Hello Sunshines~
Many people want to know “how did you get to Cuba?” My standard answer is, “by airplane.” Most really want to know what reason was used to get into the country as there are some restrictions. I’m going to give you the list of things you need to have when preparing to go to Cuba. This is based on my experience with traveling on Southwest Airlines.
1. A Reason
While tourism for Americans is restricted you must have a reason which falls in one of the 12 very broad categories in order to travel to Cuba.
The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activities
- Professional research or professional meetings
- Educational activities and people-to-people exchanges
- Religious activities
- Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or other competitions and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Travel related to certain authorized export transactions
You can find additional details here.
2. A Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the scheduled return date. Don’t try to push the envelope on this as you may denied boarding in the US or denied entry into Cuba.
3. A Tourist Visa
I know, I know. You can’t go as a tourist, so why do you need a tourist card? As the two things do not match I was not understanding why I needed one. Well, all I can tell you is, you need it. Getting one is pretty painless, as it can be purchased online up to 3 days prior to your departure or it can be purchased at the airport prior to checking in. All you need is your flight information, your reason for travel, and a credit card. You will NOT be allowed to check in, nor board the aircraft without your Tourist Visa Card.
4. Cuban Health Insurance
Southwest Airlines includes the insurance in the purchase of your ticket, so no worries there. Your boarding pass is proof of the insurance so be sure to hold on to it. I kept mine with my passport.
5. Cash
US credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba so be sure to have enough cash to cover your time there.
6. Bags
Southwest has a baggage embargo to Cuba so while bags fly free you are limited to the 2 checked bags and they must be bags. At this time you are not allowed to check boxes, overweight (over 50 lbs) or oversized (over 62 linear inches) items.
7. Patience
The process of checking in takes some time and getting to the airport 3 – 4 hours early is highly recommended. If you or someone in your party is THAT person who is always pushing it for time, don’t be on this trip.
The process took longer than the flight, which was only 1 hour 15 minutes from Tampa, FL to Havana, Cuba.
Great article!
Super Helpful!!! This makes the decision to go to Cuba that much easier!! Thanks !!!
Helpful article!