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"TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR CUBAN TRIP"




This list of tips is intended to help first time travellers to Cuba.


VISAS AND OFFICIALDOM



1.-TOURIST CARD: A valid passport is required for entry. However most foreign visitors do not need a visa to enter Cuba; a tourist card will suffice, except for citizens of France, Italy, Russia,Switzerland and Eastern European and Scandinavian countries who can enter with only a passport. (Citizens of Japan, Malysia, Peru, Singapore do need a visa.) No tourist card is required for a stay of less than 72 hours.

2.-CUBAN TOURIST CARDS are issued by Cuban consulates and through approved tour agencies and airlines abroad. In a pinch, cards may be issued upon arrival at José Martí International Airport in Havana, but don´t rely on it. The card costs $ 25 USD.

3.-TOURIST CARD are good for one entry only and are valid for up to 30 days but can be renewed for up to six months(US citizens may stay in Cuba for a maximum of 60 days)

4.-ENTERING CUBA You will arrive at Jose Martí airport. There are 5 small terminals. Most international flights arrive at terminal 3 (the new terminal). Direct flights from L.A. arrive at terminal 2.

5.-CUBAN CUSTOMS AND INMIGRATION: You will go through immigration before picking up your luggage. You will need your visa and passport. They will probably ask you where you are staying, so be sure to have the name of the hotel or the Legal Casa Particular confirmation or facility with you. They will stamp your visa and may or may not stamp your passport. Once you collect your luggage, you should be able to pass right through customs, but passengers do randomly have their bags checked. If you bring electronic devices not for personal use or gifts that have a consumer value of more than $100, you will be charged a duty.

6.-TRANSPORTATION: There should be plenty of taxis just outside the airport. Tell the driver where you are going to get an idea of the price. For most of our Havana program locations, the ride will be 15 to 20 minutes and should cost $10 to $15 dollars.

7.-DEPARTING FROM CUBA
Check-in time is 2 hours before the time of departure. Cancun flights usually leave from Terminal 3 and charters usually leave from terminal 2. You will have to pay a departure tax of $25 and for overweight baggage (more than 44 lbs.)

8.-CHANGING TICKET DATES WHILE IN CUBA If you want to change your departure date and are traveling on Cubana or AeroCaribe airlines, try calling the Havanatur Office at 23-9776. If you cannot change it over the phone, you will have to go in person to: Havanatur Office of Multidestionos, Calle 6 between 1st and 3rd, in Miramar.

There is no charge unless you change your flight less than 3 days before your original departure date. In this case you may be charged $30. If you have been in Cuba for more than 30 days when you change your ticket, you will be charged an extra $80.

9.-TO PURCHASE A TICKET to Santiago or other destination in Cuba, go to: Cubana Airlines, La Rampa, Calle 23 at the Malecón. We recommend that you go early in the morning.

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