Frequently Asked Questions

Americans are allowed to visit the country but not as tourists. There has to be a specific reason to go. Vacationing in Cuba is not allowed. Instead, there are 12 categories that authorize travel for US Citizens to Cuba:

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 informational materials; and certain authorized export transactions

For the sake of our itineraries and how the tour guides are used to fulfil them, most travelers will choose number 8- support the Cuban people. For more details on these categories, please check the website Here

In the United States, it is illigal to bring cuban made cigars and alcohol back. Please refer to the website below for information on Cuba Sanctions:

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/769

It is always a good idea to know where your country's embassy is located. A quick Google search will provide the information. The United States has what's called a STEP program for travelers to enroll when going abroad. It's an alert system that works two ways- the US will know you are presently in the country for which you notify them and you will get a notification as well as your trusted contacts. This is the link for the STEP program.

If you are visiting Cuba from another country, you need a passport.

US Dollars are valued and welcomed by the Cuban people. There is an option to exchange your dollars to CUP (the currency used by tourists or visitors) at the airport or your tour guide can provide the exchange as well. We recommend consulting your Tour Guide Concierge prior to arrival or during your trip coordination. When bringing US Dollars, be sure they are clean and not torn or too old, otherwise they won't be accepted here. 

If you are using a United States credit card, it will not work. Make sure you bring enough cash! Most European and Canadian credit cards will work as they normally would.

Tours of Cuba is a service that provides Itineraries for tours. There is a process, however, that allows visitors who purchase itineraries to experience a smooth hand off to an experienced and professional Tour Guide Concierge. This concierge will bring the purchased itinerary to life. The Tour Guide Concierge will handle all of the visit arrangements including a tour guide on the daily adventures. The total cost of the service is  listed in the notes section for each specific itinerary. The cost of the Tour Guide Concierge is built into the total fee which includes room & board, breakfast, transportation, currency exhange services, a personal tour guide for your group, and entry fees to all museums and attractions found within your purchased itinerary. 

When you are greeted at the airport, you and your group will be escorted to your accomodations- a private Bed & Breakfast. Once you arrive at the B&B or a "Casa Particular", you and your group will pay for the service which includes all of the travel, entry fees, tour guide's time, and the sleeping accomodations. The total cost is listed in the Notes of your purchased itinerary. Prices are listed in US Dollars and varies based on the itinerary that you and your group select. 

Customs, when landing in Cuba, allow up to $5,000 USD per person. $5,000 is the maximum amount of cash each person is allowed to carry into Cuba by law. It is recommended to bring bills no larger than $20. It's easier to pay for extra services, tips, or souvenirs. 

Ex: $1, $5, $10, $20

Tipping is a practice in the island and is not included in the cost of the tour. It is highly appreciated by the people on the island including your tour guide, driver, restaurants, bathroom attendants, etc. 

Internet in Cuba fluctuates and is mainly slow and unstable. Don't expect a fast connection. Use your visit as an opportunity to unplug!

To use your phone, you will need to use a Cuban SIM card. The SIM card is for foreighners who visit Cuba for a short period of time. Once you land on the island, you will pick it up in one of the stands of CUBACELTUR at the airport after passing through immigration. Plan includes calls, messages, and internet through mobile data. The SIM card is available for a period of 30 days. 

It is recommended to buy the CUBACELTUR temporary SIM card in advanace of your trip through one of the websites below otherwise you may purchase one at a kiosk in the airport directly after immigration. 

www.cubaceltur.com

www.globalsd.com

www.recargasacuba.com/movil-turista-cuba

https://onolinetours.es/cubaceltur.htm

SIM Plans vary. Make sure to check your plan details for data information.

Of course through the concierge service, you will have free breakfast. Outside of breakfast, you should expect to spend between $15 and $25 USD per person in the private restaurants around downtown. Pay attention to your itinerary- some lunch meals are included on your tour.

If you were born in Cuba but have sinced moved to another country, your Cuban passport is required for re-entry into Cuba. It will need to be renewed if it is not currently within an “active” date. You can do this at any Cuban Consolate or with third party solutions like opapeleo.com. Remember, the consulate will be the most direct and full resrource and Tours of Cuba is not a partner or endorsing any third party sites like Opapeleo... It's just a reference on the process and options.