We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Editor's Note: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.Got it!

How To Get a Cuba IP Address From Anywhere in 2025

Hendrik Human Updated on November 06, 2025 Fact-checked by Lawrence Wachira Cybersecurity Researcher

Global embargoes and Cuba’s isolationism mean it’s one of the most internet-restricted countries. Even getting a Cuba IP address isn’t easy, as most VPN and proxy services refuse to risk operating servers in the country.

This can make it extremely difficult to safely access local services, like Apklis, EnZona, and Picta, from anywhere. Even though roughly 71.3% of Cuba’s population is online1 (Trading Economics), many of these platforms and apps are geo-restricted or rely on the island's internal network. Without a Cuban IP (or sometimes even a local SIM), they simply won’t load.

Is there a safe way to reach Cuban apps and websites from anywhere? Using a VPN with virtual servers is the most practical way to get a secure Cuba IP that works with local apps and websites. However, even this approach has some caveats that I’ll cover in this guide.

Important: Although using a VPN in Cuba is not explicitly illegal, the government does impose some restrictions on the use of VPNs and encryption technologies. The team at vpnMentor does not promote or condone the use of VPNs for activities that go against local laws. Please inform yourself about what’s illegal and what websites are banned in Cuba, as this changes frequently.

How Can You Get a Cuban IP Address?

  1. Download a VPN.
    Pick a high-quality VPN that offers servers in Cuba to get an IP from there. Obfuscation, strong security features, and strict privacy policies are also recommended to keep your activity and connection private when using Cuban IP.
  2. Connect to a Cuba server.
    The nearer the server is, the faster it will be. Most Cuban servers will be virtual, so the closer it’s hosted to you or Cuba, the better.
  3. Start browsing securely.
    Once your VPN is properly configured and connected, you can freely visit .cu sites, like Cubavision or Apklis, with an encrypted connection.

How To Get a Cuba IP Address: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re outside Cuba, you can simply download a VPN and connect to a server in Cuba. If you’re traveling there, the best advice is to download and install the VPN before you go. Due to a US embargo and local state-mandated blocks, official app stores and VPN sites are not accessible in Cuba. So, it’ll be much harder to get a private Cuban IP once you’re there.

How do you download a VPN in Cuba? There were over 89,000 fresh installs of just one VPN following government internet disruptions in 20222. While some official VPN sites remain accessible in the country, others can only be found via mirror sites or unofficial sources. However, this risks unwittingly installing software that doesn’t work or contains malware.

Below, we’ll show you how to safely get a Cuba IP with a VPN from anywhere:

1. Get a Fast and Secure VPN

Choose a tried-and-tested VPN with servers in or near Cuba. There are almost no reputable services with servers physically located in Cuba. VPNs with virtual Cuban servers can provide IPs that point to the country, without risking interference by the Cuban authorities. The best VPNs are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, at the very least.

Screenshot of the landing page for ExpressVPN’s Cuba-focused serviceMost VPNs also offer a money-back guarantee, so you can test the Cuban IP risk-free
Pro tip: If you’re in Cuba or traveling there, the best way is to pay for, sign up for the VPN, and then download and install the apps on all your devices before you travel there. You should also sign in to the apps at least once and save your credentials somewhere for future use in Cuba. Another option is to use a secure free VPN first and connect to a server outside Cuba to download a VPN with Cuban servers.

2. Configure the VPN To Maximize Connection Stability and Privacy

Turn on the kill switch and IP/DNS/WebRTC to prevent accidental data exposure. Also, turn on the automatic WiFi protection if available — this will activate the VPN whenever you connect to public networks.

I also recommend enabling obfuscation — it helps maintain a stable connection, even on networks that actively block VPN connections. Most of the best VPNs for Cuba offer it in some form. Obfuscation scrambles the VPN signature, making it harder to spy on or restrict your activities with a Cuban IP from inside or outside the country.

Screenshots of ExpressVPN’s VPN settingsExpressVPN has a Lightway protocol that enables obfuscation

3. Connect to a Cuba Server

Look for the server labeled “Cuba” and connect to it. Usually, VPNs will only have a single option for Cuba, with IPs that point to the capital in Havana. If you’re having trouble using your Cuba IP, or none are available, you can try using servers in Florida (US), Mexico, or the Bahamas instead. This won’t give you a Cuba IP, but it may work with certain Cuban services.

Screenshots of ExpressVPN's Windows app with an active connection to its Cuba serverClick the ‘star’ next to the Cuba server to add it to your quick connect list
Pro tip: Check that your new Cuban IP is working by using a reliable IP lookup tool. If it shows Havana or any other location in Cuba, you’re all set.

4. Browse Securely With a Cuba IP

You can now safely access Cuban websites, apps, and services. Keep the VPN connected to protect your data from surveillance and monitoring, especially while using public WiFi in Cuba.

Screenshot of streaming on Picta while connected to ExpressVPN's Cuba serverWe didn't experience significant slowdowns or buffering while watching Cuban TV
Pro tip: Some major online platforms — like PayPal, Discord, Airbnb, and many Google services — may block Cuba IPs due to US trade embargo restrictions. This means you could lose access to these apps or payment gateways while connected to a Cuban server. To use Cuban and international services simultaneously, enable your VPN’s split tunneling and only route Cuban sites via the VPN. This way, you can safely multitask without access errors.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Getting a Cuba IP

It’s very rare to find a VPN that provides Cuban IPs. Luckily, we did find some options that also happen to be among the best and most secure VPNs around. Both offer features to prevent spying on your activity and keep your connections private at all times, preventing accidental exposure of your real IP or data.

VPN Cuban Servers Security & Privacy Lowest Price Device Connections Money-back Guarantee
🥇ExpressVPN Yes, in Havana Automatic obfuscation on all servers with the Lightway or Automatic protocol selection $3.49/month 14 30 days*
🥈Proton VPN Yes, in Havana Stealth mode to prevent DPI $3.59/month 10 30 days

How To Get a Cuba IP Address With a Proxy

A proxy service is the next best way to get a Cuba IP, with the main drawback that it doesn’t secure your connection. Proxies also work by swapping your IP with one from a different location, but don’t encrypt your traffic and usually don’t have additional security tools, like a kill switch, ad blockers, and obfuscation. It’s mainly a tool to change your IP location to appear as if you’re somewhere else.

Are there proxy servers in Cuba? Most proxy servers with Cuba IPs are virtual to avoid enforcement actions by the government. They are more common than VPNs, with top proxies like IPRoyal, OxyLabs, and NetNut offering them. However, they’re slightly more complex to configure, as they are designed for business applications, like data scraping and ad verification.

Residential proxies are the recommended option for getting a Cuban IP. These appear as if they come from real homes or devices in Cuba, making them less likely to get flagged for geo-spoofing or misuse. Datacenter proxies are more numerous and cheaper, but much more likely to be blocklisted. Mobile proxies are equally effective, but even pricier and with fewer IPs in Cuba. Here’s how to get a Cuba IP with a proxy:

  1. Choose a reputable residential proxy with Cuban IPs. Sign up for the service and provide your payment details. Proxies typically charge you per GB of data used.
  2. Get proxy credentials. In your dashboard, look for their Cuban proxy IPs and save the address/hostname (e.g., cu.proxynetwork.com), port number (e.g., 8080 or 10000), and login details.
  3. Configure proxy settings. You typically set up a connection under the proxy settings for your OS or the specific app/browser you want to use. Enter the credentials from step 2 in the appropriate fields to get a Cuban IP.
  4. Use safely and maintain security. Verify that you’re using a Cuban IP before browsing any online services. Only visit HTTPS sites and try to limit sharing any sensitive information.
Pro tip: Proxies often rotate IPs automatically throughout your connection. This improves privacy by making it harder to trace your activity, but may cause interruptions on some sites that require a stable IP address. For banking, completing online forms, or streaming, a static residential IP is a better option.

Our Methodology for Testing Ways to Get a Cuban IP

We focused on methods that actually work in practice under Cuba’s strict network conditions. Each tool was assessed based on success rates, server reliability, and real location verification to ensure the IP actually resolved to Cuba. We also considered security and privacy features (like encryption, kill switches, and strict no-logs policies), speed performance, and how easy it was to use on a variety of devices.

Before choosing a VPN or proxy yourself, check the provider’s website to confirm it explicitly lists Cuban or nearby servers (Bahamas, Mexico, or Florida). Look for transparent information about virtual vs. physical locations, protocol options, and device support. Plus, any form of obfuscation or “stealth” features is a huge plus when connecting to or from places with internet regulations as strict as Cuba’s.

Internet and VPN Restrictions in Cuba

Cuba has one of the most controlled and surveilled internet environments. State-owned telecom company ETECSA is the only ISP and mobile provider, giving the government total control over internet infrastructure. Public WiFi hotspots — the main way Cubans access the internet — are operated by ETECSA, serving as a tool for monitoring as much as for connectivity. The country has a very low internet freedom score of 20/1003 (Freedom House).

A US embargo also means that many tech companies block their apps and services in Cuba. Normal Google Play and Apple App Stores are inaccessible there, for example. The embargo also prevents commercial VPNs from operating data centers in the country, not to mention Cuba’s invasive data collection laws. This makes it hard to use Cuban sites, like Apklis (Cuba's official app store), Picta, and EnZona, abroad.

According to Decree-Law 370, the government may penalize the spread of misinformation. In practice, this includes criticism of the government on social media. Decree 35 and Resolution 105 expand state control by defining dissent as a “cybersecurity incident,” allowing for content removal, internet shutdowns, and potential imprisonment.

Why don’t most VPNs offer Cuban IP servers? VPN and independent news sites like 14ymedio and CiberCuba have been repeatedly blocked. During major protests, such as the July 11, 2021, demonstrations, the government temporarily implemented near-total internet blackouts and targeted VPN services. While VPNs are not outright illegal, their use is often disrupted through packet filtering and protocol throttling.

FAQs on Getting a Cuba IP Address

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a Cuba IP?

Using a VPN to get a Cuban IP address is legal in most countries, but VPN use in Cuba sits in a legal gray area. While they aren’t banned, many VPNs don’t operate in the country because of government restrictions. Getting a secure Cuban IP to use services like Teamspeak or Picta is highly unlikely to cause any legal trouble.

The Cuban authorities have blocked VPN websites and apps in the past, particularly during protests. However, there are no publicized cases of individuals being charged or prosecuted for using them. Still, if you're in Cuba, use VPNs cautiously and primarily for securing public WiFi or accessing essential online services.

How do I get Cuban apps outside the country?

A VPN is required to safely access the Apklis website and download Cuban apps. Apklis is the largest app store for Cuba, as the Google Play and Apple App Stores are not available there. It hosts Android apps that work in Cuba, but it’s not always available to users in other countries. Connecting to a fast and secure VPN to get a Cuba IP is the only way to safely access Apklis from anywhere.

How do I make sure that my Cuba IP works?

You can verify it in just a few clicks using a reliable IP tool checker. If you still see your original IP, you should check whether you followed the correct steps to connect to get a Cuba IP. Most .cu sites simply won’t load or will show location errors if you’re still using your local IP.

Can I get a Cuban IP on my mobile phone?

Yes, VPNs like ExpressVPN and Proton VPN offer native apps for Android and iOS devices. All you have to do is search for them on the official app store, install them, and connect to a Cuban server as you normally would.

If you’re in Cuba, the steps are a bit more complicated as the official app stores aren’t available there. If you have the Android .apk file, you can hypothetically sideload it onto your device. For iOS, options like AltStore or TestFlight may work. However, you generally still need another PC to pull this off, and it won’t let you download apps directly from within Cuba.

What can I do if my Cuba IP doesn't work?

If your Cuba IP isn’t working, reconnect your VPN first — this often fixes temporary routing errors. Cuban IPs can fail due to ETECSA’s network filtering, blocked virtual servers, or outdated VPN apps. These issues are common because most VPNs rely on virtual Cuba locations rather than physical servers.

If you’re still having issues, try these quick fixes:

  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then restart it.
  • Switch VPN protocols (try OpenVPN, WireGuard, or in-house ones like Lightway, built to work in environments where standard protocols might fail).
  • Test the VPN on another device or network.
  • As a last resort, connect to a nearby server (Bahamas, Mexico) for a stable alternative.
  • If all else fails, contact your VPN’s support team for updated Cuba-compatible options.
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References

  1. https://tradingeconomics.com/cuba/individuals-using-the-internet-percent-of-population-wb-data.html/
  2. https://www.techradar.com/news/vpn-downloads-soar-in-cuba-following-internet-disruptions/
  3. https://freedomhouse.org/country/cuba
[*] Please note that ExpressVPN's generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Privacy Tip

Your online activity may be visible to the sites you visit

Your IP Address:

216.73.216.26

Your Location:

US, Ohio, Columbus

Your Internet Provider:

Some sites might use these details for advertising, analytics, or tracking your online preferences.

To protect your data from the websites you visit, one of the most effective steps is to hide your IP address, which can reveal your location, identity, and browsing habits. Using a virtual private network (VPN) masks your real IP by routing your internet traffic through a secure server, making it appear as though you're browsing from a different location. A VPN also encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from surveillance and unauthorized access.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Hendrik is a writer at vpnMentor, specializing in VPN comparisons and user guides. With 5+ years of experience as a tech and cybersecurity writer, plus a background in corporate IT, he brings a variety of perspectives to test VPN services and analyze how they address the needs of different users.

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