How To Plan A Trip To Cuba
Planning Your Trip to Republic of cuba
At present is truly the time to visit Cuba, a relentlessly photogenic country in the midst of major change. It'south a special identify at a special time, and much of what travelers who've been in that location rave nigh is chop-chop fading to myth. But for now, Republic of cuba's enigmatic entreatment is nonetheless very real. Images from the Revolution (defined by Cubans equally a unique social, political and economic experiment) are everywhere: Che Guevara'southward likeness alongside that of Fidel Castro and exhortations of "Patrio o Muerte!" (Fatherland or Death!). It'southward made even more than surreal by Republic of cuba's caught-in-a-time-warp setting, with archetype cars and 1950s redux architecture everywhere you turn.
Cuba's colonial cities, lush countryside, and incredible arts and cultural scenes lend to spontaneity, but some planning is essential. In the excitement of finally existence able to visit Cuba, it tin can be easy to overlook the legalities and other important details that can affect your trip. Read on for some practical advice to gear up yous for a successful and enthralling visit - and before you lot know it, you'll exist rumbling downwards a potholed Havana highway in a 1950s-era Chevy, with the rhythms ofrumba on the radio.
Travel to Cuba from the United states
While Republic of cuba itself has no restrictions, U.S. embargo laws are nonetheless in effect. It is technically illegal to spend money in Cuba without a license from the Department of Treasury's Part of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). If that sounds daunting, don't worry: travel to Cuba is, in fact, legal and easy with a pre-approved license.
Currently, there are xi travel categories covered under a pre-approved "full general license," including official authorities business, journalism, family visitation, and humanitarian projects. In 2019, President Trump canceled the "people-to-people" educational exchange license category that previously permitted any U.S. resident to visit Cuba. Nevertheless, the following license category however permits any U.S. denizen or resident to travel to Cuba at whatever time, independently or as part of a grouping.
Activities intended to provide support for the Cuban people
What kind of activities, you ask? The OFAC states that such support activities "include simply are non limited to (1) activities of recognized homo rights organizations; (2) activities of contained organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to republic; and (3) activities of individuals and nongovernmental organizations that promote contained activeness intended to strengthen civil society in Republic of cuba."
Since (1) and (ii) involve anti-Castro dissident groups within Cuba, you'd be well-advised to give these a broad berth. However, (iii) is considered to include any Cuban involved in private concern, such as a eating house, B&B, taxi driver, or dance tutor, likewise as community organizations of an apolitical nature. Under this license, y'all can travel to Republic of cuba at whatever fourth dimension and pursue any itinerary you desire, so long every bit you're primarily supporting individual enterprise contained of the State. This can be "self-directed" travel on a freewheeling itinerary. Plus, all U.S. residents can still travel to Cuba with whatever tour company or other entity that offers group programs in accord with with "support for the Cuban people" intent, be it a motorcycling tour, arts program, or loftier-stop cultural trip. A "grouping" tin be divers every bit 2 people or more - so you and a friend can arrange your own customized program.
Other legal requirements
"Tourism" and "recreation" are banned past Uncle Sam, which unfortunately ways no beach vacation. However, you can participate in a recreational action if it is demonstrably intended to "back up the Cuban people." Since 2011, the U.S. government hasn't been actively policing individual travel. Yet, there's no guarantee that this will proceed - it's important to always stay up to date on the current assistants'south stance and policies regarding travel to this region.
In November 2017 the U.South. government published a listing of more than than 80 Cuban state hotels, plus other businesses, that U.South. citizens may no longer apply. Blacklisted enterprises range from shops, marinas, and Ron Caney and Ron Varadero rums to the Manzana de Gómez luxury shopping mall, all of which the U.Southward. says are tied to Republic of cuba's military, intelligence or security services. Refer to this list when deciding on lodging and activities. Hence, equally far as accommodations and dining go, it'southward all-time to stick exclusively to private entities.
Under all circumstances, you lot are legally required to maintain a full-time schedule of activities relating to your license category. Be able to document that your travel qualifies nether a full general license, and go along a written record of your activities (and expenditures) in Cuba as relates to the authorized travel transactions for v years.
Planning Your Visit
Necessary Documents
Citizens of most countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cuba. If you don't have a passport, don't wait until the last minute - it tin have several weeks to obtain i.
Most visitors volition also demand a tourist visa. Your airline will probable provide your Cuban visa and include it in the price of your ticket, just you tin as well obtain i from whatever Cuban consulate. The visa is typically valid for thirty days and can be extended twice for a maximum stay of 90 days at inmigración offices in Cuba.
Travel Insurance
Republic of cuba requires that upon arrival you can demonstrate travel insurance to cover whatsoever medical expenses in Cuba. As of 2017, the insurance was pre-packaged into the cost of airline tickets for flights from the U.S. Your boarding laissez passer will be stamped as such, and you lot should retain this for the duration of your stay in Cuba. Travelers who can't show proof may be required to purchase a bundle from Asistur.
Every community has at least a basic clinic and pharmacy. Withal, Cuba's medical organisation faces astringent shortages of medicines and upward-to-date equipment. Foreigners tin receive special handling through Servicios Médicos Cubanos, which has a 24-60 minutes international clinic in most major cities; plus the Clínica Ciro García hospital in Havana. U.Southward. citizens should note that payment for all but emergency medical services is banned, so don't plan on taking advantage of Cuba'due south medical tourism facilities.
Supplemental evacuation insurance is highly recommended in instance of medical emergency, likewise equally insurance for trip cancellation or loss of baggage.
Money
Cuba has ii currencies: the Cuban peso (or moneda nacional) and the convertible peso (or CUC, worth 24 times the quondam). All touristic transactions are in CUC, which can merely be obtained in Cuba and has no value outside the land. You tin change major strange currencies at hotels (usually for guests only) or at CADECA exchange bureaus. The U.Due south. is fixed 1:1 with the CUC, but an boosted x percent surcharge applies for exchanging U.S. dollars. Unless you're a budget traveler, there's relatively piddling demand for moneda nacional except for taxis, ice cream at Coppelia, and market place produce.
Plan to operate on a cash-merely ground during your visit. No U.Southward. credit bill of fare currently functions in Cuba, and U.S. citizens who attempt to use a credit card while in Cuba (or even to check their fiscal statements online) may have their accounts blocked past the U.Southward. Treasury Section, as the financial networks are gear up to instantly identify potential transactions with sanctioned nations.
Security
In Jan 2018, Cuba was named "Safest Country for Tourism" at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid, Spain. Gun crime is unheard of. Vehement criminal offence is rare. Fifty-fifty the U.Due south. Section of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security admits that what insufficiently little crime in that location is "can be associated with pick-pocketing, purse snatching, fraud schemes, and thefts from unoccupied cars, hotel rooms, and/or dwellings." So be sure to keep an middle on your belongings, lock your door when leaving the hotel, and think that scams against tourists are common.
Ship
Cuba is a large island and getting around takes some planning. Havana is a walkable but sprawling city. Cubans become around usingcolectivos, crowded "shared taxis" that run along stock-still routes similar buses and charge 50 centavos. Yellow-cab tourist taxis charge in CUC and are establish outside hotels, or can be summoned in Havana by calling Cubataxi. Owners of 1950s classic American cars often operate equally taxis also - they tin can be found outside most major hotels. Plus, every city has bicitaxis (iii-bike pedal taxis) for short getting-around distances.
Cubana Aviación and AeroGaviota offering domestic air service between all major cities. Delays, cancellations, and schedule changes are common. Foreigners (except resident students) are barred from using the Omnibus Nacional inter-city buses. Notwithstanding, Víazul offers service by air-conditioned bus betwixt all major cities and tourist destinations; reservations are essential.
A railway runs the length of the island, connecting Havana to all major cities. However, service is irregular and dysfunctional.
There's no shortage of automobile rental outlets islandwide, but in high season securing an available vehicle can be a claiming. Motorcar rental is also costly past international standards and utmost caution is required when driving - anyone establish guilty of causing injury or expiry in an accident faces a mandatory prison term.
Getting At that place
Cuba has 13 international airports. Many U.S. airlines offer direct service to Havana and cities throughout Cuba, along with AirCanada and most major European carriers. Additionally, Cuba's ain Cubana Aviación flies to Canada and several European and Central and Southward American nations. A taxi from Havana's José Martí International Airport to downtown Havana will cost about CUC25 as of early 2018.
When to Go
In brusque, Cuba has a dry season (November-May), with mild-to-warm temperatures the norm and occasional storms and downpours; and a wet season (June-Oct) that is hot, humid and ofttimes rainy. Temperatures generally increment eastward.
Where to Stay
The options are twofold: A state-run hotel or acasa particular (individual B&B). Havana has dozens of hotels, from quaint colonial boutique options in Habana Vieja (One-time Havana) to deluxe foreign chains. Rates have gone up in recent years given the new demand from U.S. tourists, and reservations in high season are strongly advised.
Outside of Havana, there are fewer options. Except at beach resorts, where the vast bulk of hotels are foreign-managed and spread-out, lodging is hit or miss. You're probable to find one or ii charming, rehabbed colonial hotels in most cities, simply service is often wanting: bed sheets frequently don't fit the mattress and hot water is rarely guaranteed.
Regardless of where you are in the land, you'll almost certainly exist able to find a casa particular, and ordinarily at a fraction of the cost of the nearest hotel. Rates typically range from $thirty-$100 in Havana, and half that elsewhere. Information technology's a tremendous way to intimately connect with Cuban families.
Ane more thing to go along in heed: since November 2017, US citizens are barred from staying at any hotel affiliated with Gaviota, the state hotel group operated by the Cuban military machine. Make sure you plan accordingly.
Source: https://www.kimkim.com/c/planning-your-visit-to-cuba
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