Cuba FAQ

want to travel to cuba but still have questions?

We have curated tour itinerary packages for your trip to Cuba on your behalf. We arrange travel schedules, visas, lodging, dining, ground transportation, as well as activities during your stay on the island.

Going to Cuba is permitted under twelve exclusive licenses provided by the OFAC. Thanks to better relations and the easing of travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba, American citizens can now travel legally to this formerly inaccessible country. Please let us know what kind of trip you are interested in and when you plan to visit the country. All travelers must have a valid U.S.A. passport valid for six months after travel dates.

Since June 16, 2017, traveling to Cuba has had more restrictions.
Please read the latest updates from the OFAC regarding traveling to Cuba: OFAC CUBA TRAVEL UPDATES.

Our Cuban-born representative of “Sheyla Adventure Travel, LLC” will be your escort during your visit to the island. Having our representative as your guide will allow you to explore Cuba’s capital Havana, Pinar del Rio, cigar plantations, museums; and many other places across the island where you will experience what daily life is like for the Cuban people and have our representative right by you to answer any questions that you may have.

New Regulations took place on June 5, 2019, and can be found here: Cuba Travel Restrictions

Cuba launches eVisa, a new platform for the management of electronic tourist visas.
Since May 2024, Cuba has begun to implement a modern electronic tourist visa management system, called eVisa, which will allow the country to offer a more efficient and agile service to users who request it through the Cuban consular offices abroad.
With eVisa, applicants will be able to start their visa process virtually, from any device connected to the Internet. This platform simplifies the visa application and management process, eliminating the need for additional physical documents. In addition to its ease of use, eVisa also stands out for its friendliness and contribution to environmental protection.
This initiative seeks to strengthen security and efficiency in all stages of the tourist visa process, from the initial application to border control. With eVisa, Cuba moves towards the implementation of a more modern consular system adapted to current needs.

Cuban no longer requires mandatory testing, but might be tested randomly upon arrival. All passengers must fill out a mandatory immigration form online at the D'Viajeros website.

Para Cubanos / For Cubans:
IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE NUEVAS MEDIDAS MIGRATORIAS A PARTIR DEL 1 DE JULIO DE 2023

Extender la validez del pasaporte corriente de seis (6) a diez (10) años, para los ciudadanos cubanos con dieciséis (16) o más años de edad, y fijarla en cinco (5) años para los menores; eliminar el requisito de prorrogar los pasaportes cada dos (2) años, y disminuir el costo de los trámites asociados a los pasaportes en los consulados.
Equiparar el tiempo de estancia en Cuba de los cubanos residentes en el exterior y sus familiares extranjeros (cónyuges e hijos), durante su estancia en el país.
Establecer, para las personas que emigraron antes del 1 de enero de 1971, el requisito de presentar su pasaporte cubano para ingresar a Cuba; conforme a lo establecido en la Constitución de la República, aprobada en 2019 en referéndum popular.

IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW MIGRATION MEASURES FROM JULY 1, 2023

Extend the validity of the current passport from six (6) to ten (10) years, for Cuban citizens sixteen (16) or older, and set it at five (5) years for minors; eliminate the requirement to extend passports every two (2) years, and reduce the cost of procedures associated with passports at consulates.
Equate the length of stay in Cuba of Cubans residing abroad and their foreign relatives (spouses and children), during their stay in the country.
Establish, for people who emigrated before January 1, 1971, the requirement to present their Cuban passport to enter Cuba; in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic, approved in 2019 in a popular referendum.

FAQs

1. Who can travel to Cuba?

To travel to Cuba, you must go under one of the 12 licensed categories. New restrictions has been applied as of September 2020. Read this blog post for more info.
The 12 licensed categories include:

Visiting family
Humanitarian projects or to provide support to the Cuban people
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activities
Professional research and professional meetings (this has been modified as of September 2020)
Support for the Cuban people
Educational activities by persons at academic institutions
Religious activities
Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or other competitions and exhibitions (This has been canceled as of September 2020)
Activities of private foundations, research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

2. What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?

Passport, OFAC License Affidavit and Visa (See 12 OFAC categories and Visa for more information on both), Health form and Customs Form filled out correctly and signed by the client accordingly. A $25 USD will be charge to your air ticket to cover your health insurance. At gate area, the airline clerk will check your documents to ensure it's correct and stamp your boarding pass with proof of health insurance. You should keep your boarding pass along with a copy of your passport at all times while in Cuba.

3. Any requirements I should be aware of?

Keep your day-to-day activity itinerary to avoid any issues with US Government upon your return to the U.S.
Keep a copy of your passport as a form of ID and leave your actual passport in a safety box in your hotel – you will only need it in Cuba if you need to exchange money/accept money wire transfers.
Hold on to the second half of your visa (Cuban customs will keep the other part) in case you are asked for it later (although it rarely happens).

4. Is there a departure tax on my return flight back to the U.S?

The $25 CUC airport tax is INCLUDED in the ticket price when purchased before you travel to Cuba.

5. I was born in Cuba, can I go and what kind of visa do I apply for?

Yes, you can go to Cuba. All people born in Cuba, regardless of their current nationality to be Cuban citizens. You will need either a valid Cuban passport or HE-11 visa before entering Cuba if you were born in Cuba and left Cuba before December 31, 1970. If you were born in Cuba and exited Cuba after January 1, 1971, you will need to obtain a Cuban passport regardless of holding US citizenship and a US passport. You don’t have the option of applying for an HE-11 visa.

6. I have a Cuban passport, do I need to apply for a Visa?

No, if you have a valid passport with a ‘habilitación’, you won’t need to obtain a visa prior to entering Cuba. Your Cuban passport has a validity of six (10) years, but a prórroga must be obtained every two years in order to keep it valid until the expiration date. A ‘habilitación’ is an entry permit stamped on Cuban passports for Cubans who have emigrated to the United States or to another country. A request for an ‘habilitación’ needs to be made only once for Cubans who have left Cuba to emigrate and for those who left Cuba for tourism or any other reason and have not returned to Cuba for at least 24 months. As of January 2018, when renewing or obtaining new Cuban passports, there is no need to add the ‘habilitación.’

7. Can I use my Global Entry benefits with my Cuba flight?

Yes, Global Entry may be utilized at all international terminals regardless of what country the traveler is coming from. (Please note this doesn’t apply to airports in Cuba).

8. Do I have to arrive 4 hours prior to departure for check-in?

That is the time requested for international flights check-in to avoid long lines, and gates close 1 hour prior to departure.

9. Can I purchase my visa at the airport on the day of my flight?

We recommend purchasing your visa prior to your travel date in order to ensure you have all required travel documents and to avoid any delays. You may purchase your visa at the Cuba Travel Services kiosk on the day of your flight, depending on the departing city. Check with your airline to see if visas are available for purchase on the day of your flight. Price and availability may vary.

10. I am an International citizen residing/flying out of the US. Do I also need to register under one of the 12 OFAC categories and purchase a Visa?

Everyone traveling from the US to Cuba, Including International citizens residing in the US/ flying out of the US, must self-qualify under one of the 12 licensed categories of authorized travel and have a Visa. You can familiarize yourself with the categories on question number one.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the categories, you can visit: Resource Center to learn more about how qualify to travel to Cuba.
Visa is only valid for 30 days. Hold on to the second half of your visa (Cuban customs will keep the other part) in case you are asked for it later (although it rarely happens). Now eVisas are available.

11. How safe is Cuba?

Though Cuba is generally a very safe place to travel (more than other parts of the world), it is always best to watch your belongings and beware of pick-pockets and purse-snatchers. We recommend leaving your valuables, including your passport*, in a safe and only carrying what you need for that day. Contact your casa about Safety Deposit Boxes, which they may provide. Having a TSA-approved lock for your luggage is also recommended. You do not need to carry your passport everywhere with you; a copy of the passport should be sufficient for ID purposes. However, you will need your passport for exchanging currency.

12. Can you convert CUP to US Dollar upon return?

Yes, keep in mind a conversion fee may apply.

13. How much money should I bring to Cuba?

We recommend budgeting at least $200 US dollars per day. This amount will cover standard meals and evening entertainment, as well as transportation costs. You may spend more, but if you are mindful of where you eat and what transportation modes you use, you can easily spend less (i.e., touring around the city in a classic car is more costly). You’ll probably want to budget more if you’re considering buying gifts such as cigars and rum, as well as partaking in several excursions/activities.

14. What is the Currency in Cuba?

The national currency is the Cuban Peso, CUP. Cuba made a currency unification during the pandemic and no longer has CUC. The exchange rate from USD to CUP varies. However, you can alway pay for services in the island with dollars or euros. When eating at some places, they will give you the option to pay in CUP, USD, or Euros depending on what currency you would have with you. For international exchange purposes $1.00 USD = $ 360 Cuban Cuban Pesos. Note that there is a 13% penalty charged when exchanging USA dollars cash. Unifying it’s dual currency was the best decision for everyone and there is no more confusion about which money to use. Exchange rate can change daily. It's best to ask your tour guide for help with the exchange.

15. How and where do I exchange money in Cuba?

You can exchange USD for CUP at the airport, most hotels, exchange bureau centers and some banks. The current fee for exchanging is 13%. The fee is the same no matter where you exchange your currency. You will need your passport to exchange money. In Cuba, they will not accept bills that are torn or written on when exchanging into CUP. When exchanging money into CUP, try to get small denominations to make purchases easier, as many places (little stores, bars, and restaurants do not always have the possibility to break down larger notes for you). We suggest that you do not use Travelers Checks because they are not insured and may not be accepted. Therefore it is essential to travel with enough cash during your entire stay in Cuba. There are small locations called ‘Cadecas’ where you can also exchange money.

16. Can I use my Credit Card in Cuba?

Not yet! US-issued credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards were not previously usable in Cuba; this is changing with new regulations, and more and more places will start to accept these for purchases or withdrawals. It is advisable to bring cash in order to make any purchases in Cuba or pay for most services in advance. Most places will not take USD, so you must exchange currency upon arrival. Tips, however, can be given in any currency. There are rumors that some places are accepting US-issued credit cards but I would highly recommend to check with you bank before traveling to Cuba and keep an eye out for unusual charges to your account.

17. Tipping in Cuba

Considering that the average Cuban monthly salary is $25, tipping is expected and appreciated.

18. Who do I contact in case of an emergency?

In case you have an emergency and need assistance, and you are a US Citizen or resident, you may contact the US Embassy while there. Otherwise, please contact your corresponding embassy or consulate. If you need to call the police while there, you will want to dial 106 from a local telephone for any emergency. You can also dial 104 for an ambulance and 105 for the fire department. You will not find an English-speaking person that answers those emergency lines.
U.S. Embassy contact information:
Calzada between L & M Streets, Vedado, Havana
Main switchboard (53) (7) 839-4100
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on U.S. and Cuban Holidays)
Emergencies/After Hours: call the main switchboard at (+53) (7)-831-4100, dial 1 to speak with the emergency operator. If you get into trouble in Cuba (financial, medical etc.) and in dire need, then we suggest you contact Asistur (Assistance to Tourists). Office locations, phone numbers, and fees for this company can be found here: Asistur
We recommend printing out a list of all emergency contacts, the hostal /casa numbers, and addresses to have it handy in case of an emergency.
Now you can purchase travel insurance through two of our insurance partners that cover Cuba. It's always highly recommended to purchase travel insurance.

19. How is the weather in Cuba?

Cuba offers a hot and sunny tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April. The wet season begins in May and runs until November. Keep in mind that it may rains at any time, so it is wise always to have rain gear when traveling to Cuba. The temperatures in Cuba can range from the 60’s during the wet season (though not very common) to the 90’s during the dry season. It is common to have AC in restaurants, hotels, and other indoor facilities. Keep in mind that not all places have AC in Cuba. Bring insect repellent as the tropical weather also means a lot of mosquitos at dusk and at dawn. Be aware that there is a risk of hurricanes from June to November with September and October being the most threatening months.

20. Is there Internet access in Cuba?

Wi-Fi is not available throughout Cuba except at some Wi-Fi spots and hotels. Most hotels also have a business center with a computer, with limited hours, where internet service is available. Because of the limited technology in Cuba, it is not uncommon to have internet outages. There are now specific Wi-Fi hotspots throughout public areas, and a card must be purchased for access. Most casas offer Wi-Fi services a couple of hours in the morning and in the evenings so you can share your experience in Cuba with the world and stay connected with our family back home. Work related activities while in Cuba will not be accessible because Cuba blocks the sites.

21. Will my cell phone, smart-phone or PDA device work in Cuba?

Your U.S. cell phone, texting, and a smart-phone based Internet will not work in Cuba unless you have a Verizon Wireless international plan to Cuba but that doesn’t warrant that it’ll operate. Any phone calls may be placed from a guest room in a hotel. Inquire about rates before placing calls, as they are generally very expensive and must be paid for in cash. Also, please note that satellite phones, as well as the physical GPS devices, are not allowed in Cuba. This restriction doesn’t apply to the GPS on your cell phones as they won’t work while in Cuba.

22. What is the electric capability in Cuba?

Electric Current: Cuba has the same Electric standards as in the US: 110V, though it is common to find both 110 and 220 in the more modern hotels in Cuba. It is advisable to bring a converter if your electronics are not travel-ready (105-240 V).
Outages: Though many hotels are well equipped, in Cuba it is possible to experience temporary power outages due to limited resources on the island. Though this seems to be happening less frequently in the past few years.

23. When is the best time to visit?

To enjoy the hot and sunny tropical weather that Cuba offers, you can visit between November and April. The peak tourist season runs roughly from mid-December to mid-March and all of July and August. We advise booking your casa or hotels well in advance since they tend to book quickly during peak season. Be aware that there is a risk of hurricanes from June to November with September and October being the most threatening months – Some resorts may only be partially open or shut down altogether due to hurricane risk. Keep in mind that 90% of hotels in Cuba are in the DO NOT STAY list by the USA government. You are only allowed to stay at private homes to support the Cuban people. Should you have an inquiry regarding this list, please reach out to us via email.

24. How do I get there?

You can book your flight reservation online with your preferred airline, or you can let us make the booking for you with Southwest airlines, American Airlines and other private charters.
Flight reservations are booked with commercial air carriers and are to be paid with any major credit card. Confirmation of your flight reservation will be sent via email.
Once you have your flight reservation booked for Cuba, we’ll ask for your flight confirmation number to purchase your visa.

25. Do you arrange group travel?

Yes, please call us at (615)412-9615 for additional information. We work on multiple types of group programs on the various licenses and have a dedicated group department to service your requests.

26. Do I need a Cuba tour guide?

Yes, it is highly recommended as a tour guide can be very resourceful – A tour guide can provide cultural insight and help you navigate the island, as well as to assist you on any change of program or last-minute issue while in Cuba.

27. Do I need a Tour Director to accompany me from the USA to Cuba and back?

A Tour Director will be an asset to the Cuba experience as they perform as the link between the company you are booking the trip with and the Cuban services provider to be able to guarantee the program is accomplished. Our company can provide you with outstanding Tour Manager for your trip.

28. How long does it takes to travel from the airport to the casa or hotel?

It depends on the location of your casa or hotel. Typically from Havana Airport to Old Havana, it takes approximately 40 minutes in a car.

29. What’s the average pricing of a Taxi or transfers?

Depending on where you go, prices vary. A typical one-way trip will range between $25 – $50. Transfers from one city to another are pricier and can be done through Viazul. However, we provide the ground transportation in your package so you don’t have to worry about it. Our tour leader in Cuba will be waiting for you at the airport with a car to take you to your casa or hotel.

30. can i bring rum and cigars back into the usa?

No. As of September 2020 there were added new regulations implemented towards Cuba and this one was added to the new rules. However, you can enjoy them while visiting the island. Check this blog post for the latest update.