Smart Travel: Things to Know Before Visiting Cuba

From Planning To Travel To Cuba – What Travelers Need To Know

Travel to Cuba for “tourism” is not authorized by the US Government. You must meet the requirements of one of the approved categories to travel to Cuba. Our itineraries are carefully designed to meet the “Support for the Cuban People” category. In addition, you are welcome to take gifts to the Cuban people. The guides will help you determine the people that you would like to gift it to (kids, host, a family, etc.)

Here are the processes and what you need to know to ensure a safe, legal, amazing experience in Cuba.

Planning

• Important: A week before your trip, we will send you the D’Viajeros form with your Visa number. You must print this document or take a screenshot in your phone. If you don’t bring this document, you cannot travel. You must keep this document to return.
• The acceptable currency is USD (Cash). Most places accept USD (except hotels that accept Americans credit cards, but we recommended buy a hotel card.
• VERY IMPORTANT: Don’t exchange all your USD for Cuban pesos, which are worthless outside of Cuba! Just change a small amount, and the guide will help you.
• We suggest taking $100 a day for unanticipated and not included expenses. Take small bills ($20 and under) because the change will be in Cuban pesos. Additionally, it is hard to exchange large bills.
• Please remember to bring any over-the-counter medication as well as the prescribed medication you could need while being in Cuba.
• Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable clothes, and shoes. Nighttime wear is casual.

Arrival

• You can enter Cuba with your American passport, Resident Card, or any other country passport.
• There is no Covid vaccination requirement.
• At customs, always refer to anything that you are bringing for others as “gifts,” never “donations.”
• The driver and guide will be waiting for you at the airport a sign. The airport in Havana is small but it has 3 exit gates, don’t despair if you don’t see the guide, just look around again, he will surely be there.
• Inside the airport you will have internet access for 30 minutes. Just activate Airport Wi-Fi, put your last name and your flight confirmation code.
• The check in is at 4:00 pm (Normally in B&Bs you can check in at the time you arrive, but if they have customers leaving it has to be at 4:00 pm)
• Hotel Check in is at 4:00 pm

In Cuba

• You will have access to Wi-Fi at B&B. However, because of the demand and poor unfractured, service could be spotty at times.
• Before your trip you can buy a SIM card for the internet, but you need to have your cell phone unlocked. The Sim card has the same nano size as US.
• Or Check with your phone carrier about services in Cuba. The phone will not work, but many carriers offer texting.
• WhatsApp is the best means of communication.
• Most electrical outlets are 110.
• Only drink bottled water.
• Do not recommend eating street vendors’ food.
• Tips are really important for our guides and drivers, because is another way to help and Support the Cuban people, please be aware up that.
• Airfares to Cuba include the required medical insurance. If you have a medical emergency, you can go to the Cira Garcia Hospital and show your return ticket information.
• Most restaurants include a family menu, such as pork, chicken, fish, if you are vegetarian or allergic, please let us know in advance.
• You have 2 drinks included, it can be a mojito, water or soft drink, if you want something different it is additional.

Return

• It is not legal to import Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco products into the US.
• Show your D’Viajeros form to the Immigration Officer upon your return.
• Take a copy of the Affidavit and Itinerary (just in case you are asked for it by US Immigration upon return, even though I haven’t seen this happen). The reason for your visit is “Support for the Cuban People if asked.