June 4, 2019 the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that the “people-to-people” category of legal travel to Cuba will be eliminated starting as of June 5, 2019.

There are still 11 categories of legal travel to Cuba. Global Exchange will continue to offer legal travel to the island.

For updates on the changes in regulations, you can also consult the US Office of Foreign Assets Control FAQ’s page here.

Yes, you will need a Cuban visa for your visit in Cuba.  A Cuban visa, compulsory Cuban health insurance and the Cuban departure tax are generally included in the charter company airfare though it may vary from carrier to carrier so you should ask.  If you are travelling with Global Exchange and we arrange the air travel for the group, these items will almost always be included in the package price.

Global Exchange arranges most flights via Miami.  These are commercial flights so prices fluctuate.

You are required by US Regulations to have a full time schedule of activities that are applicable to the area under which you qualify.  Typically this means that you must participate in all the scheduled activities on the itinerary .  Time on your own will generally occur during afternoons and evenings.

If you stay in Cuba you must continue to qualify under one of the 11 categories for legal travel, and you will need to provide a signed affidavit to the flight agency designating that category.

Right now we recommend you only bring US Dollars, Euros or Canadian Dollars to Cuba . Once on the ground you must convert them to the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).  Despite recent changes it is still very difficult or impossible to use US Credit Cards and you are unable to access US accounts from Cuban Banks.

A casa particular is a similar to a bed and breakfast which provides a private room in a Cuban family home.  Breakfast is typically juice, coffee, eggs, fruit and toast.

Internet is found more widely across Cuba.  Internet cards are easily found and purchased at most hotels.  One hour is approximately 5 CUCs.  Wifi is best accessed in a hotel lobby, as many wifi parks may be difficult to access a clear signal.

While we don’t recommend any, it is best to consult with the Centers for Disease Control for a professional opinion  www.cdc.gov

As soon as possible is best.  Trips can fill up quickly at times, though this also allows us to better secure accommodations and flights.

Click here to see a list of our upcoming open trips, or contact realitytours@globalexchange.org to create a custom program for groups of 6 or more participants.