TRAVELING TO CUBA
Vamares: Travel Well
Traveling to Cuba is possible for US Citizens, but it is not without complexities. The US embargo against Cuba imposes restrictions on who and how one can visit the island. However, these restrictions have been easing in recent months. At Vamares, we have done the leg work to make sure that you can travel to Cuba without violating any regulations, either on one of our programs or on a personalized itinerary.
The US Department of the Treasury enforces the embargo through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). You can read the Frequently Asked Questions related to Cuba prepared by OFAC here as well as OFAC’s guidance regarding travel between the US and Cuba.
Please see below the travel documentation that you will be required to complete prior to traveling to Cuba with us, and the specific requirements for the charter flights operated by the US companies that are authorized to fly to Cuba.
Documents you need to travel to Cuba
Things to consider
As part of our services, besides the program in Cuba we also book your round trip plane tickets between the US and the island. We will show the airfare separately on your invoice but you can pay it along with the program. We can also offer stand-alone tickets (without you having to purchase a travel program).
Due to the special US Government regulations currently in place, air travel to Cuba carries specific requirements. The service is only offered by certain US companies that have been authorized to charter flights and those flights are subject to special controls by the Department of Transportation.
Vamares will book your international flight from Miami using one of the licensed charter companies. This is why you won’t find these flights online or through a commercial U.S. airline.
Once booked on one of our tours, we will secure your seat on one of the charter flights to Cuba and prepare your flight package including the following:
- – Round-trip charter airfare from Miami to Cuba
- – Taxes in US and Cuba
- – Medical insurance in Cuba
Any American traveling to Cuba will need a valid passport. It’s suggested that your passport be valid for at least six months after traveling.
In some cases, the Cuban Airport Tax is not included in the fare because it needs to be paid to the Cuban authorities at check in just before your return flicht. Tax is usually between US$25-30.
In order to board your flight from the US to Cuba you must have completed the proper documentation (Reservation Form, Travel Affidavit) as we specify on the “Documentation” tab. We will facilitate this task for you.
See our latest Cuba Flight Time Table. Please note that since these are charter flights, prices and schedules may change.
As per OFAC: “Travel-related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the following activities, subject to the criteria and conditions in each general license: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.”
In order to travel to Cuba, your trip needs to follow under one of the above-referenced categories. Our programs are designed under these guidelines.
Every individual traveling to Cuba needs to complete a Travel Affidavit. We also collect additional information on our Participant Information Form.
