Travel Guide to Cuba
Cuba, a country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring resilience, is also a place of complexity and contradiction. In order to get ready for our trip, we did a deep dive into the current state of the country so that there would be as few surprises as possible. After all, a failure to plan is a plan to fail. Interested in traveling to Cuba, but not sure what you need to do? In case you too have Cuba as one of the places you want to travel in the near future, here’s some of what you should know about Cuba's present reality.
Traveling to Cuba from the United States is easier that you may think! Thanks to the diplomatic relation work done by President Obama, Cuban borders have been open to American travelers since 2014. We’re going to share all the travel tips that made our trips to Cuba seamless.
Cuba is known for it’s classic cars. Make sure to book your quintenssential photoshoot.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You may travel to Cuba under 1 of 12 pre-designated areas in a group. The easiest category to select and travel under is “Support for the Cuban People." Be sure to mark this designation on any travel documents upon entry and exit from Cuba. Tourism is still not allowed, but you will be buying from local businesses, learning about the culture and tipping your tour guides and the local staff. So, yes, you are supporting the Cuban people.
You may purchase the visa the same day of travel directly at a CTS “Cuba Ready” Kiosks which are located adjacent to the flight check in counters and Cuba departure gates for connecting passengers. The Visa’s are $85 (Visa: $50 + $35 Processing Fee) for Southwest customers flying out of Tampa Int’l Airport (TPA) or Ft. Lauderdale Int’l Airport (FLL).
If an AA traveler would like to purchase the visa the same day of travel they may do so at the Miami International Airport (MIA) at any one of our “Cuba Ready” Kiosks which are located adjacent to both the AA Check in Counters and Cuba AA departure gates for connecting passengers. Please note the cost of Airport point of sale purchased visa is $100.00 Total (Visa price: $50.00 + $50.00 processing fee).
PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE
US Citizens need a Cuban Visa to enter Havana. Check (vaccination requirements) and confirm with your doctor or specialist prior to travel.
Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts.
MONEY/CURRENCY
C.R.E.A.M. Your credit/debit cards will NOT be accepted, so be sure to bring enough cash for tips, restaurant expenses, souvenir shopping or any other miscellaneous expenses. There are three (3) accepted currencies in Cuba: the Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP), the U.S. Dollar (USD), and Euros. Upon arrival, you can change your cash to local currency at the Airport or at local bars and restaurants downtown. If you are staying downtown, you can use USD/Euros at most of the businesses as they are more likely to cater to tourists. It’s important to note that the exchange rate often differs from those at the airport and tend to be more favorable for travelers.
If you have any leftover CUP, you must exchange them back prior to reaching the checkpoint for the airport. Pesos are not internationally accepted/exchangeable. Click here to see current value.
NOTES:
Traveling abroad requires a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates. In order to participate in this experience, you must have a valid passport with an expiration date no SOONER than August 5, 2024.
Please also note, that your current passport book must have at least two (2) blank pages for entry and exit stamps per the Cuban gov.
⚠️TRAVEL ADVISORIES ⚠️
Please note that Cuba is currently experiencing the worst economic crisis since Fidel’s reign. You may be wondering, ‘what does this mean for me?’ There are currently food, fuel, and medicine shortages and items that are currently available are subject to inflation. If Cuba cannot/does not produce the items themselves, the chances of you being able to find it are slim to none. This also means that while dining out, there’s a real possibility that menu items you want to try are 86’d.
This will also affect some of the more ‘traditional’ excursions/cultural experiences associated with traveling to Cuba like touring Cigar factories or even purchasing cigars.
Plan ahead and make a list!
The best way to ensure a great trip is to plan ahead! Lack of preparation going to Cuba may just leave you stranded.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Comfy clothes (define however) for duration of stay
Sneakers or comfortable shoes to walk around in
Fanny pack or cross-body bag
Pajamas, underwear, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, lotion (make sure they are TSA size)
Any medications you use or may need as Cuba does not carry most things we have in the US
Toilet paper/wipes/sanitizer- some places don’t have any and many places charge for use
Traveling to Cuba requires a bit of planning ahead, but once you have everything you need, you can expect an adventure filled with culture, classic cars, and vibrant history. We cannot stress this enough — be prepared for current economic challenges like food and fuel shortages. Pack essentials, including bug spray, sunscreen, and travel-friendly toiletries, and you’re set for an unforgettable Cuban getaway!
