- What are the travel requirements to legally travel to Cuba?
You must be travelling for one of the 12 authorized reasons to be allowed to book a flight to Cuba. For a full
description of the categories, visit the OFAC website.
- Are visas required to travel to Cuba?
All U.S. citizens will need a visa. You can purchase a visa from the airline at your
departure gate before boarding.
- What other travel documents do I need?
Anyone flying between the U.S. & Cuba, even on a stopover, must sign an affidavit prior to ticketing. In the event
that OFAC requests to see them, you should hold on to any documents relating to purchases you make for & during
your trip to Cuba (e.g. receipts for flights or accommodations), along with any itineraries and other documentation
about your purpose for travel.
Group leaders will also need a letter from their sending institution to verify that they are traveling under the auspices of an international study program.
- How do I get started planning my trip to Cuba?
If you're looking for ideas to develop your program, take a look at the Academic Focus section of our Cuba page
above. You can also choose one of our Sample Itineraries & click "Request a Quote."
- Do you offer private tours?
Absolutely! All of our group tours are privately guided tours. We do
this because we customize each itinerary to the group's academic focus.
- Will I be able to explore on my own?
Since student groups may only participate in faculty-led travel, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable &
professional local guide who will facilitate interactions with the Cuban people. However, you are welcome to venture
out during free-time & in the evenings outside of your planned activities. Cuba is very safe & you will find that the
Cuban people are warm toward visitors.
- What type of accommodations can I expect?
- There are a wide-range of lodging options in Cuba, including:
- Hotels - There are a variety of hotels, particularly in Havana. It's important to note that the rating system is similar
to European hotels & differ from the American standard.
- Casas particulares (private houses) - If you are looking for a more authentic stay, a casa particular (private
house), is a great option. Like bed & breakfasts, these family-owned establishments provide lodging & meals.
They can range from apartments to large boarding houses, so don't think they are exclusive to individual travelers.
- What cultural differences can I expect?
Cuban culture is a mix of Creole, African & Spanish culture. It has maintained very strong ties to its traditions throughout
history. Keeping an open-mind is key to truly enjoying your travels & getting the most out of the experience.
Cuba is very polychronic, where multi-tasking is key & things can change at a moment’s notice. Cubans operate on a very
laid-back schedule; make sure you embrace the slower pace & don't expect punctuality.
Smoking is very prevalent, even inside many public spaces. So, keep this in mind if any of your students have allergies or asthma.
- What rules & customs should I know about before I go?
Remember, this country has a communist ideology. So, you don’t want to flaunt wealth or speak poorly about the
government. Also, it is forbidden to take pictures of police or soldiers.
Never take an unlicensed taxi. It’s technically illegal to ride in them & they are not metered, so it’s easy to be scammed.
Cars have the right of way in Cuba, not pedestrians. Be careful when crossing the street & use crosswalks whenever possible.
Also, it's very rude to blow your nose or spit in public.
- How much cash should I carry with me?
U.S. credit cards, ATM/debit card & checks are typically not accepted in Cuba. You will need to carry enough cash to cover any expenses
you may incur in-country. Remember, FTI can arrange & prepay for any services & gratuities your group will need.
But, you'll still want to bring some cash for souvenirs & emergency situations.
- Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a requirement for travel to Cuba. For this reason, the airlines include minimal coverage in their ticket
cost. Should you incur any medical bills while you are in Cuba, you will be required to settle the balance in Cuban currency
before you are allowed to leave the country. For this reason, we encourage our clients to purchase additional insurance to
protect themselves & their organizations.
Ask your agent about Emergency Medical &/or Comprehensive Travel Insurance policies.
- Can I use my cellphone in Cuba?
Some U.S. cellphone carriers provide roaming service in Cuba. Be sure to check with your carrier about rates & fees prior to
traveling. Although many people are used to making calls using WiFi, hotspots are not readily available & rarely free.
If you are interested in discounts on purchasing your own hotspot, international cell phone or SIM card, visit
wirelesstraveler.com & use our promo code: FTI. Or, call (866) 700-3883 to speak with a representative. If you’re cruising,
satellite phones are also available.
- Will I have access to the internet in Cuba?
Internet is scarce, even in larger cities. Cuba is one of the least internet-connected societies in the world with limited access,
low bandwidth, high costs & censorship. There are some public hotspots available throughout the island & hotels may offer
WiFi in the lobby, but there is an hourly charge for this service.
You can purchase a WiFi hotspot through our partner, Wireless Traveler. Visit wirelesstraveler.com & use our promo code:
FTI. Or, call (866) 700-3883 to speak with a representative.
- Do you have information I can share with my students?
We do! Please feel free to download our informational flyer about Cuba & share it with your study abroad participants.
- Is tipping expected in Cuba?
Base salaries in Cuba are low, so tipping is both expected & much appreciated. The amount given should be a reflection of the quality of service received. Below are some guidelines to keep in mind, but you can always leave more for exceptional service.
- Tour guide 5.00-7.00 CUC/day/person
- Tour bus driver 3.00-5.00 CUC/day/person
- Restaurants staff 1.00 CUC/meal/person or 10%
- Hotel porters 1.00-2.00 CUC/person (more if you have lots of luggage)
- Hotel maid service 1.50-3.00 CUC/day/person
If FTI has made all of the travel arrangements for your group, you can work with us to include a stipend to cover all tips for your trip.
- Will I need to pack a converter to plug my devices into Cuban electrical outlets?
Most hotels will provide access to both 110 V & 220 V electrical outlets. Some accommodations, such as casas particulares or small boutique hotels may not have outlets for three-prong cords. Most modern devices such as smart phones & laptops have internal converters, but we recommend that you bring a travel converter/adapter just in case.
