Frequently Asked Questions

US/CUBAN TRAVEL REGULATIONS

NOTE: Please visit our License Categories page for a full list and explanation of each option available to American travelers. We will be happy to work with you to find one that makes sense for your trip!

+ Who can go to Cuba?

Under current U.S. regulations, Americans who wish to travel to Cuba must qualify under one of the several license categories that govern such travel. For a full listing of those categories, please visit our License Categories page. For individuals and groups that don’t have a specific purpose for being in Cuba, it is quite possible to build a program that allows you to see the country while fulfilling your obligations under one of these categories. For example, an individual may plan a trip under the “Support for the Cuban People” license, as long as he/she maintains a full-time schedule of activities consistent with that category. An organization might also consider a “People-to-People” trip under the Educational license, as long as their program maintains a full itinerary of activities that promote meaningful interactions between U.S. travelers and Cubans.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with a member of our team so that we may help you decide which license category makes the most sense given your interests!

+ Am I allowed to visit Cuba as a tourist?

No. Under current U.S. law, Americans are prohibited from visiting Cuba as a tourist. As noted above, your program must comply with one of the established license categories in order to be authorized by the Treasury Department. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a trip to see the island and learn more about it’s culture and history! We will work with you to understand your needs and to help you plan a program that’s both engaging and compliant with all U.S and Cuban law.

+ I want to go to Cuba but don't have a specific purpose for my trip. Which license category makes the most sense for me?

Unless you have a specific reason for travel (journalists working on a story, students pursuing an academic program, etc.) we usually recommend two general license categories for most travelers:

• Support for the Cuban People: Unlike the people-to-people license, this category does not require a traveler be sponsored by an organization, nor are they required to travel with a representative. For that reason, it's becoming popular among individuals seeking a more self-directed experience. However, U.S. travelers using this license category are required to engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities and also result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba. Additionally, your program must comply with the other guidelines set out in §515.574(a) of the Code of Federal Regulations.

• Educational License - People to People: This general license category is used by American travelers who wish to visit Cuba in an effort to engage with the Cuban people in a program of cultural exchange. NOTE: As of November 2018, this license category is no longer available to individual travelers. In order to use this license, your program must be sponsored by BPH Cuba and you must be accompanied by a one of our representatives for the duration of the trip. In addition to the sponsorship requirement, your itinerary must reflect a "full-time schedule of meaningful interactions between the traveler and individuals in Cuba" and comply with the other guidelines set out in §515.565(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations.

More details on these two licenses, as well as the other available categories, can be found on our License Categories page.

+ What documents are required for Americans to visit Cuba?

If you are traveling to Cuba under one of the general license categories, there are actually no forms or applications to fill out for the U.S. government. Your obligation as a traveler is to understand the rules that govern the license category you’re using, and to maintain adequate records so as to demonstrate that you were compliant with those regulations should your trip be reviewed by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. You might be asked by your airline which category your trip falls under, but there is no additional documentation or paperwork required by the U.S. government upon your entry into Cuba nor upon your return.

However, the Cuban government requires that all U.S. (and international travelers) possess a visa (also known as a Cuban Tourist Card) to enter the country. It is important to remember that your visa and your license are two completely different things. You may either purchase your visa online in advance of your trip, or in many cases, directly from the airline when you check in for your flight to Cuba.

+ How do I apply for a license to travel to Cuba?

As noted above, only in rare and specific instances does a U.S. traveler need to apply for a specific license in order to travel to Cuba; most authorized travel falls under general license categories, which means that no prior permission is needed in order to use them. A U.S. traveler simply asserts the license category under which their trip falls, and is responsible for both ensuring that his/her program is consistent with those guidelines and keeping adequate records of the trip to provide documentation to OFAC should it be requested upon their return to the United States.

+ How do I purchase a Cuban tourist visa?

Often the easiest and least expensive option for purchasing a visa (or a Cuban Tourist Card, as it’s also called) is to buy it directly from the airline you’re using to fly into Havana. Most major carriers - Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, American, etc. - will sell you a blank visa for between $50 and $100 at the airport from which you’ll fly to Havana. If you’re on a direct flight, the visa can usually be purchased at the check-in counter before going through security. If you’re connecting via another city first, it can also be purchased directly at the gate so you don’t have to leave security. We encourage ALL travelers to double check with their airline prior to departure, as these processes can change without warning.

If you prefer to buy your visa in advance, there are several companies that will sell them to you online. We recommend Cuba Visa Services to our clients, but encourage you to allow ample time for shipping if you elect to go this route.

+ Are there limits to how much money I can spend in Cuba?

Under current regulations, there are no limits to the amount of money that Americans can bring to Cuba for use on their trip. The Cuban government requires all travelers to declare amounts in excess of $5,000, but a traveler may exceed that amount as long as it is properly reported. Though we recommend that all our travelers bring enough currency to cover all their anticipated expenses while in Cuba (under the assumption that your credit cards will not work), we rarely recommend that our clients exceed this amount. For larger purchases, like pieces of art, we can recommend ways to complete those payments via alternate channels.

+ Are there limits to where I can spend money in Cuba?

Yes, there are. As of November 2017, the Treasury Department has published a list of Restricted Entities - Cuban companies, agencies, and businesses that the U.S. government believes maintain direct links to Cuban military, intelligence, and security services. Americans traveling in Cuba are not permitted to conduct any financial transactions with these entities. The list includes some hotels, transportation companies, tour agencies, and some private stores. We will of course make sure your program does not include any of these restricted entities, but we encourage all travelers to familiarize themselves with the list in advance of travel. If you have any specific questions about this requirement, please contact us.

+ Where can I learn more about these requirements?

A good place to start in our License Categories page, which offers a brief overview of each license as well as the corresponding portion of the Code of Federal regulations. You may also find more information on the website of the U.S. embassy in Cuba, which offers more detail on the entry requirements as well as the other services offered by the embassy. For more specific information on the license categories themselves, including a FAQ on the recent changes to the Cuba Sanctions Program, we encourage you to visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury Resource Center.

If you still can't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact us - we are here to help!

ARRIVING IN HAVANA

+ Where will I be landing?

If you are beginning your trip in Havana, your flight from the United States will most likely land in the international terminal of José Martī Airport (HAV).

+ What is the process after we land?

Once you arrive in Havana, you will proceed towards the immigration control line.. You can choose any line, and will just need to show them your passport and visa (which should be filled out at this point). The official will review your documents, stamp your passport and visa, and motion you through the door. Please be advised that you will need to retain your visa for your departure, so make sure to take good care of that. After customs, you will go through security and into the baggage claim area. It’s possible that there will be one or two medical professionals sitting at a table after security, who will request the Health and Sanitation form that likely was given to you at check-in. If they’re not there, proceed to baggage claim and recover your luggage if you checked it. Upon leaving baggage claim, an official will ask for your Customs Declaration Form, which you will have received and should have filled out during your flight. If you’ve arranged for an airport transfer with our team, your driver and/or guide will be waiting outside that door holding a sign with your name on it! If you’re arranging your own transportation, you will need to go upstairs to the money exchange counter in order to convert enough money for your taxi ride to your accommodations.

Most importantly, after passing through security on the Cuban side, make sure to retain both your boarding pass and your visa. The boarding pass serves as proof of health insurance while you're in Havana, so you should plan on sticking that in your wallet/purse and retaining it until your departure. As noted above, you'll need the visa stub in order to leave the country at the end of your program.

+ Can I exchange money at the airport?

You may! If you arrived into the international terminal of José Martī Airport, you will find a money exchange window on the second floor of the terminal, once you’ve left the security area. The exchange rates offered at the airport are similar to what you’ll find elsewhere in Havana (especially if you’re converting to CUC from USD), so feel free to exchange as much money as you’ll need to begin the program. Your guide will be happy to take you to other locations during your trip where you’ll be able to exchange additional money. If you’re planning to take a taxi from the airport, we recommend exchanging a minimum of $50USD to ensure that you have enough money to cover the cost of your taxi.

+ Will I be meeting my guide at the airport? How will I find him or her?

If your program includes an airport transfer on the first day, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your driver and/or guide. He or she will be holding a sign with your name on it, and will be very hard to miss! If you for some reason are unable to locate him or her, we encourage you to go to the airport’s information desk and call either your guide or Deborah Orta Cedeño, whose phone numbers you will have listed in your Pre-Trip Documents.

+ Is it easy to find a taxi at the airport if we’ve not arranged for a transfer?

Yes, it is quite easy to find taxis at the airport - upon leaving the baggage claim area, you will likely be approached by several uniformed drivers offering to take you to your accommodations in Havana. We recommend our travelers take the yellow official taxis at the airport, as they are often more reliable than the unofficial drivers. As with all taxi rides in Cuba, we encourage you to establish the fare with the driver before getting in the car, to avoid any misunderstandings. Depending on where you’re heading from the airport, a taxi will cost anywhere from $30 to $45CUC (approximately $35 - $50USD).

+ How far is the airport from where I’ll be staying?

That depends, of course, on where you’re staying. On average, a taxi from José Martī Airport to most residential neighborhoods in Havana will take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.

+ Will they stamp my passport?

Yes, the will likely stamp your passport. Previously American travelers arriving to Cuba via a third country would not have their visas stamped, under the assumption that they were traveling without an applicable license. This is no longer the case; assuming you’re flying on a direct flight from the United States, your passport will likely be stamped both when entering and exiting Cuba. Assuming your trip falls under one of the acceptable license categories, this stamp will not cause any issues for future travels.

SPENDING MONEY

+ Will my credit cards work in Cuba?

Under the new regulations it is now possible for American banking institutions to process credit card transactions from Cuba, but currently the infrastructure does not yet exist to support that regulatory change. We recommend that American travelers plan to conduct all transactions in cash, and not attempt to access their accounts with U.S. banks either by ATMs or through online platforms. Many banks have automatic systems to place automatic holds on requests coming from Cuban IP addresses, and unfreezing blocked accounts can be a very unpleasant process. If you have a credit card issued by a foreign bank, it is likely that you’ll be able to use it in Cuba. Still, we recommend that all travelers plan the amount of cash they bring to Cuba under the assumption that their credit and ATM cards will not work. We can offer small loans to our travelers in the event of an emergency, but it can be quite difficult to access additional funds if you’ve not brought enough with you.

+ What currency will I be using?

There are two currencies currently used in Cuba: the peso cubano (CUP) and the peso convertible (CUC). As a foreign traveler, you will only be using the CUC (which many Cubans pronounce ‘kook’), converting at approximately .87 to the US dollar. It is illegal to spend US dollars in Cuba, so you should plan on conducting all transactions in CUCs. It is unlikely that you will encounter any CUPs during your trip, as the CUC is increasingly the dominant currency in Cuba, especially for transactions involving tourism and the service industry.

+ Should I plan to bring U.S. dollars with me, or do you recommend bringing a foreign currency?

The CUC and US dollar are exchanged at a fixed rate, and subject to a 13% tax from the Cuban government (meaning that $100 USD will always convert to $87 CUC). However, foreign currencies are not subject to this tax, and it is usually possible to secure a more favorable rate of exchange by first converting your dollars to Canadian dollars or Euros before arriving in Havana. Assuming that you are able to secure a favorable exchange rate from your bank or another financial institution, it’s possible to secure an exchange rate closer to .93-.96 by converting to a third currency first. The choice of third currency depends on prevailing exchange rates, but many travelers have luck bringing CAD or EUR with them to convert to CUC in Cuba. More details about this can be provided upon request.

+ Where can I exchange money?

You can exchange money at the airport (upstairs in the international terminal), as well as at banks and hotels throughout Havana. Please note that in some cases you will be required to show your passport in order to exchange currencies, so plan to have that with you if you are heading to a bank. Your guide will be able to suggest convenient places to convert funds throughout the program upon request. Many travelers elect to convert only a portion of their funds at the airport, exchanging more as needed during their stay. There is not as much fluctuation in the rate of exchange around the city as there is in other parts of the world, so you will likely get a similar conversion whether you’re at the airport or at a hotel.

+ Is there a limit to how much money I can bring?

As noted above, under current regulations, there are no limits to the amount of money that Americans can bring to Cuba for use on their trip. The Cuban government requires all travelers to declare amounts in excess of $5,000, but a traveler may exceed that amount as long as it is properly reported. Though we recommend that all our travelers bring enough currency to cover all their anticipated expenses while in Cuba (under the assumption that your credit cards will not work), we rarely recommend that our clients exceed this amount. For larger purchases, like pieces of art, we can recommend ways to complete those payments via alternate channels.

+ What are standard tipping practices in Cuba?

A 10% tip is a good rule of thumb for all restaurants, taxis, and other services. BPH Cuba will handle tipping for all included meals and activities. NOTE: Some restaurants will include a 10% tip on your bill at the end of a meal, so we encourage you to check to see if it’s already been included. If it has been, any additional trip you wish to leave is discretionary and not expected by staff. All additional tips to guides and drivers are subject to the discretion of each traveler. A tip of $5-15 per person per day for guides and $3-10 per person per day for drivers is considered generous. You may also choose to tip the staff at your casa particular or hotel depending on the quality of service.

+ What if I want to make a major purchase during my trip, like a piece of art?

Many artists in Cuba offer alternate methods of payment for major purchases, either via wire transfer through a third party or through another U.S.-based entity. In some cases, we will be able to assist you in those purchases as well. Travelers need not plan on bringing excessive funds on their trip for the option of buying art; we will work with you and the artist to arrange for payment upon your return to the United States. For all purchases under $500USD, we encourage travelers to plan on paying in cash.

+ How expensive are restaurants in Cuba?

There are plenty of very affordable restaurants in Cuba, but the most popular establishments are paladares - privately-owned establishments that offer a much higher quality of food than government-owned establishments. A good rule of thumb is $20-35 per person for lunches, and $30-60 per person for dinners, depending on alcohol consumption. You will likely end up paying less than that on many occasions, but we recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to budgeting for your trip. It’s much better to have leftover funds at the end of the program than to come up short!

+ How much money should I bring with me?

As noted above, you should plan to bring enough money to cover all meals and expenses not included in the program rate. A good rule of thumb is $20-35 per person for lunches, and $30-60 per person for dinners, depending on alcohol consumption. Taxis cost between $5-10 CUC for destinations inside Havana. Beyond that, you might want to build in extra money for:

• Rum & Cigars: As of October 2017, there is no longer a cash limit on the amount of tobacco and alcohol products that may be brought back to the United States from Cuba. A box of Cuban cigars can run anywhere from $100-$300CUC, and rum anywhere from $20-200CUC. Plan accordingly if you wish to buy either of these products!
• Art: *You may purchase an unlimited amount of art on your trip. You should plan on paying for any piece of art that costs less than $500 in cash, but electronic payment can be arranged if you decide to purchase a more expensive piece.
• Souvenirs: Truthfully, there’s not a lot of great shopping in Havana, but there are several local craft markets and shops where you can buy small items. You might want to bring a little extra for these occasions.
• Evening Events & Taxis: You will be expected to pay for your own drinks and food during evening activities unless otherwise noted on your itinerary. Additionally, if you plan on using taxis for self-guided touring during the program, plan to bring funds to cover that. Taxis in and around Havana usually cost between $5CUC and $10CUC.
• Miscellaneous: We will have extra funds with us in the event of an emergency, but you should plan on additional funds to cover unanticipated taxi rides, snacks, touring, etc. Tipping: A 10% tip is a good rule of thumb for all restaurants, taxis, and other services. BPH Cuba will handle tipping for all included meals and activities. All additional tips to guides and drivers are subject to the discretion of each traveler. A tip of $5-15 per person per day for guides and $3-10 per person per day for drivers is considered generous. You may also choose to tip the staff at your casa particular or hotel depending on the quality of service.

TOURING IN CUBA

+ Will I be doing much walking?

That’s up to you! Havana is a wonderful city to see by foot, but most activities can be done with a car and driver for those with limited mobility. The walking tour of Old Havana requires about 1.5 miles of walking on cobblestone streets, but we can also to arrange a bicycle taxi for the tour if that presents a problem. For those looking for a more active program, there are many beautiful hikes and walks in Havana and on any of the day trips or overnights that you elect to include.

+ Can I drink the water?

There are relatively few reported cases of water-borne illness for travelers in Cuba, but as a precaution we recommend that all travelers on our programs drink only bottled water. Bottles will be provided in both your bedroom and in the van for your use during the program.

+ Is Cuba a good place to bring children?

Yes! Cuba is a wonderful destination for families, with ample opportunities for exploration and hands-on activities. Depending on the age of your children, we will be delighted to recommend suitable activities. NOTE: Most bars, venues, and evening activities are limited to adults 18+. We will be happy to provide baby-sitting services upon request, though ask that all child care needs be arranged prior to your arrival in Havana if possible.

+ Will I have time to explore Havana on my own, outside of the required activities?

Yes, we will be happy to provide opportunities to explore Havana on your own - it’s a great city for walking, and your guide can certainly direct you to interesting neighborhoods in which you can wander. Depending on your license category, we will work with you to ensure that this self-directed touring is compliant with the regulations governing your trip.

+ What are the best ways to get around the city?

Yes, we will be happy to provide opportunities to explore Havana on your own - it’s a great city for walking, and your guide can certainly direct you to interesting neighborhoods in which you can wander. Depending on your license category, we will work with you to ensure that this self-directed touring is compliant with the regulations governing your trip.

+ Will there be opportunities to go shopping or buy souvenirs?

There is a large craft market in Havana, as well as many shops in Old Havana that offer small souvenirs and other goods. There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase gifts to bring home with you!

+ I’ve heard the food in Cuba isn’t very good. Is that true?

It is true that for many years it was difficult to find good food at restaurants in Cuba, and especially when it came to fresh produce. With the growth of the tourist industry and the explosion of new privately-owned restaurants (paladares), that is fortunately no longer the case. We will recommend some of our favorite establishments for you to try during your program, but these days there is no shortage of fabulous food to be had in Havana. That said, if you are headed outside of Havana, you should plan on food that is somewhat simpler than what you’d find in the city. Your guide will be able to make recommendations of good places to try, and can assist in making reservations should that be necessary.*

+ Is there good street food?

There is far less street food in Cuba than most first-time travelers expect, which is largely a function of the specific licenses required for Cubans who wish to sell food privately. You can buy produce in markets around the city, but the will not be many opportunities to purchase prepared foods from vendors outside of more formal restaurants. That said, there is of course take-out and more informal restaurants around town if you’re looking for a quick bite!

+ Are there good day trips within driving distance of Havana?

The answer to this question is coming shortly! Feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns.

+ What is the nightlife in Havana like?

The answer to this question is coming shortly! Feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns.

+ Will I be able to adjust my itinerary during the trip?

The answer to this question is coming shortly! Feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns.

+ Do we need reservations to get a table at the major restaurants in Havana?

The answer to this question is coming shortly! Feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns.