Originally Posted by
jackly
Am working a trip to Cuba from the US arranged by a British Agency. Intend to travel through Miami since we are on the East Coast. Two couples who must arrange flights on our own. Any ideas or leads would be appreciated. And thank you.
Jackly
Your post is a bit unclear to me. The touring while in Cuba is being arranged by a British Agency? Do you have a UK passport? Or a US one? (not that it really makes a difference if embarking from US)
As of this month (September) there are commercial flights (American Airlines, Jetblue and lots of others) available from various US cities (through Miami). However, passengers on these flights must fall into one of 12 "official" categories of reasons for their trip. Pure tourism or beach vacation are not included.
If your British Agency arranged tour is a people-to-people type tour (doing cultural activities and meeting Cubans), pick that reason on the form. Form comes along with visa/tourist card application.
You really don't need to go on an expensive tour any more. Just pick your reason of the 12 and DIY once there. The US government (if you are coming back through the US) hasn't checked for quite some time on activities while there, beyond maybe a casual question. Lodging is easy to book DIY. Bus travel once there is also easy to book. Day guides are available for hire in Havana and elsewhere.
If embarking from Miami (or anywhere in US), you will need a pink visa/tourist card (U$70-$100 depending on who is selling it), not a green one (U$25).You can get it through the new Cuban Embassy in D.C. or through a third party designated by the airline.
Or fly through Cancun (on Cubana) or Mexico City (Cubana or Interjet) for about U$325 (Cancun to Havana).
Originally Posted by
YVR Cockroach
Given the reported price of flights from the U.S. and the cost of tourist cards, I would consider flying from Canada if you're close enough. Flights on WS may earn mile in both your FFPs.
Reported by whom?
There are some incredible promotional fares at the moment.
How about U$265 RT from 'US-city-5-hours-south-of-Montreal'?
Is it still cheaper to shlep to Canada, then fly to Cuba?