Your travel to Cuba must be for one of the following reasons:
i. Family
ii. Official Government Business
iii. Journalistic activity
iv. Professional research
v. Education
vi. Religious activity
vii. Public performance or exhibition
viii. Support Cuban people
ix. Humanitarian projects
x. Activity of private foundations
xi. Transmission of information
xii. Authorized export transactions
Bring plenty of cash
United States credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba. You will need to bring
enough cash to cover your entire trip. Traveling with cash puts you at serious risk for
petty theft. Thus, keep out of harm’s way by being mindful of your environment.
Traveling with groups is always recommended.
Cover your health
You will need local medical insurance, but many airlines will take care of that for
you. While Cuba has some of the best doctors in the world, medical care in Cuba
does not meet all of U.S. standards. Also, some medications are unavailable. Be
sure to bring prescribed medicine and a copy of all prescription documentation. In
addition, you will need cash to pay for any medical expenses.
With all of the restrictions in place, the easiest way into the country is through
People-to-People initiatives, tourist groups, or cruise packages. If you choose to go
the independent route, it is best to be patient. With such isolation from the U.S.,
much of the population does not speak English. As far as accommodations, services
at hotels and restaurants may not be the 5-star experience that you desire. However,
as tourism in Cuba grows in popularity, the planning for excellence of Cuba’s tourist
is also growing.
NURA Magazine 43