Cuba ( Republic of )

History of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info | Currency Info | Trade Info | Visits and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/ Organisations

History of Relations

On 11 May 1994 Cuba and South Africa established full diplomatic relations. In October 1995 Mr JK Nkadimeng took up his post as South Africa's first Ambassador in Cuba.

In 1994, former President Nelson Mandela stated that, in accordance with South Africa's policy towards countries with which it has normal diplomatic relations, it would endeavour to foster trade and economic, cultural and sporting links with Cuba that would be mutually beneficial.

President Fidel Castro paid a State Visit to South Africa in September 1998, and also attended the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Durban. A delegation led by the Cuban Minister of Welfare attended the inauguration of President TM Mbeki in June 1999.

In April 2000, President Mbeki attended the South Summit in Havana.

President Mbeki paid a State Visit to Cuba from 26 to 29 March 2001. During the visit cooperation agreements were signed in the areas of Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Sport and Recreation, Air Services and Merchant Shipping. President Mbeki was accompanied on the visit by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Education, Sport and Recreation, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and Agriculture and Land Affairs.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Cuba 

Vacant
Ambasssador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

Time Difference with SA

- 7 hours - 20 October - 20 April
- 6 hours - 20 April - 20 October

Cuba Representation in South Africa

H E Mr A V Hernández
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
Cuban Foreign Ministry

45 Mackenzie Street
Brooklyn
Tel: 012 346 - 2215

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Pretoria.

Visa Requirements for Cuban citizens visiting South Africa

For more information contact any South African Embassy.

Travel Advisory on illegal activities abroad

South African citizens travelling abroad are strongly advised to take care not to become involved in activities which may be, or are, illegal in foreign countries. Please remember, once you leave South Africa, you are not protected by South African laws and constitutional rights. If you are arrested abroad, the South African Government cannot get you out of prison or demand your release. At most, your government can intercede with local authorities to try and ensure that your rights under the laws of the country in which you were arrested are fully observed. It can also attempt to ensure that you are treated humanely, i.e., according to those international agreements to which the country in which you have been arrested, has acceded.

Please note that the South African Government views crimes - particularly those involving illegal drugs, mercenary activities, the traffic in humans or small arms or the abuse of women and children - in a most serious light.

Health Requirements

None

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Tropical/Average temperature 25 degrees Celsius.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Cuban Peso.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No information

Bilateral Agreements

Trade Info

South Africa exports mainly minerals, chemicals (mainly herbicides and pesticides), and machinery (diesel engines) to Cuba. Imports from Cuba include: Pharmaceutical products.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Cuba, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

No Information