Frequently Asked Questions

Yes it is legal to travel to Cuba with a few things in place. All Travelers visiting Cuba must have a Cuban Tourist Visa (also called an entry permit, tourist card or travel card.) The required visa is included in the price of your trip. 

You must have an itinerary that shows support for the locals. Support for the Cuban People transforms lives by making a meaningful impact in local communities. Our core humanitarian initiatives include:

• Empowering the arts – We proudly visit with local artists, musicians, dancers and business owners.

• Investing in local employment – Our tour company is working with locals, from bilingual guides and drivers to musicians, artists, historians, architects, teachers, and photographers—ensuring top-tier, culturally immersed experiences.

We won't just explore; we will play an active role in uplifting Havana’s residents. Every interaction—from dance and preschool support to eco-conscious touring—is designed to benefit Cuban families, children, and artists.

Our goal is to leave a lasting, positive impact on the souls and futures of local communities while connecting with Afro-Cuban roots.

You can book your flight to Cuba directly through your preferred airline, just as you would for any other destination. You'll fly into Jose Mari International Airport (airport code HAV.) This is the main airport on the island and is located about 9 miles from the southwest city center.

During booking, you may need to specify your purpose of travel; please indicate “Support for the Cuban People.”

For U.S. travelers, current regulations require entry through Havana—our tours all begin there. Note that charter flights are not permitted for American travelers.

Key Points Simplified:

• Book through your usual airline—no special steps.

• Declare your travel purpose as Support for the Cuban People.

• U.S. travelers must arrive in Havana (charter flights are not allowed).

• All tours start from Havana.

1.  Passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.

2.  Return Ticket

You cannot book a one way flight. They will want to see a round trip ticket.

3.  Travel Medical Insurance.

Insurance covering medical emergencies in Cuba is mandatory.  You can price coverage with 2 different companies in your online profile. If you are not worried about coverage before travel (which is recommended,) we do have an inexpensive insurance that covers you from the time you land in Cuba which will fulfill the requirement. This coverage starts as little as $40 pp depending on your age and the state you live in.

4.  Tourist Visa (Cuban Tourist Card or e-Visa)

A pink tourist card is required for direct flights from the US, the green for other routes. The tour company will handle your e-Visas, but we must have your airline schedule no later than 30 days prior to travel.

5.  US Specific Requirements

When asked, you are traveling under the Support for the Cuban People license.

6.  Online Entry Form

Complete the D’Viajeros customs, immigration, and health declaration form within 48 hours before departure to receive a QR code.  A few days before departure (typically 3–7 days out), your airline—like American, Delta, JetBlue, United, or Southwest—will email or display during online check‑in a link to the D’Viajeros form, or include it in your e‑ticket itinerary. These carriers verify completion before boarding.    Use the official government site. The form must be filled out on the official platform: https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio You can only complete the form up to 7 days before your trip, ideally around 3–5 days before departure. 

Fill out the form

• Click “Create Form” on the portal

• Enter:

  • Personal details (name, passport, nationality, email)

  • Flight info (airline, flight number, arrival date)

  • Accommodation address

  • Health and customs declarations

• If using an e‑Visa, include your e‑Visa code in the designated field (or leave blank if using paper card)

Submit & save your QR code
Once submitted, a PDF with a QR code and e‑Visa info appears immediately—and you’ll usually get it in an email .

• Important: Download, screenshot, or print the QR code—you’ll need it during airline check-in and upon arrival in Cuba .

7.  Proof of Stay

Have a receipt showing your stay includes hotel, tours and activities that qualifiy for the support of the Cuban people. You can print this right from your online profile.

You should also know that the Cuban people are diverse, happy, and welcoming. Cuba promotes an inclusive culture and prohibits discrimination of any kind—whether based on race, sexual orientation, gender, country of origin, or any other factor. Should you feel disrespected or treated improperly at any time during your trip, please notify one of our team members immediately so we can address the issue and report it promptly.

Why Havana Is Generally Safe for Tourists

• Strict legal protections: Cuba implements robust laws to safeguard tourists, with severe penalties for crimes like petty theft and panhandling, creating a deterrent effect 

• Strong tourism infrastructure: Tourism is a vital economic pillar, supported by specialized tourist police in popular areas—this further discourages crime.

• Low violent crime: Cuba’s homicide rate is among the lowest in Latin America; violence against visitors is rare

Safety in Numbers on Our Tours

• We travel in groups of 50 or more (often 300+), which significantly deters opportunistic petty crimes. We have a packed itinerary for you including all meals to make sure you make the most of your time in Havana.

• Still, standard precautions apply: avoid flashy jewelry, and keep your belongings close—pickpocketing and purse-snatching can occur in crowded areas.

Tips to Stay Safe and Respectful

• Stay in central, well-lit neighborhoods and use registered taxis or trusted apps like La Nave 

• Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for timely alerts and assistance travel.gc.catravel.state.gov.

• Use common-sense street safety: stay with your group, avoid dark alleys, don’t resist if threatened—your safety matters more than belongings .

Water Safety in Cuba

• Stick to bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice.
• Avoid tap water and beverages with unbottled water (like some fresh juices or ice cubes).
• Bottled water is widely available at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Our hotel and tour buses will have bottled water included for you.

Food Precautions

• Eat at reputable restaurants and resorts where food hygiene is carefully managed. Avoid street food vendors unless noted safe by your tour guides. We have taken care of including all meals so you don't have to worry.
• Peel fruits yourself or choose cooked fruits and vegetables.

• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, meats, and street foods if unsure about hygiene standards.

Health & Wellness

• Bring a personal first-aid kit with common medications (antacids, anti-diarrheal, pain relievers).
• Carry insect repellent and use it, especially in the evenings to prevent mosquito bites.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen—Cuba’s tropical sun is intense!
• Don't pet street animals as they are often unclean and may carry bacteria on their fur.
• Remain very alert when crossing the street. Always look both ways, as Cuba’s old cars may not be able to quickly avoid a poorly timed jaywalk. Cuba has few electronic walk signs. You should also look out for potholes in streets and sidewalks, particularly at night.

U.S. Embassy in Cuba: +53 7839-4100, Address: 55 Calzada, La Habana, Cuba

Cuban hospital for travelers, “Clinica Central Cira Garcia”:  +53 7204-2811, Address: Calle 20 #4101 corner of Avenida 41, Miramar, Playa

Police: 106

Fire Department: 105

US credit cards are not accepted in Cuba. You may not pay for your hotel, food, or any items by credit card. We pre-pays all hotel stays (including activities, and experiences.

Since U.S. credit and debit cards generally aren’t accepted in Cuba due to banking restrictions, here’s how you can handle payments smoothly during your trip:

• Bring Cash: The most reliable method is to bring enough cash in either Euros, Canadian Dollars, or British Pounds (NOT USD as there is a hefty exchange penalty). Euros are usually preferred by travelers.
• Exchange Money Locally: Upon arrival, you can exchange your cash for Cuban Pesos (CUP) or Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) at airports, banks, or official exchange houses (CADECA). Note: Do not exchange cash on the street or with a vendor. Exchange cash only at official exchange offices called CADECA, airport kiosks, or authorized banks.
• Carry Small Bills: Many places don’t accept large bills or give good change, especially for taxis, cafes, or markets, so small denominations are handy.
• Use Cash for Most Expenses: Taxis, restaurants, shops, and markets almost all operate on a cash basis. ATMs are extremely limited and may not work with U.S. cards.

Although we can include a short picture stop, under the Support of the Cuban People, you should be engaging with the locals.  Cuba should not be considered for travelers interested in a beach vacation. Cuba is best for travelers seeking a culturally rich, historical, fun and unique experience.

Traveling in Cuba involves a moderate level of physical activity. Many of the historic buildings and accommodations do not have elevators, and streets—especially in Old Havana—often have uneven cobblestones or limited accessibility. You may encounter stairs, long walking tours, and limited availability of modern mobility aids.

If you have difficulty walking long distances or climbing stairs, this could pose a challenge. We strongly recommend that you consult with your physician before booking to ensure that this trip aligns with your personal health and mobility needs.

As always, we’re happy to discuss any concerns you have and help you make informed travel decisions.

Wi‑Fi at the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel is available, but it tends to be slow, unpredictable, and often limited to public areas—particularly the lobby. Most guests report Wi‑Fi works only in common areas (lobby, café), with no or weak signal in rooms, unless you’re lucky to find a specific spot.  Browsing email or uploading a few photos is generally okay, but streaming or high‑bandwidth tasks (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) often struggle. This is the same regardless of what hotel you stay at.

Advice:  Expect basic internet only best suited for emails and messaging. If you need Zoom/Teams get a Cuban Sim card available at the Havana airport. Install a VPN before arrival Test connectivity on day one to identify the stronest Wi-Fi spots such as the lobby. Use your phone's hotspot if hotel Wi-Fi is too weak.   The hotel sells Wi-Fi vouchers that are usable in select areas like the lobby or bar. A few of the restaurants we are visiting and bars such as the El Floridita offer private Wi-Fi which are more stable than public zones but still limited by the local infrastructure.