Americans Visiting Cuba Have To Follow New Rules
While Americans could once again visit Cuba in November, with the resumption of flights from the US, there are some necessary protocols.
Cuba opened up to international visitors, including Americans, in November this year having been locked down by the COVID-19 pandemic. At that stage, Havana’s José Martí International Airport reopened and flights resumed from the US. However, it turns out it isn’t plain sailing when taking a trip to Cuba. There are a number of health and safety protocols in place that Americans must follow.
New Protocols In Cuba For Visitors
Flying to Cuba is no problem at all. As from mid-December, there are now more than a dozen flights available each day between the US and Havana. Visitors can fly from the following Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa. Airlines operating on the routes include American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and Swift Air.
Now for the rules to follow. According to US law, you can only travel to Cuba on a self-qualifying “general license” in one of 12 different categories. Of the current visitors, the majority are Cuban Americans entering the country under the “family travel” category. Other, independent travelers who have no affiliations in the country can qualify under the category “support for the Cuban people.” This is all well and fine, but bear in mind that on your return, you will be required to hang on to all your travel receipts for five years
First Time Visitors To Cuba
For anyone visiting Cuba for the first time, it is highly recommended that you enlist the services of a specialist US-Cuba travel agency. Both Marazul and Cuban Travel Services can offer you comprehensive, on-the-ground information. They can also help to organize your flights and accommodation in Cuba and jump through all the necessary hoops.
What Do You Need On Arrival?
To enter the country, all travelers must present a completed tourist card. These are generally available via your airline – ask when making your booking. Alternatively, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs for a tourist card can vary between $75 and $100. On top of this, all arriving visitors are asked to complete a health declaration and present proof of travel insurance, including cover for COVID-19.
What does Cuba have to offer?
– Cities
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island and offers many attractions, including its colonial cities, beautiful landscapes and gorgeous beaches. Cities worthy of mention include the capital Havana, as well as Camaguey, Remedios and Trinidad. All have quaint, winding cobbled streets, attractive architecture and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Along the way, see the many colorful, classic cars that are a popular feature of the city.
– Beaches
As for the beaches, Cuban has 430 to choose from lining its craggy coastline. Sands range from golden, to soft white or even black sand. The most popular are the lovely white sand beaches in the north of the island and surrounding Cuba’s offshore islands. All beaches are lapped by beautifully clear, turquoise waters.
Oman Opens Up To More Than 100 Countries That No Longer Need A Visa @touristmtravel https://t.co/Obp5HMLJZz
— Annemarie @ TMT (@touristmtravel) December 17, 2020
Art and Culture in Cuba
For those looking for art and culture, Havana is the top destination in Cuba. Here you can enjoy the work of the famous Cuban artists at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, including the country’s most famous artist, José Nicolás de la Escalera.
For a lively and contemporary art scene, head to the Fabrica de Arte Cubano for a truly colorful display. For edgy street art, head to Habana Vieja (Old Havana) to enjoy the vivid and colorful street art.
Enjoy a trip to Cuba in the New Year, but make sure you follow all the necessary protocols. For further information, visit the official website of your local travel advisory board.
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