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Visa-Free Travel for Cubans: Russia Restarts Direct Flights Between Moscow and Holguín
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A New Option for Cubans Traveling Without a Visa
The Russian Embassy in Cuba announced the resumption of direct flights between Moscow and Holguín, opening another visa-free travel route for Cuban citizens.
Operated by the charter airline Nordwind Airlines, in cooperation with Pegas Touristik, the flights will officially begin on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with a frequency of one flight every ten days.
This connection previously existed in 2017 but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reactivation is seen as “excellent news” for Cuban travelers and the island’s struggling tourism sector.
Flight Details: Moscow–Holguín Route
According to the embassy, Nordwind Airlines, based in Moscow, will operate flights from Sheremetyevo International Airport to Frank País García International Airport in Holguín.
The initiative strengthens the tourism and economic cooperation between Russia and Cuba at a time when the island is facing a deep economic crisis.
The Russian market, alongside Canada, remains one of Cuba’s main sources of tourists, and the new connection launches just as the high tourism season begins.
Strengthening Russia–Cuba Relations
In recent months, Moscow and Havana have signed multiple cooperation agreements in energy, tourism, and other strategic areas.
The Russian hotel group Cosmos Hotel Group recently signed a management agreement with Gaviota S.A., a company under the Cuban conglomerate GAESA, to expand hotel operations across Cuban destinations such as Holguín and Varadero.
Visa-Free Travel: What Cubans Need to Know
Russia continues to maintain a visa exemption agreement with Cuba. According to the Russian Embassy:
“Cuban citizens traveling to Russia for tourism or private visits can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa, provided they have valid tickets for entry and return.”
This makes Russia one of the few visa-free destinations currently available to Cubans, along with countries like Serbia, Belarus, and Nicaragua.
A Welcome Opportunity for Cuban Travelers
The reopening of the Moscow–Holguín route offers a new opportunity for Cubans seeking to travel abroad for tourism, family visits, or migration.
With limited visa options in other regions, Russia once again becomes a key travel gateway for many Cubans looking to temporarily or permanently leave the island.
The return of direct flights between Moscow and Holguín is more than just a transportation link — it’s a sign of the deepening political and tourism partnership between Russia and Cuba, and a chance for Cuban citizens to access the world without visa restrictions.
