{Note}This is a place holder for information as I gather, it seems that the all-knowing Flyertalk, is devoid of a lot of Cuba info.{/note}
So you are an American, and US-based airlines are now flying to Cuba. You are of course not a tourist, but if you are curious about how and what a tourist might do. This thread is for you!
Airline info:
American Airlines
Delta
Frontier
Jetblue
Silver Airways
Southwest
United
DOT Fact Sheet with all routes and more info.
Legal Reasons to Visit:
1. Family visits
2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
3. Journalistic activity
4. Professional research and professional meetings
5. Educational activities
6. Religious activities
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
8. Support for the Cuban people
9. Humanitarian projects
10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
12. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines
Where do you stay?
Hotels
Casa Particular
Currency and howto pay:
Assume your American credit cards will not work, and if you have foreign issued cards expect that they will only be accepted at big hotels. Cash is king, bring USD, EUR or GBP and exchange at a hotel.
Currency Info. CUC and CUP.
Now what do you do?
Can I self-certify?
Yes. Just make sure it is for the People to People exchange.
How much does a Visa cost? - $50 if you visit the Cuban Consulate in Washington DC. If you apply remotely, it costs $70.
Make sure you save $25 per person for the exit fee.
These documents are needed to obtain this visa by mail:
- Legible photocopy of valid Passport
- Legible photocopy of plane ticket with entry and return dates
- Payment of the Consular fee for this service
- Stamped self-addressed envelope for the visa to be sent back (Consular Office recommended FEDEX, Express mail , UPS or Certified Priority mail)
- 1 Money order by $ 50.00 USD (consular fee)
- 1 Money order by $ 20.00 USD (If the application is made by mail or via a third party, an extra consular fee of 20.00 USD will be charged).
- All payments must be made with money orders.
- To send by mail our Consular Office is located at 2630 16th Street NW, Washington DC, 20009
- Checks are made payable to "Embassy of Cuba"
Other Stuff:
Top-10 Questions as answered on FT.
Great advice from Miles Talk.
Trip Report from Cheap World Traveler.
Bus line information (city to city).
More Great Info.