CUBA FAQS
Why is Tauck offering travel to Cuba?
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has granted Tauck a license to provide People-to-People educational exchange travel to Cuba. Our 7- and 13-day small group trips enable U.S. citizens to meet face-to- face with local Cuban residents from different professions to share thoughts, gain knowledge, and connect with Cuba’s deep cultural heritage through People-to-People exchange.
What is “People-to-People” travel?
People-to-People educational exchange travel is an initiative allowing U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba on a limited basis to participate in cultural experiences and have direct contact with the Cuban people in order to learn more about them and their culture. A highly rewarding educational experience, People-to-People travel encourages your direct engagement with the Cuban people you will meet during activities focusing on education and cultural exchange.
What is OFAC and what is its function?
According to the official U.S. Treasury Department website: “The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries and regimes… and other threats to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States.” Due to trade and travel restrictions concerning Cuba that have been established by current U.S. government sanctions, all matters relating to the travel of U.S. citizens to Cuba are handled by OFAC, which has granted Tauck a license to conduct People-to-People educational exchange travel to Cuba.
Will I need a passport to travel to Cuba?
Yes; as is the case with anyone traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck trip to Cuba. Make note of your passport’s expiration date and renew your passport if it is nearing expiration.
Is a visa required for travel to Cuba?
Yes; the Cuban government requires all foreign travelers to have a “Republica De Cuba Visa – Tarjeta Del Turista,” sometimes referred to as a Cuban
Visitor’s Visa. Cuban immigration officials will collect one half of this two-part card upon your arrival in the country, and the other half upon your departure. Tauck will obtain your Cuban Visitor’s Visa for you and will give it to you in Miami, along with the documents needed for your charter flight from Miami to Havana.
What other travel documents will I need?
• Tickets for your round-trip charter air between Miami and Cuba, included by Tauck
• A copy of the Letter of Authorization that allows you to travel to Cuba under Tauck’s license
• A Health (Sanitary) document requesting general information about your recent health. If you show visible signs of illness, you may be questioned at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport by medical authorities stationed near the security line. The health form is generally NOT collected upon arrival in Havana, but should be filled out just in case it is collected
• Customs declaration form You will receive all of these documents in Miami.
As specified in our license, you are required to retain all records regarding your activities on this trip to Cuba for a period of five years and provide them to OFAC if it requests them.
Will my cell or smartphone work in Cuba?
Generally, things are changing in Cuba regarding cell phone and smartphone service; some phones using Sprint or T-Mobile now work in Cuba, so there is a possibility of reception. However, if you really need to call home to the U.S., using your hotel phone would be a far more reliable option. The average rate for a call from your hotel phone in Cuba is approximately $2.40 per minute. It’s always a good idea to inquire about the rates you’ll be charged prior to making an international call from a hotel phone. Also, please note that satellite phones are not allowed in Cuba.
Will I be able to use U.S. dollars in Cuba?
No; U.S. dollars have not been accepted in Cuba since 2004, and cannot be used for purchases. Cuba employs a dual-economy system that features one currency for foreign visitors – Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) – and another for Cubans – Cuban Pesos (CUPs), also referred to as Moneda Nacional. Foreign visitors must use Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) for any purchases made in Cuba and are not permitted to change their CUCs into Cuban Pesos or CUPs. U.S. dollars must be converted into CUCs.
Will I be able to exchange money in Cuba?
Yes; you will be able to exchange U.S. dollars into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) at banks and at official exchange bureaus operated by CADECA (Casa de Cambio), the official government exchange agency, at the airport and at some hotels.
Will I be able to use my credit or debit card while traveling in Cuba? No; U.S. bank-issued credit cards and debit cards are not yet accepted in Cuba, so you will be unable to access your funds electronically. Because of this, and because U.S. dollars are rarely accepted in Cuba, it is important to bring an adequate amount of cash with you to exchange into CUCs for any purchases you wish to make in Cuba. How much you bring is a matter of personal preference; you may bring up to $5,000 USD.
Can I purchase items in Cuba and bring them back to the U.S.? U.S. government regulations concerning goods that are purchased in Cuba and brought back to the U.S. changed during 2015. Please be advised that U.S. travelers to Cuba are now allowed to bring back up to $400 worth of goods purchased in Cuba for personal use, including no more than $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco products. In addition, you may legally bring up to $5,000 USD per person into Cuba which will cover purchases of more expensive artwork or books, which are also permitted.
Is Internet access available in Cuba?
At the Meliá Habana, computer stations are available in the executive lounge and business center. Complimentary WiFi is available for Tauck travelers, but it is not reliable. Although the Meliá Habana and Paradisus Río de Oro provide wireless Internet in your room, generally Internet service in Cuba may not be reliable or up to the standards you may be accustomed to at home, with spotty wireless service, slow connection speeds, etc. Please note that for both Cuba itineraries, Tauck has arranged for complimentary Internet service for guests throughout your travels in Cuba – but again, please be aware that it may not be reliable.
22 Go to
tauck.com/cuba for additional questions & answers about Tauck’s People-to-People Cuba trips
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