Cuba has a lot to offer. My friends and I were drawn to the classic cars, the Art Deco architecture, and, of course, the friendly people! We also love music and dance, which is one of Cuba’s specialties! Rick Steves recently produced an excellent video on Cuba that’s fun and informative.
The US and Cuba reached an agreement for direct flights. Flight availability to Cuba from various US airports and search engines is ALWAYS changing, so be sure to try multiple search engines and cities, if possible. Readers have reported that some flights to Cuba from the US may be opening up. When I went to Cuba in December 2015, flights were not scheduled yet. My friends and I flew via Cancun, and continued our journey to Havana. Note: Regulations surrounding US travel to Cuba are always changing, so make sure you check the current rules before planning your trip. There are limited opportunities to use miles & points, but you can save some money. I’ll show you how later in this series!
My travel partners included many of the same friends who accompanied me to Croatia!
Robbie (pink hair) is a professional dance instructor who teaches salsa, kizomba, and bachata. Sarita is also a dance teacher, as well as a graphic designer. Gissell teaches fitness classes and loves rock climbing.
On this trip, I went with 3 new friends – Diana, a local art teacher, Chelsea, who manages a hostel, and Antonio, who works in IT design. Traveling as a group of 7 was fun, but definitely challenging at times! We had a great time together, and can’t wait to return!
Viva Cuba! Trip Report Index:
- Part 1 – Viva Cuba! – Introduction & Planning
- Part 2 – Viva Cuba! – The Basics: Visa Requirements
- Part 3 – Viva Cuba! – The Basics: Cash Planning
- Part 4 – Viva Cuba! – The Basics: Internet
- Part 5 – Viva Cuba! – Flights to Cuba
- Part 6 – Viva Cuba! – Where to Stay & How to Book
- Part 7 – Viva Cuba! – Where to Stay: Casa Particular Overview
- Part 8 – Viva Cuba! – Where to Eat
- Part 9 – Viva Cuba! – The Best (Cheap) Food & Drink Options
- Part 10 – Viva Cuba! – What to Do in Havana Part 1
- Part 11 – Viva Cuba! – What to Do in Havana Part 2
- Part 12 – Viva Cuba! – What to Do – Day Beach Trips from Havana
- Part 13 – Viva Cuba! – Return Flights to the US
- Part 14 – Viva Cuba! – Conclusion & Blog Giveaway
The Basics – Visa Requirements
Check to Make Sure You Fit in the 12 Approved Travel Categories
Traveling to Cuba requires some additional research and planning. You will need to make sure your visit falls into one of the 12 categories for approved travel into Cuba, which are:
- Family visits
- Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Certain authorized export transactions
I went to share my “support for the Cuban people” by getting to know the locals and spending money to encourage small business there.
According to the US Department of Treasury FAQs, you can get a license to visit Cuba as long as your intentions are to positively influence the country . Examples of this are things like human rights projects, advocating a peaceful transition to democracy, and encouraging activity that bolsters Cuba’s society. Rick Steves says that you should pick a category and stick to it.
You do NOT need to go with an organized tour group. My friends and I booked all of the travel ourselves.
Getting the Actual Visa
It was very easy to get the actual visa! You don’t need to apply ahead of time. I got mine while standing in line at the Cubana Air check-in counter in Cancun, Mexico! While my friends and I were waiting to check-in for our flight to Havana, a staff member handed out blank visa forms.
The visas cost only ~$25. However, some of us were charged an extra $20 at the Cubana Air counter to “leave” the country! The agent would not provide us with a receipt, and he gave us our change from his own pocket!
Later in the trip, our host family verified that we should NOT have been charged this extra $20 fee.
Bottom Line
Getting a visa to Cuba is very easy! You will receive a Cuban visa at the Cancun airport at check-in for your Cuban flight.
You do NOT need to go with any organized group. I wanted to share my “support for the Cuban people” by listening to their stories about life in Cuba and spending money to support the small businesses there. I also wanted to learn about Cuba’s history of architecture, music, and dance.