Cuba Highlights: Havana & Cienfuegos

COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.

Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.

Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.

• Entry requirements
• State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Cuba)
• Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Cuba)

NOTE ON TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

Please note that the tourism infrastructure in Cuba is more limited than what you might be accustomed to. You can expect slightly lower standards at the hotel properties with fewer amenities. On occasion, it may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary while the tour is in progress due to circumstances beyond the control of smarTours and our local partner. Please keep this perspective in mind in advance of and during your tour to this very special country.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from Miami to Cuba and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules.  At your orientation meeting in Miami the night before your flight to Cuba, your Tour Director will advise you about the schedule for the following morning. There will be shuttle transportation from your hotel in Miami. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

If you are planning to catch a connecting flight after you return to Miami, please make sure you allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The airlines operating the chartered flights does not accept advance seat assignment. Actual seat assignments will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignments.

2021 DEPARTURES: PASSPORT, VISA, AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION

The following documents and steps are required for legal travel to Cuba sponsored by smarTours under a general license for Support for the Cuban People (Section 515.574), where each traveler follows a full-time schedule of activities involving meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba to learn about their unique culture. The following information applies to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, except for Cuban-born U.S. citizens.

1. If you have not already done so, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of return.

2. Please fill out and return an original copy of the “Certification of Travel to Cuba” by mail no later than the final payment due date 90 days prior to departure (mailed to smarTours at PO Box 619, Old Greenwich, CT 06870). Please fill out your name, date of birth, phone number, and address, and then sign and date right below the line stating “I certify that the above information is true and correct.”

3. Cuba also requires the purchase of mandatory health insurance (known as Asistur), which has been included in this package and covers basic medical needs if required during your trip.

4. Your Cuban visa can be purchased at the Miami airport’s Cuba check-in desk for approximately $100 per person.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUBAN-BORN US CITIZENS

Cuban-born U.S. citizens require the following documents depending on when they departed Cuba. (1) Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970: PE-11 visa (allow 6 weeks to process) or a Cuban passport (allow 4 months). (2) Those who departed Cuba after January 1, 1971: Cuban passport (allow 4 months). We recommend that Cuban-born U.S. citizens who have previously been rejected for a Cuban visa do not reapply, as repeat rejection is likely and trip cancellation fees will apply.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING LEGAL TRAVEL TO CUBA

Although it is not legal to travel to Cuba for “tourist activities,” travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is permitted for certain types of activities as identified by the U.S. Treasury Department in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. smarTours sponsors an authorized form of travel following a general license for people-to-people travel (Educational Activities – CFR 515.565), where each traveler follows a full-time schedule of activities involving meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba to learn about their unique culture. For more information about the rules governing travel to Cuba, please visit the following link:
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf

DAILY JOURNAL REQUIREMENTS

OFAC requires that travelers to Cuba maintain a daily travel journal during their trip. This journal will serve as documentation that your trip to Cuba was consistent with the requirements of the Support of the Cuban People license. You must keep your journal and a copy of your certification form for a minimum of five years after the trip.

FINAL DOCUMENTS

Your final instructions and travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.  Please make sure to advise us in writing in case of a change of your address.

CLIMATE

The temperature in Cuba ranges from the mid 60’s to high 70’s in January and February, high 60’s to low 80’s in  March, April, November and December, low 70’s to mid 80’s in May and October, and mid 70’s to high 80’s in September. Rainy season runs from May to October.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

COMMUNICATING WHILE IN CUBA

U.S. cell phones do not work in Cuba, and access to Wi-Fi is extremely limited, except that most hotels have business centers with a computer or two. You may wish to make calls from the hotel room or business center, but you should expect calls to cost approximately $2.50 (or more) per minute. You should also expect to pay $10-15 per hour for Wi-Fi.

CREDIT CARDS, ATM MACHINES AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Until recently, U.S. credit cards and debit cards were not permitted in Cuba. Although the guidelines are changing and certain credit cards/debit cards will be accepted over time, we continue to recommend that you plan to bring as much as cash as you think you will need for the duration of the trip. As for currency, the Cuban Peso (also known as “Moneda Nacional”) is the official currency. However, the Convertible Cuban Peso (CUC) is the currency that most tourists use. You can exchange your money to convertible pesos at airports, hotels, banks, and exchange offices. Please note that exchanging U.S. dollars into CUC is subject to a 13% fee, whereas exchanging Canadian dollars, Euros, and other currency is not subject to this fee. Please also note that you will not be able to exchange torn or ripped bills.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at either the hotels used on this tour or other nearby restaurants recommended by your guide. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in a local hotel is about $20-25 per meal per person.

SHOPPING

According to new U.S. regulations, you may now bring back $400 USD worth of goods for personal use, of which $100 USD can be in the form of tobacco and alcohol products.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage not to exceed 44 pounds and one carry-on piece not to exceed 18”x10”x8”. Please also note that there is a $30 fee per checked bag imposed by the airlines and should be paid directly by you at the airport. This fee applies on both the flight from Miami to Cuba and the return flight from Cuba to Miami for a total of $60.