Getting There

Airline Service

Flying into Cuba can be challenging. All flights into Cuba are operated by approximately eight charter companies that have been licensed specifically by the U.S. Government to fly into Cuba. These charter companies do a bulk of their business out of Miami, where the Cuban population makes up a large percentage of the paying passengers. All flights are subject to review and pre-approval by OFAC as well the Cuban Government. Final approval may not occur until 60 days prior to departure, making long-term planning difficult. In addition, flight schedules change from time to time and flights get dropped and added.

There are currently direct flights via New York City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Other cities across America have recently gained approval to offer flights, however, no scheduled service is available at the time of this writing. The vast majority of the people traveling to Cuba fly via Miami.

You can find an up to date schedule of all approved charter flights to Cuba by clicking here.

Luggage

Baggage fees vary from one charter company to another. Details will be provided when your charter company is selected.

Passport and Visa

You must have a valid passport to enter Cuba. Be sure you check the expiration date of your passport to make sure you have at least 6 months before it expires. You are also required to have a Cuban visa, often referred to as a tourist card. This card is provided by Cuba Cultural Travel. You do not need to send your passport into CCT for a visa/tourist card. When you enter Cuba your passport will be given an entry stamp. Once you arrive in Cuba, your passport will no longer be required and you should keep it in the security box in your hotel room.

Documentation

In order to satisfy regulations in both Cuba and the United States, you will need to carry the following documentation. All of these documents will be given to you by Cuba Cultural Travel:

Cuban Born Travelers

Cuban Americans traveling with a Cuban passport to Cuba must have a visa from the Cuban government prior to reserving your flight or have your passport stamped by the Cuba Interests section.

For those born in Cuba, you must have five photographs and must fill out the visa application form with five copies. In addition there is a separate requirement for those who permanently left Cuba after December 31, 1970. Those who left Cuba after this date are required to have a valid Cuban passport. If you do not have a Cuban passport, and you left Cuba after December 31, 1970, you must contact the Cuban Consulate in Washington, D.C. to get the required paperwork (202) 797-8609, 797-8610 or FAX (202) 797-8521.

Cubans who left Cuba permanently, prior to 1959, can acquire a slightly less expensive visa called a 359 Visa. This visa must be acquired directly with the Cuba Interests section in Washington, D.C.

All travelers must have either a United States passport or residency card that is valid at least six months after the planned travel date.

Generally speaking you should allow thirty days for the processing of your visa.