Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal for Americans to travel to Cuba?
YES as long as that travel adheres to the licensed guidelines established by the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Tesca Travel curates tours under a category known as 'Support for the Cuban people.' This category requires a travel itinerary that results in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba and promotes independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba. With daily interaction with artistic creators in Cuba from all walks of life, Tesca Travel is in full compliance with these and all other OFAC rules and regulations.
What time zone is Cuba in?
Cuba is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST).
What is the weather like?
In general, it is sunny, hot, and humid with occasional rain. Havana is a coastal city so the weather there is more varied than other parts of Cuba. The average temperature range is 60 to 80 degrees in the winter and from 70 to 90 degrees in the summer. The rainy season is from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April. Registered Tesca Travelers will receive a recommended packing list.
What documents will I need to travel to Cuba?
You will need your passport and a tourist visa. You will provide the passport, Tesca Travel will obtain your tourist visa and customs documentation. IMPORTANT: Your passport must have an expiration date no less than six months beyond your travel dates.
How do I secure a tourist visa to enter Cuba?
Securing a visa will be arranged by Tesca Travel. The visa is furnished as a PDF attached to an email one week before travel.
Will my passport be stamped?
Yes (think of it as a souvenir!) or maybe no. It is at the discretion of the Cuban immigration officer. Remember you are traveling completely legally so there will be no issues upon reentry into the United States.
What should I expect when I check in at the airport?
At check in you will need to show your Cuban tourist visa and the address of your lodging in Cuba. Otherwise departure from an airport to Cuba is similar to travel to other international destinations.
How many bags should I check in?
Check in ONE bag. Our flight provider American Airlines does not charge for the first bag of checked luggage. Travelers who are members of American's frequent flyer program may receive upgrades and other perks depending on their frequent flyer status.
Do I need to get vaccinated to travel to Cuba?
You should be up to date on routine vaccines such as: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. All travelers should exclusively drink bottled water in Cuba.
Will my health insurance work in Cuba?
All travelers are covered by the Cuban medical system as part of a $25 fee included in price of an airline ticket. If there is an event that requires medical attention you would be taken to an hospital that exclusively serves foreigners in Cuba. However, Cuban insurance does not extend to emergency medical evacuation back to the United States. You can purchase such coverage through Allianz Insurance. Trip cancelation insurance is always a good investment for packaged trips.
Can I bring home rum, cigars, and coffee?
You may NOT bring home rum and cigars into the United States. You may bring home coffee and other souvenirs. Complete information is available from US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Does the Cuban government impose restrictions on Americans in Cuba?
No. Moreover Cubans generally are very interested in talking with curious Americans, so chat it up.
Is the embargo over?
Established in 1960 the United States economic embargo remains in effect. As a result Cuba cannot access credit markets and conduct normal commerce with its geographically natural trading partner the United States. However through policy changes initiated by President Obama in 2014 the United States now has diplomatic relations with Cuba. The U.S. Embassy in Havana has reopened, U.S. airlines offer regular flights to the island, and U.S. cell phone carriers now provide some service.
What if I don’t speak Spanish?
If you don’t speak Spanish you will be fine. There will be bilingual guides and translators with you at all times. Additionally many people in Cuba speak some English. If you do speak Spanish – even the slightest amount – using it will be fun and enriching.
Can I contact home while I’m in Cuba?
Yes, you will be able to call or receive calls from home while in Cuba.
Will I have access to the Internet?
Yes, our various lodging will offer access to wifi. Using data roaming on your smartphone to get online is also possible but extremely expensive. Anticipate using the internet less than you would at home during your trip.
Is crime an issue?
Cuba is a very safe country. Exercise normal caution such as casually leaving phones and cameras on cafe tables, openly carrying a lot of cash, etc.
How much walking will I be doing?
Prepare to spend time on your feet walking, standing, or… dancing! Of course, there will also often be the opportunity to sit down, relax in the shade, and enjoy a cool Caribbean beverage.
What will my meal-situation be like?
A filling breakfast will be provided at our private casa. For lunch and dinner will be eating a range of establishments that are a part of Cuba’s burgeoning food scene which has only emerged in the last few years with the privatization of restaurants. Almost any dietary restriction can be accommodated while in Cuba. Contact Tesca Travel to clarify what is possible and to ensure your needs can be met.
