assisting users in tracing their roots.
Key record collections span the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing essential documentation of family life in Cuba. Although FamilySearch has some historical record collections, it currently lacks microfilmed or digitized records specific to Cuba, leading to mixed results when searching. Users can also access Catholic Church records, primarily focusing on baptisms, and some marriages. Overall, these resources serve as a foundational guide for those interested in uncovering their Cuban ancestry through historical records available both digitally and in-country.
Where Do Most Cubans Trace Their Ancestry To?
In 2014, genetic testing in Cuba revealed that individuals who self-identified as white had an average ancestry composition of 86% European, 6. 7% African, and 7. 8% Native American. This European ancestry primarily originates from Spain, particularly regions like Asturias, the Canary Islands, Galicia, and Catalonia. The majority of Cubans have a mixed heritage from Spanish and African ancestors, a result of colonial slavery. Significant migration from Spain occurred during the 18th to early 20th centuries, driven by economic and political factors, further contributing to the European influence in the Cuban gene pool.
Comprehensive genealogical research in Cuba encompasses parish registers, census, and vital records, which are essential for tracing lineage. Many Cuban Americans can connect their ancestry back to four centuries of Cuban history, with Spain at its core. An autosomal study corroborated that the overall ancestry in Cuba is composed of 72% European, 20% African, and 8% Amerindian. Cubans, influenced by various migrations, display a diverse range of physical traits reflecting their multi-ethnic heritage.
What Is A Digitized Record Of Emigrating To Cuba And Argentina?
This digitized record archives the residents of Betanzos, La Coruña, Spain, who received licenses for emigration to Cuba and Argentina, featuring a searchable index. The records stem from the Spanish consulate for men in Cuba called for military service, and ultimately these records will be included in the FamilySearch Catalog. Currently, 77, 480 descriptive records are accessible, with 3, 677 specifically pertaining to Cuban emigrants. These records encompass passenger lists, emigration permissions, and passport issuances, detailing emigrants' names, ages, occupations, destinations, and origins.
Argentine emigrants documented their migration both in their home country and the new one, primarily departing through Buenos Aires. The National Archives holds microfilm and original records, many digitized for viewing online at platforms such as Ancestry. While some online records exist for Cuban passengers, they mainly concern individuals with African heritage. The ongoing digitization efforts by entities like Digital Cuba, Inc. aim to assist Cuban genealogists globally.
The document notes that migration patterns have been uneven in Latin America, with Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Uruguay attracting substantial numbers. Recent reports highlight a surge in Cuban emigration, particularly to the U. S., underlining the dynamic nature of migration within the region.
Are US Residents Allowed In Cuba?
Yes, U. S. citizens can travel to Cuba in 2024, but there are specific regulations to follow. While general tourism is prohibited under U. S. law, travel is allowed under one of 12 categories authorized by the U. S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This means that Americans may visit Cuba for approved reasons such as family visits, educational activities, or support for the Cuban people. However, solely sightseeing remains illegal.
To travel to Cuba, U. S. citizens must obtain a visa and adhere to OFAC's guidelines. Essential requirements include having a passport valid for at least one week beyond the stay and purchasing a Cuban entry visa. Additionally, travelers need to complete the online immigration form known as D'Viajeros.
It’s important to note that post-2020 executive orders have maintained restrictions on tourism-related visits, but legal avenues still exist for Americans through designated licensed categories. Overall, while Americans can visit Cuba, the trip must comply with legal classifications, and visitors are expected to engage in meaningful activities rather than mere vacationing. For more information on travel, visa acquisition, and requirements, prospective travelers should stay informed about changes in U. S.-Cuba travel regulations.
Where Can I Find Military Records In Cuba?
A searchable index of files from the Spanish consulate in Cuba documents men called up for military service. These digitized records, accessible only at FamilySearch affiliate libraries, include passports issued at the Columbian Consulate starting from image 2, 416. Online resources for Cuban genealogy encompass databases and indexes with birth, marriage, death records, biographies, cemeteries, censuses, immigration, and military records. The Office of the Director of Census records from 1899-1900 include correspondence and property schedules.
CubaGenWeb serves as a bilingual online repository aiding Cuban genealogical research, offering access to over 274 million names across various databases, both free and subscription-based. Individuals can research service records prior to 1809 through LDS Church microfilms covering military personnel in Cuba from 1765-1809. Vanderbilt University possesses collections relevant to genealogical research, including military records that note "pardos," or brown individuals.
FamilySearch lists free Cuban genealogy records, encompassing military and census data. A Record Finder table guides researchers in identifying relevant record types. Military records from the independence struggles (1868-1898) and Cuban Revolutionary conflicts are documented. The National Archives Catalog provides descriptions and access to records for genealogical inquiries. Both pre- and post-1959 documents can be consulted through designated archives.
How Do I Get My Birth Records From Cuba?
To obtain a Cuban birth certificate (Certificación de nacimiento), the CJI typically delivers it within 15 to 20 working days. If the requester is outside Cuba, they must apply through a local Cuban consulate, with varying fees and delivery times based on the specific consulate. The process can be initiated online via the Cuba City Hall website, which offers a printable order form for mailing purposes. It's crucial to double-check all information before submission.
Additional online genealogy resources for Cuban ancestry can help access birth, marriage, and death records, among other documents. The Cuban Certificate Order Form must be filled out with detailed information, and upon submission, an email confirmation is generated. Websites like CubaGenWeb provide bilingual databases dedicated to Cuban genealogy research. While obtaining certificates like death and marriage can also be requested, the standard fee for a birth certificate is US$350, with processing potentially taking 21 to 30 working days.
Civil registration in Cuba commenced in 1885, and for records before the 1880s, ecclesiastical records should be consulted through the respective parish. The guide and linked resources can significantly aid in tracing familial connections and ancestral roots, further supported by organizations like Digital Cuba, Inc., which focus on digitizing vital records for genealogical research.
How To Find Your Family In Cuba?
Cuba offers a range of online genealogy resources for those seeking to trace their family history. Useful tools include name lookups, family tree searches, parish and church records, and digitized books. The CubaGenWeb serves as a bilingual repository to aid individuals in uncovering their Cuban roots, emphasizing the importance of starting with older family members for names, dates, and stories. Available records include census data, court documents, naturalization papers, military records, and vital records such as births, marriages, and deaths.
While obtaining documents from Cuban civil registers typically requires assistance from someone in Cuba, various online databases like Rootsweb’s World Connect Project can help connect individuals to genealogical information. Florida International University Libraries has recently launched an online resource aimed at helping Cuban diaspora families research their ancestry. Additionally, the Cuban Red Cross may assist in reuniting families who have lost contact.
This guide compiles various resources for genealogical research and emphasizes the significance of collecting documents such as birth certificates, obituaries, and family records to build a comprehensive understanding of one's Cuban heritage.
How Do I Contact Someone In Cuba?
To call Cuba from the United States, dial 011 (or + from a mobile), followed by 53 (Cuba's country code) and the local number, which has six to eight digits for landlines and eight digits for mobile phones. In emergencies, reach the American Citizens Services Unit at (53) (7) 839-4100 or (+53) 7839-4100 after hours. For natural disasters, quickly inform relatives of your safety. If personal contact fails, utilize the Embassy’s services. A private investigative agency can assist in locating individuals in Cuba.
For connectivity, consider using WhatsApp at (+) 53 5582 0484, or apps like DUC and Multicuba. Various online services exist for calling or sending money to Cuba, including free calling options. Basic Spanish phrases such as "Hola" for greetings can enhance rapport. Calling Cuba requires the format: 011 - 53 - phone number. The international prefix is +53, and to reach Cuba, dial an exit code, the country code 53, followed by the area code and phone number.
Havana's area code is 7, while mobiles start with 5. International calls from Cuba can be pricey; either buy ETECSA phone cards or call from hotels. Ensure the number is in international format (starting with + or 00), followed by 53 and the local number. Overall, connecting with people in Cuba is manageable with the right approach and tools.
📹 Stephanie Richardson – Finding Virgin Islands Family Roots in Cuba
Join Stephanie Richardson and Larry Sewer at the Caribbean Genealogy Library on October 15th, at 2pm: for their talk on …
Thank you for your content. Just returned from Cuba and your information was very helpful. I understood the currency conversion, I expected the small Cuban peso bills and knew not to change too much USD to pesos. I also brought several bottles of water and was ready for the power outages (which happened) and shortages of food items when eating out. Your website is very informative.
now (march 2024) for 1 USD they gonna pay you more than 300 pesos in the informal market (streets), NEVER EVER exchange your USD in the banks because as the guy says, cuba is different from any other country, you may wants to go exchange your money in the bank but you gonna get much less of the amount you’ll get in the streets, in the hotels.
Salient advice! My Cuban-American friends proved to be an invaluable resource prior to a five date business related trip to Cuba. They shared much of the same information. I learned how and why it was far better to gift a family one or two plastic pocket combs, a toothbrush, and an acceptable dog-eared paperback novel with occasional US dollar bill “bookmarks” tucked between the worn pages – as opposed to what I imagined would be the far more generous gift of a $50 bill adorned by the visage of Ulysses S Grant. It is indeed important to understand the reality behind that which seems contradictory to an overwhelming number of US Americans and Western Europeans who enjoy the luxury of traveling to faraway lands.
Hey Alex: Great article. I can honestly say that I contacted Alex when we visited Havana last month. He gave us a great tour, we ate at fabulous restaurants, saw the real Havana and experienced life as Cubans. Highly recommend Alex and his company. Note: bring USD. Get as many $1 bills for tips as you want to spend and the rest in small bills $5,10,20 for meals. they do take Canadian money, but prefer USD. Cheers
Anyone else who goes to Cuba and complains that it is not 5 star, deserves to have a miserable time. It is really common knowledge that this country struggles, especially with supplies due to embargoes (no fault of their own). Cuba has genuinely nice people and they work hard for peanuts. They serve you up food and drinks that they themselves would never be able to afford, much less have access to. Their beaches are gorgeous. Anyone travelling there need to leave their sense of entitlement at home. Enjoy the weather and hospitality. If you want 5 star and gourmet meals, then don’t go to Cuba. If you want a nice beach, a cold drink and nice people and don’t care about the frills, then you will love it and you will keep going back. I have seen people raging that there wasn’t eggs for a few days, and no coke. They complained the sand was too soft. Seriously. No eggs and soft sand, and they lost their minds and trashed the resort.
Thank you for all the money tips, I visited a few years ago, and did not bring enough cash, had to go through a lot of hoops and loops to get money to myself, it is best to stablish these methods before you arrive. I can validate your assertion that their currency fluctuates on value from day to day!
My husband and I have been to Cuba many times . We have good friends in Matanzas as well that we were able to visit in October and see all around the town for day 🙂 We love the Cuban people I wish Canadians could buy vacation property there ! Hopefully I’ll be back by April . Nice articles thank you for taking your time to make them
Im currently in Cuba. Im on a solo last day of a 7 day all inclusive trip. Im staying in Varadaro. Im staying at the resorts Valentin El Patriarca. The resort is old. The rooms need to be renovated. They food options are limited, and the customer service is not great. There are a few individuals who are genuine and provide great customer service. But for the most part this resort is plagued with limitations and you will experience some level of attitude when you seek clarification. The beach is nice, but no snacks (fries, nichos, chips etc.) If you get hungry outside of buffet times, you only have access to meat burgers and a small amount of fries. Im a pescatarian and when I would request an order of only fries, I would get a small plate with maybe 10 – 15 room temperature fries accompanied by a drop of ketchup and mustard 😒. The cleaners use a dirty mop on the room floor, they dont change bed linings for your stay, and are reluctant to change towels daily. The food is not bad at this resort, but almost everything else is enough for me to confidentiality say, I would never stay at this resort again. I have been to Cuba twice before this visit, and it was not this bad. So I am open to visiting cuba again in the future just gonna stay far away from this place.
We will be visiting Cub in a few months, but my wife booked us in an all-inclusive resort. I keep hearing conflicting information. Some say to tip in US, some say you can’t use US… Some say tip in Canadian, others say you can’t use coins, which would mean a minimum tip of $5 Cdn. I also have no idea how much we should expect to tip while there. Last time we went was about 23 years ago, and the average tip back then was $1 US.
I think your description of Cuba is very accurate. Yeah. After having a tour guide, I feel bad talking about what I have experienced in the resort. Service, food, people. Resorts are actually government owned. They have 53% ownership. In a way. It feels like staying in the resort is supporting the government. Beach is beautiful! Water is beautiful. But with food at a resort, you should have a mentality of finding the best they have to offer during your visit and stick with the same type of food for the rest of your time. I am still trying to understand why the chefs inside a resort really don’t seem to know how to cook. Fundamental errors. Like over or undercooked meat. Lack of spices is another thing that I have to take it with a grain of salt(quite literally). For my visit. Ala Carte was a waste of time. I stick with stew gravy on rice at the buffet. Seems that all resorts have a grill next to the pool or beach. I say your best bet is to only eat there. And pick the best veggie or fruits that they have to offer from buffet. But in general, you won’t be satisfied with the food at the resort. Maybe better from a few years ago.
Just came back from a trip to Cuba. Had an amazing time going to Cienfuegos, Topes de collantes, Trinidad, a bit of Varadero and only a day trip to Havana. Definitely will be back. Cienfuegos was very clean and chill, Topes was AMAZING and very beautiful, Trinidad you could see would be more fun when it is busier, Havana also, but I felt like we did not even scratch the surface. Exchanging money on the street was no problem, Euro and USD definitely was preferred over CAD, seemed to get a better rate.
I just got back from Cuba last week I was planning to stay until October 2nd a total of 3 months. No power no food always excuses for not having anything available I’m getting tired of it and never returning to Cuba they will not see a penny of my money ever again. I’ve been traveling to Cuba for 8 years over 30 visits. I stay in the city and many resorts and I can tell you with 100% certainty they’re all suffering and it’s getting worse day by day
If you are an American, your credit and debit cards will not work, and you will not be able to make any bank transfers. Do not believe stories about certain stores or resorts allowing American credit or debit cards. These are circumstances where someone is working some black market angle, and it won’t last and you won’t be able to find it anyway. There are agencies in the US that transfer money to Cuba. They charge 20% commission.
Hi I am travelling to Cuba for the first time. I am going to travel between Havana and Varadero. I have few questions. 1. How can I travel between Havana and Varadero ? There is no uber or internet taxi in Cuba so how can I book taxi and what would be the cost ? 2. Can I get good internet in the apartment to do my work ? 3. Can I use my ATM visa or Mastercard for payments or do I need to bring cash with me ? Hoping you will reply. Thanks.
Hi and thanks for a great article! We are going to Cuba from Sweden in January. I wonder if you know which currency is best for us to bring, the Euro or USD? Is it easier to get a grip of what everything costs if we bring USD rather than Euros? We have another currency in Sweden so I would appreciate not to have to count between 4 currencies in my head. 😂
Hi Alex, great article. I am travelling to Cuba on Feb 1st with travel agency. I am from Erope and so I have EUR. You said do not tip in CUP. But smallest banknote is 5 eur which is sometimes too much for tips. Do you recommend me change some EUR to USD and use USD for tips? I heard they do not like1-2 EUR coins for tips because they cannot change them for banknotes. Thanks in advance.
Very insightful, Alex. I just emailed you. Heading to Havana is 30 days. I’ve been to Cuba before and after sitting in a resort in Veradero for 2.5 days I said to myself “this is not Cuba”. I rented a moped, went to Matanzas and had 2 great days with the locals. This trip will be to La Habana. I speak relatively good Spanish and understand the culture being there once before however, why do you recommend not having plans? I plan to just get on a plane and go. Outside of my AirBnB reservations, I’m flying by wire. Sin planes, amigo.
Don’t go to Cuba, I’ve been 7 times. It’s gone downhill a lot. If you only want to eat chicken, pork, cheese and rice for a week straight then ok, they have no vaccum cleaners anywhere so every carpet in a hotel has never been cleaned, hotel national has cockroaches, the workers don’t care about your stay because they make 20-60 dollars per month, they will beg you for tips and money. The streets are moldy and dirty, the Chinese have bought any goods cigar and the stores just have 2022 boxes nothing old or decent. The new currency and pricing is a pain and most hotels ( national and other nice hotels) will want you to pay with credit card because they are hurting for USD. Cuba isn’t the same as the last time I went, you’ll be happier going somewhere else warm. It’s not the cuban peoples fault, I don’t even think it’s the embargo, it’s the cuban government needs to fix it’s economy and bring in some type of manufacturing or industry, they need to fix how it’s people are paid and the food for it’s people. It’s a giant mess that’s slowly falling apart more and more. The history is nice, but once you’ve seen it once or twice I feel like you’re better off going somewhere else warm. Please don’t let the scammers scam you by taking you to their friends restaurant, or exchange money on the street and get ripped off, use your street smarts if you do go.
Hey bro can u recommend to me for my friend where to get cuban cigars that are real if not at a government habanos store. That is where everyone is aging to go and with the high inflation and there increases every couple months I would rather shop local in havana or where ever if you have recommendations??
Another great article. I miss Cuba but our Canadian dollar is falling and it looks like we are heading for a recession. At present it is below 73 cents vs USD. You should be able to tip using a credit card but of course it may not go to the person ( eg server) you want and of course it will be in CUP. Keep up the great work. 👍
By the looks of your place it you seems your doing very well . Also what your doing is against the law .Im sure your not paying the Goverment the taxes on the money you earn . Ive been all over Cuba and 99% of the people are happy . I can show you places in DMR that would make you cry . Everyone in Cuba gets food from the Goverment and housing .
This was your 2024 article. Guess you changed the year just for the algorithm. Why not just a new article. Also, most people going to Cuba are not going to be clueless. You gave here in this old article; the basics that most people already know. It would be nice to hear things that are not so basically obvious.
I am married to a Cuban girl and bought a house in Matanza. Under her name. 3 1/2 years I have paid for her. $8500 for Visa to Toronto, etc. She cares more about the taxi drivers cousins brothers daughter than me. I was at MY house at Xmas. It was a nightmare. I will take my losses, I guess. Anybody going to Cuba. WATCH OUT!
Go to Cuba for a few weeks if you are looking to lose weight. All-inclusive resorts are crap and going to a restaurant in town in Varadero isn’t any better except you can get a lobster tail that isnt that good. I hope people boycott Cuba until they can turn things around because the whole country is one big scam.
when i go to cuba i bring all my food from mexico andd buy next t o nothing there, way too expensive and also alway s of poor quaiity and bad hygiene, ibuy bananas at the market and make peanut butter sandwiches with peanut butter non hydrogenated, hard to find inmexico but possible. i buy the sealed camgauey water which is very tasty and safe; i take a few hard boiled eggsa from th hotel morning bueffett and that has to get me through the day. the restaurants are nyc prices for questionable quality and hygiene, i skip those entirely. way overpriced. the casa particulares are also very overpriced, and you can hear the neihbours screamingand their music. etc. the hotels are cheaper and better, bookvia canada!., cuba is very expensive now for poor quality allaround R
Cuba’s healthcare system is thriving and sufficient that is the envy of the global south. >90% of Cubans have their own homes while American spend half of their income on housing and 37 million od them are unensured for healthcare and 60,000 of them die each year due to lack the health coverage. Cuba have a stronger track record on life expectancy, infant mortality, child malnutrition and literacy. Cuban scientists made a lung cancer vaccine and eliminate mother-to child transition of the HIV virus and syphilis.