Getting to Cuba

Getting to Cuba is simple provided you have a valid passport, a return ticket, and visa or a tourist visa. Tourist visas are generally issued by the ticketing airline or travel agent. 
 
Or, they can be bought at the port of disembarkation, upon clearing Customs. However, traveling to Cuba could prove cumbersome for US nationals, owing to a prevailing Embargo. And, it is considered illegal to spend US currency in Cuba.

Tourist Visas or ‘Tarjetas of Turismo' to Cuba cost approximately CUC$25-CUC$35 and are usually valid for 90 days; at times Cuban Customs could issue them for just 30 days, or until the date of departure on your return ticket, unless you request otherwise. They can be extended for an additional 30 days by shelling out an extra CUC$25. To extend your tourist visa to Cuba, you must go to the Immigration Office in Havana in person. It is necessary to produce the passport, visa, tourism card, the reservation of the hotel, or a certificate of the individual who sponsors you and a stamp worth CUC$25.

Confirmation of return flight

To confirm your return flight, it is necessary to return Calle to you 23 No 64, esq.a infanta, Vedado, Habana, 72 hours prior to your departure. If you want to change your date of return, you will have to pay $100.

In the event you need a specific work visa, or if your travel agent or airline will not provide you with the tourist visa, you should contact the Cuban consulate or embassy in your home country.

Entry requirements for various nationalities:

Currency of Cuba

The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100 centavos (cents). Notes can be of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. Coins can be of 1, 5 and 20 centavos, and there are others of 1 and 3 pesos.

Note: Passport and visa rules are liable to change at short notice.

By: Mini Sreenarayanan
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