May 10, 2015, 8:31 am
Last edit by: JDiver
WARNING: Trump speech in Miami today, June 16, 2017, announced (using the words "effective immediately") reinstatement of the tourist travel ban to Cuba. "Trump will re-impose the requirement that "people-to-people" travelers can only come to Cuba with heavily regulated tour groups. " for USA citizens and residents, that bans individual "self certified" travel to Cuba under the current OFAC 12 categories described below. That means (expensive) group travel for most, currently offered by travel and cruise companies (those will be allowed to continue).
US airlines will be allowed to continue to serve Cuba, but the new restrictions will mean most planning to travel individually will not be able to usevthese carriers (unless on authorized or licensed group travel).
Those groups with travel arrangements will probably have to make significant itinerary changes to conform with the policy's ban most American financial transactions with branches or businesses operated by the military-linked Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a conglomerate involved in many economic sectors in Cuba - including many hotels, state-run restaurants and tour buses.
"WHEN DOES IT TAKE EFFECT?"
"The details of Trump’s new policy remain unwritten. In a presidential directive he signed at the end of his speech, he ordered the Treasury and Commerce departments to draw up new regulations to replace elements of Obama’s policy changes. White House officials said that actual changes remain months away." (Washington Post - link)
"The new realities of U.S. travel to Cuba will be determined by the regulations that federal agencies will produce as a result of the new policy. A presidential memorandum gives the government 90 days before it even starts to rewrite Cuba travel regulations, meaning it could be many months before it's clear what the change means for American travelers.
The Treasury Department said individuals who bought an airline ticket or rented a room or car before Trump's announcement could make additional travel-related purchases for that travel under the Obama policy, even if their trip to Cuba takes place after the new, stricter Trump regulations go into effect." (abc news - link)
Verify arrangements already made with your airline, travel provider, AirBnB, etc.
Please keep an eye on OFAC modifications, Cuba travel policies in the US etc. on the State Department site, etc. (see below). Once OFAC controls allow it, travel of U. S. tourists to Cuba will undoubtedly thrive.
Further information, added 11 Jun 2016:
NOTE: When you arrive in the USA, DO declare Cuba on the U S Customs form 6059B. The USCBP officers generally do not care or give your travel to Cuba via Antigua or Cancún a second thought. But failing to disclose your travel to Cuba to a Federal agent? That's a violation of 18 U. S. Code § 1001, commonly called "making false statements", a felony punishable by up to five years in Federal Prison.
Nope, you wouldn't, but such an offense would jeopardize GE / APHIS / PreCheck, etc. and could certainly incur enhanced scrutiny on re-entering the USA or flying into / out of a U.S. airport.
18 U.S.C. § 1001 link
NOTE: Travel to Cuba is still regulated (Jun 2016). American residents must meet one criterion of twelve categories of allowed travel to Cuba.
"Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. There are, however, 12 categories of authorized travel. The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses in all 12 categories of authorized travel, subject to appropriate conditions. This means that individuals who meet the regulatory conditions of the respective general license they seek to travel under do not need to apply for a specific license from OFAC 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 activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and 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; and certain authorized export transactions."
U.S. Embassy, La Havana, Cuba (link)
Certain spend and other requirements must be met, in accord with regulations issued by the U. S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (link to PDF), and the Cuba Assets Control Regulations of 16 Mar 2016, 31 CFR 515 (link to PDF).
NOTE: US Citizens and Residents must possess a current passport with a minimum of two empty visa (not note) pages.
You must exchange US Dollars to CUC - Cuban Convertible Pesos in authorized locations, and are required to spend CUC in Cuba (not dollars). CUC are not exportable out of Cuba. (Hint: the writer of this wikipost had no trouble exchanging Euro at decent market rates and found Euro accepted in some locations due to the prevalence of European tourists in Cuba.) Some US credit card acceptance is said to occur now, but if so it's a recent change.
At the airport CADECA booth you can change the last of your CUCs. Or you can buy duty-free items or books etc. sold from the government propaganda shop to spend the last of your CUCs.
Please read the extensive U.S. Department of State information regarding Cuba if you are a U.S. Citizen or Resident. Link.
US airlines begin commercial USA - Cuba flights by September 2016
In March, the USDOT accepted airline applications wishing to offer non-charter commercial flights between the USA and Cuba. On June 10, 2016 USDOT issued an order for six US airlines to operate flights between the USA and Cuba, to begin September 2016 HAV / La Habana flight orders to come this summer.)
Source links:
Yahoo! Finance (Link).
USA Today (link): "WASHINGTON — Six U.S. airlines were approved to begin the first scheduled flights to Cuba in more than 50 years, the Transportation Department announced Friday.
The airlines were approved to fly from five U.S. cities to nine Cuban cities other than Havana. But the department is still considering which airlines will get a combined 20 daily flights to the capital out of 60 proposals, which will be announced later this summer..."
Reuters: (link) "American (AAL.O) will have nonstop service from Miami, the largest Cuban community in the United States; Southwest (LUV.N), JetBlue (JBLU.O) and Silver Airways will fly from nearby Fort Lauderdale; Frontier will add flights from Chicago and Philadelphia; and Sun Country will serve Minneapolis."
(AA, Delta, Sun Country and others have been serving Cuba with charter flights operated for CTS / Cuba Travel Services for over 25 years.)
Updated 11 Jun 2016 - JDiver
US airlines will be allowed to continue to serve Cuba, but the new restrictions will mean most planning to travel individually will not be able to usevthese carriers (unless on authorized or licensed group travel).
Those groups with travel arrangements will probably have to make significant itinerary changes to conform with the policy's ban most American financial transactions with branches or businesses operated by the military-linked Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a conglomerate involved in many economic sectors in Cuba - including many hotels, state-run restaurants and tour buses.
Trump's recalibration of policy will most immediately affect the latitude of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba. Under Obama's relaxation of travel regulations, U.S. citizens could designate the purpose of their travel under one of 12 specific categories, which included the broadly defined "educational" travel and "people-to-people" travel. This "self-designation" mechanism contributed to a surge in travel over the last two years, with more than 600,000 tourists visiting the island in 2016.
But Trump's new restrictions eliminate the self-designation process, and according to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, "will end individual people-to-people travel." Unless U.S. travelers qualify for one of the specialized categories of travel—journalism, religious work or academic research, for example—they will have to travel with licensed tour groups and prove they spent all their time in Cuba doing people-to-people activities. The new directive empowers the Treasury Department to audit U.S. travelers and immigration officials will be able to demand records and journals from returning travelers to demonstrate they are in compliance with the new restrictions. Those who are not could face hefty government fines.
Under the new Trump regulations, those restrictions have been expanded to prohibit U.S. citizens from staying in, eating at, or spending any money at numerous state-owned hotels and other businesses that fall under the umbrella of Cuba's Business Enterprise Group (GAESA). GAESA, a conglomerate of economic entities controlled by the Cuban military, oversees up to 60 percent of the economic activity in Cuba. Besides hotels, GAESA controls restaurants, tourism buses and other economic and tourist-related agencies.
Trump's directive means that U.S. visitors will no longer be able to stay at some of Havana's most popular hotels, among them the elegant Saratoga favored by U.S. senators, governors and Congressional representatives who have visited Cuba over the last several years, and the Santa Isabel, where former President Jimmy Carter stayed during his two trips to the island. The five-star Gran Manzana Kempinski Havana Hotel that opened just last month also falls under the GAESA umbrella and will be off-limits to U.S. citizens. As a guide for future travelers, the State Department plans to publish a list of prohibited hotels and businesses they will now have to avoid. Link to source.
But Trump's new restrictions eliminate the self-designation process, and according to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, "will end individual people-to-people travel." Unless U.S. travelers qualify for one of the specialized categories of travel—journalism, religious work or academic research, for example—they will have to travel with licensed tour groups and prove they spent all their time in Cuba doing people-to-people activities. The new directive empowers the Treasury Department to audit U.S. travelers and immigration officials will be able to demand records and journals from returning travelers to demonstrate they are in compliance with the new restrictions. Those who are not could face hefty government fines.
Under the new Trump regulations, those restrictions have been expanded to prohibit U.S. citizens from staying in, eating at, or spending any money at numerous state-owned hotels and other businesses that fall under the umbrella of Cuba's Business Enterprise Group (GAESA). GAESA, a conglomerate of economic entities controlled by the Cuban military, oversees up to 60 percent of the economic activity in Cuba. Besides hotels, GAESA controls restaurants, tourism buses and other economic and tourist-related agencies.
Trump's directive means that U.S. visitors will no longer be able to stay at some of Havana's most popular hotels, among them the elegant Saratoga favored by U.S. senators, governors and Congressional representatives who have visited Cuba over the last several years, and the Santa Isabel, where former President Jimmy Carter stayed during his two trips to the island. The five-star Gran Manzana Kempinski Havana Hotel that opened just last month also falls under the GAESA umbrella and will be off-limits to U.S. citizens. As a guide for future travelers, the State Department plans to publish a list of prohibited hotels and businesses they will now have to avoid. Link to source.
"The details of Trump’s new policy remain unwritten. In a presidential directive he signed at the end of his speech, he ordered the Treasury and Commerce departments to draw up new regulations to replace elements of Obama’s policy changes. White House officials said that actual changes remain months away." (Washington Post - link)
"The new realities of U.S. travel to Cuba will be determined by the regulations that federal agencies will produce as a result of the new policy. A presidential memorandum gives the government 90 days before it even starts to rewrite Cuba travel regulations, meaning it could be many months before it's clear what the change means for American travelers.
The Treasury Department said individuals who bought an airline ticket or rented a room or car before Trump's announcement could make additional travel-related purchases for that travel under the Obama policy, even if their trip to Cuba takes place after the new, stricter Trump regulations go into effect." (abc news - link)
Verify arrangements already made with your airline, travel provider, AirBnB, etc.
Please keep an eye on OFAC modifications, Cuba travel policies in the US etc. on the State Department site, etc. (see below). Once OFAC controls allow it, travel of U. S. tourists to Cuba will undoubtedly thrive.
Entry Requirements
Cuban officials now stamp all passports on entry and exit. The former practice of winking and stamping U.S. citizens in and out on a separate sheet of paper no longer takes place.
The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction obtain a Treasury license before engaging in any transaction related to travel to, from and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Treasury Annex, Washington, DC 20220, telephone (202) 622-2480; fax (202) 622-1657, or via the web at Office of Foreign Assets Control.
For current information on Cuban entry and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Cuban Embassy, an office of the Cuban government, located at 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 797-8518.
Cuban officials now stamp all passports on entry and exit. The former practice of winking and stamping U.S. citizens in and out on a separate sheet of paper no longer takes place.
The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction obtain a Treasury license before engaging in any transaction related to travel to, from and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Treasury Annex, Washington, DC 20220, telephone (202) 622-2480; fax (202) 622-1657, or via the web at Office of Foreign Assets Control.
For current information on Cuban entry and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Cuban Embassy, an office of the Cuban government, located at 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 797-8518.
NOTE: When you arrive in the USA, DO declare Cuba on the U S Customs form 6059B. The USCBP officers generally do not care or give your travel to Cuba via Antigua or Cancún a second thought. But failing to disclose your travel to Cuba to a Federal agent? That's a violation of 18 U. S. Code § 1001, commonly called "making false statements", a felony punishable by up to five years in Federal Prison.
Nope, you wouldn't, but such an offense would jeopardize GE / APHIS / PreCheck, etc. and could certainly incur enhanced scrutiny on re-entering the USA or flying into / out of a U.S. airport.18 U.S.C. § 1001 link
NOTE: Travel to Cuba is still regulated (Jun 2016). American residents must meet one criterion of twelve categories of allowed travel to Cuba.
Tourist travel to Cuba is prohibited under U.S. law for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and others subject to U.S. jurisdiction. (USDOS)
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 activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and 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; and certain authorized export transactions."
U.S. Embassy, La Havana, Cuba (link)
Certain spend and other requirements must be met, in accord with regulations issued by the U. S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (link to PDF), and the Cuba Assets Control Regulations of 16 Mar 2016, 31 CFR 515 (link to PDF).
timaticweb2 through United Airlines, 10 Jun 2016:
Summary (US Citizen or Resident traveling from USA to Cuba, return ticket and normal, current passport with at least two blank visa pages at hand)
Conditional, The traveler will need to hold travel documents as detailed below.
Type: Notice
Cuba - Destination Visa
Visa required.
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
Passengers with a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) issued to visitors traveling as tourists.
Additional information:
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) must be obtained prior to arrival in Cuba and are available at:
- Cuban Embassies or Consulates;
- Authorized Airlines;
- Travel agencies.
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) grant a max. stay of 30 days to nationals of USA, and extension of stay for additional 30 days.
The length of stay must be covered by USD 50.- (or equivalent in other convertible currency, in cash or traveller's cheques) per person per day, unless passenger has previously contracted the touristic activities with MINTUR in Cuba.
Important
Former nationals of Cuba who left Cuba before 1971 must hold passports endorsed "Habilitado" for HE-11.
All visitors are required to hold a travel insurance to cover their medical expenses while in Cuba. The travel insurance can be bought on arrival in Cuba, but it is recommended to have it before departure to Cuba. (Reasonable and easy to purchase on arrival. JD)
Added 1/18/2017 All passengers arriving on flights direct from the US are automatically covered by Asistur (Cuban insurance company) medical insurance for 30 days. The cost is bundled into the ticket cost.
These passengers are never asked to provide proof of medical insurance by Cuban immigration at airports as they are aware this has been standard for many years. However it is a different situation dealing with a medical service provider if you actually need to use the insurance or Cuban immigration at places other than the airport if you have reason to extend or change status of your travel visa.
There is an official Asistur one page document that states everyone arriving on a direct flight from the US has Asistur insurance for 30 days. This document, your boarding pass, and your passport will show that you have medical insurance. This document is not available anywhere on line. Nor is it available to passengers even though it should be. So I am providing it for download.
I would encourage anyone flying direct to Cuba from the US to download this one page document, print it out, and carry a copy with them.
http://www.bobmichaels.org/Asistur.pdf
End addition 1/18/2017
Neither visa exemptions nor Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) facilities are applicable to those holding foreign passports stating Cuba as place of birth. They will be considered Cuban nationals, unless holding a document signed by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proving withdrawal of their Cuban citizenship.
Cuba - Destination Health
This information is for guide purposes only. Other health organisations may recommend alternative precautions.
Vaccinations not required
Summary (US Citizen or Resident traveling from USA to Cuba, return ticket and normal, current passport with at least two blank visa pages at hand)
Conditional, The traveler will need to hold travel documents as detailed below.
Type: Notice
Cuba - Destination Visa
Visa required.
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
Passengers with a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) issued to visitors traveling as tourists.
Additional information:
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) must be obtained prior to arrival in Cuba and are available at:
- Cuban Embassies or Consulates;
- Authorized Airlines;
- Travel agencies.
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) grant a max. stay of 30 days to nationals of USA, and extension of stay for additional 30 days.
The length of stay must be covered by USD 50.- (or equivalent in other convertible currency, in cash or traveller's cheques) per person per day, unless passenger has previously contracted the touristic activities with MINTUR in Cuba.
Important
Former nationals of Cuba who left Cuba before 1971 must hold passports endorsed "Habilitado" for HE-11.
All visitors are required to hold a travel insurance to cover their medical expenses while in Cuba. The travel insurance can be bought on arrival in Cuba, but it is recommended to have it before departure to Cuba. (Reasonable and easy to purchase on arrival. JD)
Added 1/18/2017 All passengers arriving on flights direct from the US are automatically covered by Asistur (Cuban insurance company) medical insurance for 30 days. The cost is bundled into the ticket cost.
These passengers are never asked to provide proof of medical insurance by Cuban immigration at airports as they are aware this has been standard for many years. However it is a different situation dealing with a medical service provider if you actually need to use the insurance or Cuban immigration at places other than the airport if you have reason to extend or change status of your travel visa.
There is an official Asistur one page document that states everyone arriving on a direct flight from the US has Asistur insurance for 30 days. This document, your boarding pass, and your passport will show that you have medical insurance. This document is not available anywhere on line. Nor is it available to passengers even though it should be. So I am providing it for download.
I would encourage anyone flying direct to Cuba from the US to download this one page document, print it out, and carry a copy with them.
http://www.bobmichaels.org/Asistur.pdf
End addition 1/18/2017
Neither visa exemptions nor Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) facilities are applicable to those holding foreign passports stating Cuba as place of birth. They will be considered Cuban nationals, unless holding a document signed by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proving withdrawal of their Cuban citizenship.
Cuba - Destination Health
This information is for guide purposes only. Other health organisations may recommend alternative precautions.
Vaccinations not required
You must exchange US Dollars to CUC - Cuban Convertible Pesos in authorized locations, and are required to spend CUC in Cuba (not dollars). CUC are not exportable out of Cuba. (Hint: the writer of this wikipost had no trouble exchanging Euro at decent market rates and found Euro accepted in some locations due to the prevalence of European tourists in Cuba.) Some US credit card acceptance is said to occur now, but if so it's a recent change.
At the airport CADECA booth you can change the last of your CUCs. Or you can buy duty-free items or books etc. sold from the government propaganda shop to spend the last of your CUCs.
Please read the extensive U.S. Department of State information regarding Cuba if you are a U.S. Citizen or Resident. Link.
US airlines begin commercial USA - Cuba flights by September 2016
In March, the USDOT accepted airline applications wishing to offer non-charter commercial flights between the USA and Cuba. On June 10, 2016 USDOT issued an order for six US airlines to operate flights between the USA and Cuba, to begin September 2016 HAV / La Habana flight orders to come this summer.)
Source links:
Yahoo! Finance (Link).
USA Today (link): "WASHINGTON — Six U.S. airlines were approved to begin the first scheduled flights to Cuba in more than 50 years, the Transportation Department announced Friday.
The airlines were approved to fly from five U.S. cities to nine Cuban cities other than Havana. But the department is still considering which airlines will get a combined 20 daily flights to the capital out of 60 proposals, which will be announced later this summer..."
Reuters: (link) "American (AAL.O) will have nonstop service from Miami, the largest Cuban community in the United States; Southwest (LUV.N), JetBlue (JBLU.O) and Silver Airways will fly from nearby Fort Lauderdale; Frontier will add flights from Chicago and Philadelphia; and Sun Country will serve Minneapolis."
(AA, Delta, Sun Country and others have been serving Cuba with charter flights operated for CTS / Cuba Travel Services for over 25 years.)
Updated 11 Jun 2016 - JDiver
Americans and Cuba Travel - the Facts, Resources, Related Experiences [only]
Feb 17, 2019, 9:50 am
#151
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
Glad you enjoyed your trip.
If you travel on a "Support for the Cuban People" OFAC reason for travel, though, which implies that you will support independent Cuban business people, why put money into the hands of an American based company (AirBnB)? If prices are the same, as you write, the Cuban business is getting less since AirBnB takes a substantial cut. (Also for a time, maybe even still, AirBnB were not paying hosts in a timely manner.) As far as "carrying extra cash", a casa is $30 per night x 7 nights is $210., nbd IMO, and it helps the private economy and promotes.closer friendships dealing personally with hosts in this way. (I am comfortable carrying big cash in other parts of the world though, and have never had a problem over decades of doing so.) Cuban businesses don't usually give receipts, and the chances of getting audited, as you said, is pretty much nil.
Here, for any future readers, is a list of CUBAN casa agencies. Very easy to use one of them. I have had good experience with Cuba Junky and my repeat host likes working with them. Some of them have European billing, so you can use your US based credit card to pay in advance.
However, your initial host can help you find a comfortable casa in your next stop.
Casa Agencies
http://www.tour4cuba.com
http://www.casasdealquilerencuba.com
http://www.alquilerencuba.com
http://rental.point2cuba.com/
Websites to help find Casas in Cuba - Cuba - Debbie's Carribean Reviews Forums
Cuba-Junky - All About Cuba Traveler's information and Reviews
http://www.casasdecuba-en.net/
casa particular cuba .org - Casa Particular organization for renting private rooms in Havana and all Cuba
http://havanacasaparticular.com/
CasaParticular.org - Organization of casas particulares in Cuba - Online Bookings
https://www.mycasaparticular.com/en/
http://www.cubaccommodation.com/
bedincuba.com
casa particular havana, havana casa particular, particular casa havana, casa havana particular, havana particular casa, habana, cuba
http://www.casaparticular.com
havana casa particular, casa particular havana, casa particular cuba, accommodation cuba, cuba, havana
http://yourcasaparticular.com/
Casa Particular Cuba 2018 ~ Stay in a Casa Particular Havana and all Cuba with CubaParticular.
www.bbinnvinales.com
[email protected] (Dalia)
www.Cubabookingroom.com
www.cubacasas.net
If you travel on a "Support for the Cuban People" OFAC reason for travel, though, which implies that you will support independent Cuban business people, why put money into the hands of an American based company (AirBnB)? If prices are the same, as you write, the Cuban business is getting less since AirBnB takes a substantial cut. (Also for a time, maybe even still, AirBnB were not paying hosts in a timely manner.) As far as "carrying extra cash", a casa is $30 per night x 7 nights is $210., nbd IMO, and it helps the private economy and promotes.closer friendships dealing personally with hosts in this way. (I am comfortable carrying big cash in other parts of the world though, and have never had a problem over decades of doing so.) Cuban businesses don't usually give receipts, and the chances of getting audited, as you said, is pretty much nil.
Here, for any future readers, is a list of CUBAN casa agencies. Very easy to use one of them. I have had good experience with Cuba Junky and my repeat host likes working with them. Some of them have European billing, so you can use your US based credit card to pay in advance.
However, your initial host can help you find a comfortable casa in your next stop.
Casa Agencies
http://www.tour4cuba.com
http://www.casasdealquilerencuba.com
http://www.alquilerencuba.com
http://rental.point2cuba.com/
Websites to help find Casas in Cuba - Cuba - Debbie's Carribean Reviews Forums
Cuba-Junky - All About Cuba Traveler's information and Reviews
http://www.casasdecuba-en.net/
casa particular cuba .org - Casa Particular organization for renting private rooms in Havana and all Cuba
http://havanacasaparticular.com/
CasaParticular.org - Organization of casas particulares in Cuba - Online Bookings
https://www.mycasaparticular.com/en/
http://www.cubaccommodation.com/
bedincuba.com
casa particular havana, havana casa particular, particular casa havana, casa havana particular, havana particular casa, habana, cuba
http://www.casaparticular.com
havana casa particular, casa particular havana, casa particular cuba, accommodation cuba, cuba, havana
http://yourcasaparticular.com/
Casa Particular Cuba 2018 ~ Stay in a Casa Particular Havana and all Cuba with CubaParticular.
www.bbinnvinales.com
[email protected] (Dalia)
www.Cubabookingroom.com
www.cubacasas.net
Apr 17, 2019, 12:56 pm
#152
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,044
Uh oh. Looks like we’re moving backwards on Americans and Cuba travel.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nat...229341009.html
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nat...229341009.html
May 27, 2019, 2:40 pm
#153
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,044
Bucking US sanctions, American Airlines expands flights to Cuba
22 May 2019
American Airlines, the leading international carrier serving Cuba, said Wednesday that it intends to offer additional flights to the island despite moves by the United States to tighten its economic embargo against Havana and further restrict travel between the two countries.
Early this month, President Donald Trump's administration activated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, a 1996 law that intensified the embargo the US imposed in 1962.
https://www.efe.com/efe/english/busi...000265-3982716
Any of us can make guesses about the impact Bolton's recently-announced travel restrictions will have on Americans visiting Cuba, but AA is putting real money behind its guesses. The airline seems to be guessing that there is less here than it might appear.
22 May 2019
American Airlines, the leading international carrier serving Cuba, said Wednesday that it intends to offer additional flights to the island despite moves by the United States to tighten its economic embargo against Havana and further restrict travel between the two countries.
Early this month, President Donald Trump's administration activated Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, a 1996 law that intensified the embargo the US imposed in 1962.
https://www.efe.com/efe/english/busi...000265-3982716
Any of us can make guesses about the impact Bolton's recently-announced travel restrictions will have on Americans visiting Cuba, but AA is putting real money behind its guesses. The airline seems to be guessing that there is less here than it might appear.
May 31, 2019, 11:07 am
#154
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Seeking advice on Cuba itinerary
My wife and I (Americans) and another couple (Brits) are planning a trip to Cuba in late February. Due to work schedule restrictions, it will only be for six nights/five days (though perhaps an exploration for future visits). We'd arrive in Havana from Miami at about 5 pm on the first day and fly out to San Francisco (via San Salvador) at about the same time on our last day. We wouldn't be staying in any resorts, but rather casas.
This would be our first visit to Cuba. We're mainly looking to experience the culture, meet the people and learn more about the country in our brief time there. So getting to a beach isn't a priority unless it somehow fits into those priorities. We all speak a bit of Spanish to varying degrees. Given our backgrounds in international development and journalism, we've traveled to many other countries (including in Latin America and the Caribbean), but we realize Cuba is unique in some ways.
With all that said, we're thinking of the first three nights in Havana, and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely in Vinales, due to it being just a few hours away, the scenery there and other nice things we've read and have heard about it from friends who've gone there.
So, some questions:
1. Would it make sense to spend the first three nights in Havana and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely Vinales?
2. If not, any other recommendations on the timing or other places to go?
3. If we do go to Vinales from Havana, best to book a car ahead or just arrange a taxi when we leave Havana?
4. Same question as #3 , to get from Vinales to the airport on the day of departure?
5. The way the schedule could work out, we'd be in Havana a Wednesday through Sunday and then in Vinales Sunday through Tuesday. Am I correct in assuming that this works out well in terms of Vinales possibly being a bit less crowded then as opposed to the weekend? Any particular reason to try to be there over a weekend?
Of course, any other advice and suggestions are very welcome. Thanks.
This would be our first visit to Cuba. We're mainly looking to experience the culture, meet the people and learn more about the country in our brief time there. So getting to a beach isn't a priority unless it somehow fits into those priorities. We all speak a bit of Spanish to varying degrees. Given our backgrounds in international development and journalism, we've traveled to many other countries (including in Latin America and the Caribbean), but we realize Cuba is unique in some ways.
With all that said, we're thinking of the first three nights in Havana, and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely in Vinales, due to it being just a few hours away, the scenery there and other nice things we've read and have heard about it from friends who've gone there.
So, some questions:
1. Would it make sense to spend the first three nights in Havana and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely Vinales?
2. If not, any other recommendations on the timing or other places to go?
3. If we do go to Vinales from Havana, best to book a car ahead or just arrange a taxi when we leave Havana?
4. Same question as #3 , to get from Vinales to the airport on the day of departure?
5. The way the schedule could work out, we'd be in Havana a Wednesday through Sunday and then in Vinales Sunday through Tuesday. Am I correct in assuming that this works out well in terms of Vinales possibly being a bit less crowded then as opposed to the weekend? Any particular reason to try to be there over a weekend?
Of course, any other advice and suggestions are very welcome. Thanks.
May 31, 2019, 3:18 pm
#155
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
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My wife and I (Americans) and another couple (Brits) are planning a trip to Cuba in late February. Due to work schedule restrictions, it will only be for six nights/five days (though perhaps an exploration for future visits). We'd arrive in Havana from Miami at about 5 pm on the first day and fly out to San Francisco (via San Salvador) at about the same time on our last day. We wouldn't be staying in any resorts, but rather casas.
This would be our first visit to Cuba. We're mainly looking to experience the culture, meet the people and learn more about the country in our brief time there. So getting to a beach isn't a priority unless it somehow fits into those priorities. We all speak a bit of Spanish to varying degrees. Given our backgrounds in international development and journalism, we've traveled to many other countries (including in Latin America and the Caribbean), but we realize Cuba is unique in some ways.
With all that said, we're thinking of the first three nights in Havana, and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely in Vinales, due to it being just a few hours away, the scenery there and other nice things we've read and have heard about it from friends who've gone there.
So, some questions:
1. Would it make sense to spend the first three nights in Havana and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely Vinales?
2. If not, any other recommendations on the timing or other places to go?
3. If we do go to Vinales from Havana, best to book a car ahead or just arrange a taxi when we leave Havana?
4. Same question as #3 , to get from Vinales to the airport on the day of departure?
5. The way the schedule could work out, we'd be in Havana a Wednesday through Sunday and then in Vinales Sunday through Tuesday. Am I correct in assuming that this works out well in terms of Vinales possibly being a bit less crowded then as opposed to the weekend? Any particular reason to try to be there over a weekend?
Of course, any other advice and suggestions are very welcome. Thanks.
This would be our first visit to Cuba. We're mainly looking to experience the culture, meet the people and learn more about the country in our brief time there. So getting to a beach isn't a priority unless it somehow fits into those priorities. We all speak a bit of Spanish to varying degrees. Given our backgrounds in international development and journalism, we've traveled to many other countries (including in Latin America and the Caribbean), but we realize Cuba is unique in some ways.
With all that said, we're thinking of the first three nights in Havana, and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely in Vinales, due to it being just a few hours away, the scenery there and other nice things we've read and have heard about it from friends who've gone there.
So, some questions:
1. Would it make sense to spend the first three nights in Havana and the last two in Pinar del Rio, most likely Vinales?
2. If not, any other recommendations on the timing or other places to go?
3. If we do go to Vinales from Havana, best to book a car ahead or just arrange a taxi when we leave Havana?
4. Same question as #3 , to get from Vinales to the airport on the day of departure?
5. The way the schedule could work out, we'd be in Havana a Wednesday through Sunday and then in Vinales Sunday through Tuesday. Am I correct in assuming that this works out well in terms of Vinales possibly being a bit less crowded then as opposed to the weekend? Any particular reason to try to be there over a weekend?
Of course, any other advice and suggestions are very welcome. Thanks.
As indicated in the wiki: American citizens are required to maintain a detailed diary, detailing all activities, how they conform to current regulations, subject to Treasury Department audit. If you are serious about attempting such a trip, I would avoid online message forums, find a real expert who can advise you how to avoid substantial fines, CBP issues when attempting to return to the US - or at least understand the risks before proceeding.
May 31, 2019, 3:52 pm
#156
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Thanks very much for the reply and the cautions it contained. Especially given our professional backgrounds and interests, and other qualifications I didn't bother to put in my original post, I'm less concerned than you are about current regulations and about posting questions regarding potential Cuba travel. Perhaps I'm missing something, but in reading the wiki and post #153 , I'm not seeing the regulations as being changed in ways that would preclude our travel or put us in a position to fail potential post-travel audits, should those really occur. But still, with new regulations still to be promulgated, it is certainly something to keep track of.
And if I'm in fact missing something that precludes such a trip, I'd welcome more information on that. I will seek it out independently of FT, of course.
And if I'm in fact missing something that precludes such a trip, I'd welcome more information on that. I will seek it out independently of FT, of course.
May 31, 2019, 5:08 pm
#157
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Thanks very much for the reply and the cautions it contained. Especially given our professional backgrounds and interests, and other qualifications I didn't bother to put in my original post, I'm less concerned than you are about current regulations and about posting questions regarding potential Cuba travel. Perhaps I'm missing something, but in reading the wiki and post #153 , I'm not seeing the regulations as being changed in ways that would preclude our travel or put us in a position to fail potential post-travel audits, should those really occur. But still, with new regulations still to be promulgated, it is certainly something to keep track of.
And if I'm in fact missing something that precludes such a trip, I'd welcome more information on that. I will seek it out independently of FT, of course.
And if I'm in fact missing something that precludes such a trip, I'd welcome more information on that. I will seek it out independently of FT, of course.
On your questions: Your itinerary looks just fine. Definitely Vinales. I recommend however that instead of a casa you book the Hotel Los Jazmines. It sits on a promontory overlooking the valley of Vinales, fertile tobacco fields, and the beautiful mogotes (look this up). The views from your room balcony will be surreal. The hotel has a pleasant swimming pool, small store, excellent concierge who an arrange a horseback ride--CUC 5 per hour, riding through the countryside with stops at a local tobacco plantation/cigar operation and a pina colada). The hotel food is mediocre, but there are excellent private restaurants just a short walk away, also overlooking the valley and in a jungly setting (La Terraza and Balcon del Valle are my favorites--ask the concierge). BTW, the concierge, a lady, is married to a taxi driver (his name is Hornan, accent on the a) who, for 40 CUCs or so, will give you an excellent guided tour of the principal sites (look them up in a guide) in his 1952 air-conditioned Chevy.
Your casa host will surely have contacts for transportation from Havana to Vinales (should cost more or less 120 CUCs). There is also a "conectando" bus, state of the art coach, from Havana to Vinales. They pick up at hotels, and surely you will be close to a hotel (14 CUC/person Hav-Vinales) If you arrange for a driver instead, you could use the same person for the return, or again, the Jazmines concierge can arrange for your transportation Vinales-Airport on the last day.
May 31, 2019, 5:25 pm
#158
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Thanks very much for this useful info and much appreciated advice, catcher1.
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
May 31, 2019, 5:41 pm
#159
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Thanks very much for this useful info and much appreciated advice, catcher1.
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
May 31, 2019, 5:44 pm
#160
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Thanks very much for this useful info and much appreciated advice, catcher1.
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
A few more questions:
No sooner did I post my original questions than our friends (i.e., the other couple) asked about spending the nights this way:
Two in Havana
Three in Vinales
One in Havana
One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that our friends will be flying to a different destination (to be determined, but likely in Florida or somewhere else in the eastern USA) than San Francisco at the end of the trip, so it's possible that they'll need to spend the last night in Havana to catch an early or mid-day flight the next day.
That factor aside, any particular reasons for or against splitting the nights evenly between Havana and Vinales, in the ways they suggested?
Jun 1, 2019, 2:43 pm
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Thanks a lot for this additional information and advice, folks. I need to run this by our friends, but I think we'll indeed spend the last night in Havana and split Havana/Vinales 4/2.
Hotel Sevilla looks very nice, but beyond our friends' budget. In addition, I'm under the impression that staying in a casa, in addition to being more affordable, brings us more into contact with very nice and helpful hosts. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Hotel Sevilla looks very nice, but beyond our friends' budget. In addition, I'm under the impression that staying in a casa, in addition to being more affordable, brings us more into contact with very nice and helpful hosts. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Jun 1, 2019, 8:18 pm
#163
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Thanks a lot for this additional information and advice, folks. I need to run this by our frieionds, but I think we'll indeed spend the last night in Havana and split Havana/Vinales 4/2.
Hotel Sevilla looks very nice, but beyond our friends' budget. In addition, I'm under the impression that staying in a casa, in addition to being more affordable, brings us more into contact with very nice and helpful hosts. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Hotel Sevilla looks very nice, but beyond our friends' budget. In addition, I'm under the impression that staying in a casa, in addition to being more affordable, brings us more into contact with very nice and helpful hosts. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Jun 2, 2019, 8:06 am
#164
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
Well, first of all, you seem to be from the US. You will likely use the OFAC reason for travel Support for the Cuban People, as most do these days. That reason implies that you will be on a "full-time" schedule of activities that put money in the pockets of independent Cuban entrepreneurs. Hotel Sevilla, or any other hotel, is hardly an independent Cuban entrepreneur, so how would you legally or morally/ethically justify spending money there in lieu of a casa? And secondly, yes, from personal experience, staying in a casa gets you the knowledge and help of a local, and most interestingly, adds the opportunity to get to know the life and perhaps the thinking of a "regular" Cuban family. Just don't expect much luxury unless you lose part of those benefits by staying in some foreign-funded (US relatives or foreign spouse who have access to higher quality imported home furnishings) fancier private apartment just serviced by the owners.
Jun 6, 2019, 2:32 am
#165
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Last I check and posted on the matter, no American has faced any sort of civil penalty for having a sun & sand holiday in Cuba for over a decade.