While most major airlines haven’t started flying to Cuba, two new companies have started direct flights. Learn how to get your visa and tourist card, and how to get around in Cuba. There are also a lot of great tours in Cuba, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
Traveling to Cuba as an American
If you’re an American citizen, you’ll want to know the rules regarding travel to Cuba. American citizens are only allowed to visit Cuba legally under 11 specific categories, including humanitarian, religious, and family visits. They can also participate in professional research, athletic competitions, and journalistic activities.
Although crime in Cuba is rare, there are some dangers. For example, there are many “friends” who will take foreigners to events, charge them for drinks and food, and try to gain their trust by providing recommendations. While there are no violent crimes, it’s always best to be cautious when interacting with strangers.
The rules on travel to Cuba as an American vary. The government has attempted to enact special restrictions on the country’s tourism but these aren’t in place yet. As long as the purpose is “in the best interest of the Cuban people”, you can visit Cuba. However, it’s best to stay away from government-owned restaurants and hotels.
Getting your Cuban tourist card and visa is easy. The Cuban Embassy in Washington DC can help you obtain these. It costs $50 in person or $70 by mail. You can find contact information on the embassy’s website. In addition to tourist cards, the embassy offers cruises and educational tours.
Getting a tourist card
If you are flying to Cuba from a US airport, you need to obtain a tourist card. The process is easy and most airlines include a tourist card in your ticket. In order to obtain one, you will need to fill out a small card and present it to the immigration authorities. This document will be valid for 30 days and will be necessary for entering the country. It’s important to keep this document safe.
Tourist Cards are available from the Embassies of Cuba and on most airlines. If you are flying to Cuba on a charter flight or with an organized tour, the Tourist Card will be included in the total ticket price. You can also purchase one from the airport check-in counter at the airport.
A tourist card is a passport-like document that allows you to enter Cuba. It grants you a 30-day stay, or 90 days for Canadians. It can be renewed once for the same period of time if you want to return to the island. However, you’ll need to have a valid passport when applying for one.
A green tourist card will also allow you to stay in Cuba for 30 days. If you don’t plan on spending more than a month in the country, you can extend this period with the help of your hotel or the immigration authorities.
Getting a visa
If you are flying to Cuba, you will need to get a visa to enter the country. However, there are a few ways to obtain your Cuban visa. First, you must ensure that you have a valid passport. If you do not have one, you must apply for one in advance. A valid passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of arrival in Cuba. Then, you must fill out an application form. Once your application has been processed, the Cuban embassy will issue your visa.
Getting a visa to fly to Cuba is not difficult. Most airlines will provide the necessary documentation and tourist cards when you book your flight. The tourist card can be obtained either online, by phone, or at the Cuban consulate in your country. Obtaining one of these cards will only take a few minutes and will be included in the price of your ticket. However, you should keep in mind that it is important to keep your card safe.
The requirements to obtain a Cuban visa for travel to Cuba are the same for most nationalities. However, you must obtain a green or pink tourist card to enter the country. You must also have a valid passport and have already booked your accommodation. A green tourist card is the most popular form of documentation needed for entry to Cuba.
Getting around in Cuba
There are a number of ways to get around Cuba when you fly to the country. One of the most convenient is by bicycle, which is available to rent on most Cuban roads. Bicycles are a common form of transportation, with dedicated bicycle lanes on most roads, as well as puncture repair stations on rural roads. Bicycle rentals usually cost between 70 and 300 Cuban pesos a day, and should be arranged with your accommodation. You should avoid riding a bicycle at night, however, due to poor road lighting and the danger of being hit by an automobile.
If you are driving, Cuba’s roads are safe, although you should slow down and be extra careful when passing railway tracks. The speed limit is 80km/h on motorways, and 50km/h in cities. It is also advisable to listen to the foghorns and look both ways before crossing railway tracks. Cubans tend to have poor signage and poor visibility, and hitchhiking is common, though it can be dangerous.
Another inexpensive way to get around in Cuba is to hail a taxi. Shared taxis are common and can be a great option when you need a quick trip. These cars are generally modern and clean, and you can pay the driver in CUC. It is possible to bargain for the best rate by offering to share a ride with another person.
Getting around in Cuba with a drone
In Cuba, drones are prohibited without special permission, and there is a very long approval process to use them. The process requires approval from at least five different authorities, including the Cuban Civil Aviation Authority, Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, and local governments in each location. It can take as long as 30 days to receive a response. The IACC website contains a wealth of information on the topic.
The first drones were homemade and used components from a printer. They were attached to a GoPro camera and were much heavier than a commercial model. The images captured by the drone showed a side of Cuba that had never been seen before. Since then, the group has flown their drones all over the island.
Hughes was arrested for illegally operating a drone in Cuba, but was eventually released. Afterwards, the Cuban military promised to return the drone to Hughes. They also invited Hughes to visit Cuba without his drone. Since then, Hughes has made several trips to the island and has many fond memories.
Traveling in Cuba is not as difficult as it might seem. The country is relatively small and there are a variety of transportation options available. One of the best ways to get around Cuba is by bike. The roads are narrow and poorly lit, so it is not unusual to see accidents involving bicycles and cars. It is important to bring a helmet and a lock to keep the bike safe.
