Unsure of Cuba... ask us...

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Subject: Unsure of Cuba... ask us...

Hola Friend,

como estas? Hope you have been well.

I have to say I have been receiving many emails back from around the world how there is too much red tape around travel to Cuba. It really saddens me to hear this as it really is a misconception.

The entry requirements to Cuba are really simple:

A Cuban Tourist card - pink if you travel directly from the US, green if you travel from any other country. They can easily obtained either via your airline for US and Canadian travellers, or via this online link or through your local consulate, but that takes longer.
A passport with at least 6 month validity
Travel insurance - for US travellers this is included in their air fare, all others need to have separate cover
And the completion of the DViajero form 3 days prior to travel.

It's that easy to get into Cuba!

US travellers get worried when they see they cannot travel to Cuba for 'tourism', so then they feel it is a 'forbidden fruit' - when in fact for them it is the easiest to travel. Here is a link to summarise

In a nutshell:

they have to travel under the general travel license 'Support of the Cuban people' - they don't even have to apply for this, just declare this is what they do
they have to use the services of private accommodation providers, guides, cars, restaurants (all of which is what we do)
they have to be able to show an itinerary that they engage with the locals and not sitting on the beach sunbaking (again what we do and provide the itinerary)
they have to keep their record on file for 5 years - we provide them with a detailed itinerary of their stay
they have to bring cash as their cards don't work on the island (but most other people's don't either)

'Tourism' really just means no all-inclusive hotel stays, instead engage with the local culture and people. This is normally why people want to travel to Cuba in the first place!

And the feedback from our UK, European and Australian travellers, well, they get worried, because they think they will have a black mark against them somewhere and can't travel to the US..

Not the case either...

Travelling to the US is possible after having been to Cuba. Currently all this means is that they need to apply for a B1/B2 visa instead of an ESTA. Yes, it means thinking ahead, but most people travelling to Cuba don't go on a whim... aaaand No one has been declined this just because they visited Cuba.
This is only for a 5 year window after their travel to Cuba.

It is only a current ruling, never know when this may change. However Cuba is changing, so if it is on your list, you may want to get there sooner rather than later.

There are a few other things we get asked, but they are easily solved! We have a long list of Travel articles (Some below with links) that can help you, and we are always happy to answer questions also.

So really, what are you waiting for?

Hablamos luego,

Orsolya & Yoanis

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Subject: Unsure of Cuba... ask us...