Visa-Free Travel for Cubans: Russia Resumes Direct Flights Between Moscow and Holguín

A New Opportunity to Travel Visa-Free

The Russian embassy in Cuba confirmed the resumption of direct flights between Moscow and Holguín, which will allow Cuban citizens to travel without a visa to the Eurasian country for up to 90 days.

The flights will be operated by the charter airline Nordwind Airlines, together with tour operator Pegas Touristik, and will begin service on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with a frequency of one flight every 10 days.

This air route had been active since 2017 but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its resumption is considered “excellent news” both for Cuban travelers and for the island's tourism sector.

Details of the New Moscow–Holguín Flight

According to the official statement, Nordwind Airlines will operate from Sheremetyevo International Airport, in Moscow, to Frank País García Airport, in Holguín.

The initiative is part of joint efforts between Russia and Cuba to strengthen tourism and economic cooperation, at a time when the island is facing a severe economic crisis and a notable drop in the flow of foreign visitors.

The Russian market, along with the Canadian market, represents one of the main sources of tourism in Cuba, so this announcement comes right at the start of the high tourist season.

Cuba and Russia Strengthen Strategic Ties

Over the past few months, Moscow and Havana have strengthened relations through bilateral agreements in key sectors, such as energy, tourism, transportation, and electoral legislation.

In addition, the Russian company Cosmos Hotel Group recently signed a hotel management agreement with Gaviota S.A., part of the Cuban conglomerate GAESA, to boost tourism infrastructure in destinations such as Holguín and Varadero.

What Do Cubans Need to Travel to Russia?

Russia has maintained a visa exemption agreement with Cuba for several years. According to the Russian embassy:

“Cuban citizens wishing to travel to Russia for visits or tourism may do so for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without needing a visa, by purchasing round-trip tickets.”

This makes Russia one of the few visa-free destinations accessible to Cubans, along with countries such as Serbia, Belarus, or Nicaragua.

A Breather for Cuban Travelers

The reestablishment of this air route offers a new alternative for those seeking to travel abroad, whether for tourism, family, or migration purposes.

Amid the difficulties in obtaining visas at European or Latin American embassies, Russia is once again positioning itself as a key connection point for many Cubans who wish to leave the island, whether temporarily or permanently.

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The reopening of direct Moscow–Holguín flights represents more than just an air connection: it reflects the strengthening of political and tourism ties between Cuba and Russia, and an opportunity for Cubans to explore new destinations without the visa restrictions they face in other countries.