Before You Depart

CATEGORY FOR TRAVEL UNDER OFAC REGULATIONS

This program qualifies under the Support for the Cuban People category. Our itinerary includes activities intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba and fosters meaningful interactions with the local people. The itinerary has a full schedule of activities with little leisure time, with some evenings at leisure. U.S. law requires that all travelers participate fully and adhere to the schedule.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Havana and ends in Havana. We recommend that you:

• Fly into José Martí International Airport (HAV)
• Fly out of José Martí International Airport (HAV)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Cuba, the yellow PANTAXI or TAXIOK taxis are the official taxi companies for tourist use. The official rate is 25CUC into Havana and please make sure the meter is turned on. As you exit the arrivals terminal, please go through the general public waiting area and then follow the signs to the area with parked taxis.

TOUR MEETING POINT

• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive with time to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner at 7:30 PM on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, Hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A Cuban Tourist Card (visa) is required for travel to Cuba. These visas can be purchased at the airport during or near where you check-in for your international flight to Cuba departs (typically Miami). The cost is approximately $100 USD per person and this cost is not included as a part of our tour package. Individuals traveling to Cuba on American Airlines can obtain their Cuban Tourist Card in advance of travel online (processing fees may apply).

For Cuban-Born U.S. Citizens: If you were born in Cuba, regardless of citizenship, you ust apply for a visa directly from the Cuban Embassy. Please notify us if this applies to you.

For Non-U.S. Citizens: Travelers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine any travel and entry requirements.

Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

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 for 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.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required, however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CUBA

Cuba requires the purchase of mandatory health insurance. Most air tickets from the U.S. to Cuba include this mandatory health insurance. If you are traveling to Cuba from another country, you can typically purchase the mandatory health insurance on arrival.

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.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP, ₱). Due to sanctions, travelers will not have access to accounts with U.S. banks and cannot use credit cards issued in the United States while in Cuba. Travelers can exchange money at airports, hotels, banks, and exchange offices. U.S. dollars and the Euro are also widely used. We recommend you bring as much cash you need for the entire trip. While how much cash to bring can vary from person to person, a suggested amount will be included in your final documents. If you prefer to use a card (instead of cash) when making purchases in Cuba at hotel bars, restaurants, government stores, and more, you may purchase a MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) prepaid card at a hotel with cash. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

Electricity

Cuba operates on 110 volts/220 volts and 60 Hz and uses plug types A, B, C, and L. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.