Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean Sea. Here I’ll share the complete guide on how to travel to Cuba. Cuba and its neighbors shape the Greater Antilles, a chain of islands that made millions long ago when two of Earth’s tectonic plates collided. Tall mountains and rolling slopes cover approximately one-third of Cuba. The other two-thirds of the island are marsh fields utilized basically for farming.
While Cuba is now much safer to travel to, I will teach you how to travel to Cuba, there are some warnings and restrictions that are given as follows:
- Cuba travel must be facilitated by a visiting company based within the United States.
- Cuba travel must be escorted, meaning you travel with a direct and an itinerary that appears you’re engaging in significant trades with Cuban individuals.
- Lounging around on Cuba’s marvelous sunny shorelines and sipping mojitos all day is prohibited.
- US Cuba travel administrators offer assistance in organizing trips highlighting the most excellent the enchanted island offers. You will appreciate the rum, cigars, exhibition halls, and unrestrained kind Cubans.
How to travel to Cuba And What is needed to travel?
The best time to go to Cuba is not just a matter of weather, it’s also a matter of whether you are allowed to enter the country. As a country with a communist government, picking up entry into Cuba requires extraordinary consent. So, make sure you do your research to ensure you are eligible, you need to learn how to travel to Cuba and understand which criteria and visa type you will fit into.
Passport
Travelers to Cuba must have a valid passport. To avoid having to upgrade any travel reports during your stay, make any doubt your passport has enough pages and time left on it for the aggregate of your trip (in a perfect world, a few months longer). It must have six months of validity at the time of entry.
Visa
Cuban tourist visas are moreover required for all guests. Entering Cuba without government authorization — your 30-day traveler visa — is unlawful, and can result in arrest and imprisonment. In case that’s not the kind of wild trip you’re seeking out, apply for a Cuban visa at the nearby government office or department of Cuba.
Canadian citizens can enter Cuba without a Cuban visa in case the trip is for tourism purposes, but they must have a visa for any commercial travel.
Medical Insurance
Currently, the only required vaccination is yellow fever. This only applies if you are arriving from a region with yellow fever, like Brazil or Colombia. Vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Cuba. These include hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. The exact vaccines that will be recommended vary based on your itinerary.
Although vaccinations are not required to enter Cuba, an immigration officer may check for verification of necessary medical requirements once you arrive. Cuba does not acknowledge U.S. protection approaches, and you may require additional precautions. Call your insurance provider to see in case you’ve secured abroad, or apply for insurance with Cuba’s Travel Protections organization.
For United States Citizens
It’s critical to note that the U.S. government still does not authorize how to travel to Cuba. Travel must drop into one of these 12 categories to be considered legitimate:
- Family visit
- Official government work
- Professional journalism
- Professional research (via a business)
- Educational activities
- Religious purposes
- Public performances, workshops, exhibitions, athletic competitions, or aiding a clinic
- Support for Cuban people
- Humanitarian reasons like teaching English, wildlife etc.
- Research on behalf of a private foundation or a university
- Exportation, importation, or informational exchange
- Certain transactions (like export) may be considered for authorization.
So, if you are a citizen of the United States and want to travel to Cuba, you must have a Cuban visa that falls into one of the above-mentioned categories. In this way, you can have a safe and secure trip.
Packing Tips For Cuba
Clothing
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather. Cuba’s climate is tropical, so think light, comfortable fabrics.
- Bring a mix of casual attire and some dressier clothes for evenings out.
- Don’t forget swimwear for beach trips.
- A light jacket or sweater can be handy for cooler evenings, especially in the winter months
Footwear:
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore the cities by foot. If you intend to hike or explore rural areas, consider sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.
- Sun Protection
- Pack high-SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Cuban sun.
- Don’t forget sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection.
- Insect Repellent:
- Cuba can have mosquitos, so bring insect repellent to avoid bites, especially in the evenings.
- Travel Adapters:
- Cuba typically uses type A and type B electrical outlets. Bring the appropriate travel adapters and voltage converters if needed.
No matter when you decide to go, always remember to Travel Till You Drop!