5 Steps to Cuba (For Americans)
At the risk of sounding ridiculous, a true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love. — Che Guevara
Cuba is a destination that for Americans may seem out of reach. In reality, it is very close and within reach, if you choose to reach out and grab the opportunity. This is an exciting time to travel to Cuba. The country is undergoing many changes and it is possible that in a few years it will not be the same at all. So if you can go now, go.
I traveled to Havana Cuba from Fort Lauderdale Florida and stayed for four days and three nights in December of 2016. While my family was nervous for me to travel to this very foreign country, I was excited to explore a place that had been off-limits for so long. When I arrived I was happy, that as a female solo traveler, I actually felt safe. The people were so helpful. This made it easy to move around the city simply because I knew that I could at any point stop and ask for help.
There is an unwritten step for all travel and that is the desire to go. Those who travel do so because they are willing to take the necessary steps to live out the goal of taking the trip. Wishing will never get you there and dreaming can only take you half of the way. If you have a desire to see the world all that it takes truly is getting out there and seeing it. The following are the steps that I went through in order to travel to Cuba.
1. Obtain a Passport
For most international travel you need a passport. If you are a United States Citizen you can use the link below to find all the information on how to apply for a passport. The process is very easy and can take several weeks to complete, so get started now. If you want to travel soon there is also an option to expedite the process for a fee of course.
Once you have a passport you are one step closer to international travel. The world is yours. For me there is nothing more exciting than getting a new stamp in my passport. You will need a visa also for your travel. The visa might be included in your airline ticket or need to be purchased separately.
2. Determine your OFAC category
Currently United states citizens may only travel to Cuba as long as they fall under one of the 12 general licensing categories. You do not have to fill out any paperwork or anything to obtain one of these licenses. Simply decide which one you belong to and whenever asked provide any itinerary or credentials that you may have to prove your candidacy. To determine which category your travel will fall under you can check out the document below for a more detailed description. Or use the questions below as a guide for determining the best category for you to travel under.
Use the following questions to guide you through the selection of your category for travel.
Do you have relatives in Cuba?
Currently Americans can travel to visit relatives who live in Cuba. A relative is anyone you are related to by blood, marriage, or adoption. If you plan to visit any of these relatives this is the general license that you would travel under. A relative is not your baby momma’s cousin’s daddy’s brother-in-law. Please do not get into any trouble claiming to visit people who are not really your relative.
Are you a journalist?
Even if you are just a freelance journalist you may travel to work in Cuba under the license for journalistic activity. This license approves travel to Cuba for journalistic activities. You should have a full work itinerary and actually be working when traveling under this visa. You cannot just call yourself a journalist and travel to Cuba under this license. Remember to have any documents or necessary identification with you to justify your travel under this license.
Will you be conducting “professional research” or any “professional meetings?”
Are you a business owner who would like to check out business in Cuba. Maybe you are an engineer and would like to do research in Havana? Travel under this license is no different from the journalistic activities license in that you need to be “working” full time while there. You should have a written out itinerary to follow for your time there. A group may not attend with one person and the whole group falls under this category. Each person should qualify for a general license, meaning one person doing business does not cover his/her friends who come along.
Are you a part of a study abroad program or any other educational program?
Educational activities is another general license that you may fall under. If you are a student in the United States an option for you is to study in Cuba. Check with your school to see if there are any programs available. There are also stand-alone programs such as the following below where you can sign up to travel and study abroad.
Will you be engaging in religious activities?
Any religious activities that will incorporate the Cuban people or help out the Cuban people. Are you a part of a religious organization? Is your church going to do mission work? If your purpose for travel involves religious programs and activities for the Cuban people and as with all licenses you will spend “full-time” doing this, then you will fall under the religious activities category.
Do you need to brush up on your Spanish?
Yes, then Cuba is the perfect place. Would you like to learn more about the history of Cuba from the perspective of a Cuban? People-to-People is really the catch-all license. If you are traveling to educate yourself and interact with the Cuban people then this is the category for you. Your time must be spent actually engaging with the people. No different from any other license, you must have your time planned out and the bulk of it must be spent actually engaging in activities that involve engaging with the Cuban people or learning about Cuban life.
People-to-People is what I traveled under. I wrote out what all I wanted to accomplish while in Havana in a general day 1, day 2, and day 3 form. I had this ready for if anyone asked to see it (no one did). It is important that whatever category you decide to travel under you are consistent with it. Do not say you are traveling under the people- to- people to the travel agent and then tell the customs agent you are visiting a relative. Be safe. Be smart.
Are you traveling to support the Cuban people?
If you are traveling alone or with a human rights organization or to promote the independence of the Cuban people then you fall under the category of support. If you are planning to participate in activities that “strengthen civil society in Cuba” then select the support category when traveling.
Are you traveling just to be a tourist?
Travel as a tourist is not allowed for Americans to Cuba. There are many organizations and programs that offer planned trips to Cuba. I personally like to plan and travel solo but if that is not your thing look into what is available. You can find volunteer programs, study abroad programs, or even exchange programs through a simple Google search. Like the following:
3. Determine Dates of Travel
When do you want to go? Would you like to attend the Book Festival in February or visit Hemingway’s house in May? This part is up to you. Set the date and the rest is downhill.
I personally did a search to determine what the weather would be like. I also made sure that the room I wanted to book was available. You might be more flexible and be able to just leave without thinking about the dates. Whatever your situation is, be sure that you decide the best dates for you.
4. Book your Hotel or Casa Particulares Accommodation
While there are hotels in Cuba, I highly recommend staying in a Casa Particulares. These are homes approved by the Cuban government that are allowed to rent their space out to tourists. Casa Particulares are a great way to truly experience Cuban life and culture. I found the easiest way to book was through Airbnb which you can also take advantage of using the link below.
I personally know very little about the process for staying in a Hotel. If you would like more information you can check out this site:
I suggest booking your accommodations before purchasing your flight simply so you can be sure to have a place to stay. I also recommend Casa Particulares because you can have more flexibility with your stay. Please do as much research as possible or pay someone to do the research on your accommodations.
5. Purchase airline ticket and Visa
My loyalty to Southwest Airlines determined when and where I purchased my ticket. You have many other options. Currently these carriers travel to Cuba.
What cities you plan to visit will also determine what carrier you plan to use. Certain airlines only travel to certain cities. When you purchase your airfare health insurance is often included. JetBlue also includes the price of your visa in your ticket cost where as Southwest uses a Cuba Travel services for visa purchases. Be sure to read all information when purchasing your ticket. It would be very unfortunate if your travel is delayed due to lack of documentation.
Bonus Tips
Money —
I exchanged my USD for Mexican Pesos before I left the United States. I suggest you do the same or to Euros. There is a 10% tax on top of the exchange rate when you are exchanging USD for CUC which is the Cuban convertible peso. I was told by other american travelers that you may be able to buy the CUC through your bank so check that option out as well. Another suggestion is to only exchange what you will need for your taxi to the city, say about 40–50 CUC, at the airport because the exchange rate is higher than in the city. From Jose Martin International Airport to Havana city center you can expect to pay about 30 CUC.
Be aware that there is a dual currency in Cuba. There is Money Nacionale and there is the Cuban convertible peso. “Tourists” are only allowed to use the CUC although it is possible to get a hold of Money Nacionale and use it as the locals do. The locals are generally very nice and usually willing to help with any questions you may have. Take more money than you expect to spend. Your debit and credit cards do not work in Cuba and USD are not helpful unless exchanged for CUC.
Transportation —
The public bus system is easy to navigate with the guidance of a local. I was able to ride the bus with the help of my host. The bus is not for everyone. You are packed in like sardines no different from the trains in Japan. There are regional buses such as:
These are great for getting to other cities within Cuba. Taxis are generally the best way to get around within the cities. There are many different types of taxis from the pedi-cabs to the little yellow banana looking cabs to the classic American cars. You can take a taxi to other cities but it will cost you. Hitchhiking or ride-sharing is also big in Cuba. There are certain places similar to bus stops only without the signs where people gather to catch a ride.
PEOPLE —
The people were wonderful. It is helpful to know some basic Spanish. Many people who did speak English stopped me to ask me questions. Do not be afraid to interact with locals. I was never concerned for my safety while in Cuba. I got very lost at one point and found a guy with a pedi-cab he was so helpful. He did not know exactly how to get to where I was staying but he did his best and asked for help several times along the way eventually getting me home.
Leave all that you think you know about Cuba in the United States and just go with a blank slate. Do not assume anything about the people. Cuba is a beautiful country filled with beautiful people. There is nothing but love in Cuba. Be open to experience life and do not limit yourself.
Now Go!
This is just a guide to get you started. If you have questions or need more information feel free to respond to this. Below is another link to provide a little more information about Cuba.
Thank you for reading!!
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Peace.✌ Love. 💜 Happiness. 😁
also published at www.manifestdestinee.com
