FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
general questions
Absolutely Cuba is a travel concierge service for Americans traveling to the island of Cuba. We curate authentic, immersive, and memorable experiences that reflect the true essence of the island, through an Afro-Cuban lens.
Our gorgeous itineraries are expertly-curated with the clients in mind. We plan travel for Americans who can’t wait to experience the Cuba they’ve always envisioned.
Yes. We are happy to work with your group of American travelers to get you to the island of Cuba.
You can find us on Instagram at @thecubayoucantgoogle or on Facebook at Absolutely Cuba.
We post informative and fun videos on TikTok.
You can also join our Facebook community, Absolutely Cuba: The Ultimate Cuba Travel Group, by clicking here. Travel advisors can join their dedicated Facebook community, Cuba Fam Trips & Travel Events for Travel Pros! We would love to have you!
We love to hear from our clients! Feel free to email any questions to hola@absolutelycuba.com.
Travel to Cuba
This is easily the question we get asked most often…and the answer is a loud YES! Travel to Cuba is governed by 12 categories of travel established by OFAC. Travel by most travelers is covered by the category ‘Support of the Cuban People’ which mandates that itineraries of American travelers demonstrate a full-time schedule of meaningful engagement with the Cuban people. Every itinerary created by Absolutely Cuba is not only legally compliant, but we make sure that your time on the island is meaningful, engaging and entirely immersive and authentic.
Every person traveling to Cuba must purchase a tourist visa prior to arriving on the island. This visa can be purchased in advance of departure, via mail or at the airport. When you travel with Absolutely Cuba, we include your visa in your travel package.
Absolutely not! Several major carriers fly directly to Cuba from the United States. It’s never been easier to travel to this beautiful island.
In Havana, USD is accepted almost everywhere. More often than not, however, the change you get will be in CUP (Cuba’s national currency) at a rate decided by the location of purchase. Though you cannot exchange USD for CUP in the US prior to departure, once you arrive in Havana, Absolutely Cuba can arrange for our in destination concierge to help you exchange your USD at the best possible rate.
Credit and debit cards issued by US-based financial institutions cannot be used in Cuba.
Cuba is the safest island in the Caribbean and you can absolutely travel alone. However, as with any destination, exercising good travel sense and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is key to having a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Cuba is a year-round destination. It’s always a good time to travel to Cuba!
TRAVEL GENERALLY
Yes. Travel to Cuba requires a passport that is valid for at least six months following your scheduled date of return.
Unfortunately, many parts of Cuba are not ADA friendly. Between the cobblestone streets and the ever-present disrepair, strolls when one has a mobility issue can be a challenge. Additionally, our tours do have a decent amount of walking and some of our accommodations require walking up stairs to enter. The best way to see if one of our trips is right for you is to email Absolutely Cuba at hola@absolutelycuba.com. We are more than happy to provide the information to help you decide if this trip is the right one for you.
RESERVATIONS & BOOKING
Yes, you can book a space on any trip at any time as long as spaces are still open. Once you have made your deposit, you can set up the payment arrangement that works best for you.
Once you book, the card you put on file will be charged each month until your balance has been paid in full.
For group events, we accept online payments. We accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
All tours organized by Absolutely Cuba are land-only.
No, we do not provide refunds nor do we transfer money. Each client is required to accept our Terms and Conditions before reservation is accepted. To protect your investment, each and every client is encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
GROUP TRAVEL
Generally, we take groups of 8-15 travelers to Cuba. Our group trips cater to travelers seeking an intimate, curated, attentive experience.
Roommate matching is not available for group trips, but a roommate is also not necessary. All trips are priced per person, not based on occupancy. You will be traveling with a great group of like-minded travelers. You will be in very good company.
Our tours range between 5 to 9 days.
Tours curated by Absolutely Cuba cover a wide range of interests. Some of our past tours include: Afro-Cuban Culture Tour • Beyond Havana • Quick & Dirty Girls Trip • Culinary Cuba • The Cigar Culture Tour • Cultural Cuba • Cuba is for Luvahs • The Ladies Cigar Tour • The Havana Experience
The travel we create allows you to experience Cuba the way you’ve always envisioned.
Itineraries and packing lists are sent to each client 30 days before travel. You will receive your itinerary, packing lists and style guides via email.
As your preferred partner for travel to Cuba, we are committed to creating travel experiences that WOW your clients at every turn. We work with our travel advisor partners to educate their clients while making selling travel to Cuba seamless and PROFITABLE.
Absolutely Cuba is a boutique travel concierge service for Americans traveling to Cuba. We curate authentic, immersive, and memorable experiences that reflect the true essence of the island through an Afro-Cuban lens.
We create and book custom FITs, group and familiarization trips (FAMs) to the island of Cuba for our travel advisor partners. Our gorgeous itineraries are expertly curated with your client in mind. We customize travel to fit the particular interests of each client so that they can experience Cuba exactly how they’ve always envisioned.
additional information
All bookings are accepted by Absolutely Cuba as agent for the travel Suppliers on your itinerary. Separate Supplier terms and conditions will apply to your booking and purchase of travel-related goods and services that you select, and you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by any Supplier on an itinerary you have approved. As a condition of booking, you must provide information requested by Absolutely Cuba along with your initial payment. Absolutely Cuba reserves the right to cancel your booking and all services and retain all related cancellation fees if your information is incomplete or inaccurate. Travel and payments are governed by Absolutely Cuba’s Terms & Conditions.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• AIRFARE
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• COVID TESTS, AS REQUIRED, FOR ENTRY & EXIT
• PRE- AND POST-STAYS
• MEALS NOT INDICATED
• TRANSPORTATION NOT INDICATED
• OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
• ANY PERSONAL EXPENSES
BILLING:
Once your deposit has been made you can relax knowing that your future payments will be made automatically. We have set up a convenient payment plan that has evenly divided the cost of the trip over the next five months. Your initial deposit is due at the time of booking, and your future payments will be charged according to the schedule you see on your invoice. This is a service we provide for your convenience and at no extra cost to you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The unexpected is always a possibility. Losing money due to a cancelled vacation doesn’t have to be. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your travels. We cannot stress this enough.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents, itineraries and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
Every guest is responsible for notifying Absolutely Cuba of any changes to their information, including but not limited to phone number, address and/or email address. Absolutely Cuba will not be held liable for client’s failure to receive information or notification due to faulty or missing information.
You MUST purchase your own flight to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. The airport code for Havana is HAV. Our accommodations are 30 minutes from the airport.
Once your flight has been purchased, ENTER YOUR FLIGHT INFORMATION HERE. This will ensure a smooth transfer from the airport to your casa accommodations.
ARRIVAL TO CUBA
Please be mindful of your arrival time to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. Those arriving prior to 4 p.m. on October 5, 2023 will be entitled to pick-up and transfer from the airport.
MISCELLANEOUS
Not all parts of Cuba will afford you the familiar standards of Western culture, i.e., air conditioning, wifi or cultural norms. Especially in Cuba, a country like no other, this is part of the experienc
There will be parts of your trip where you will be “unplugged” and without access to technology. This is not a “lay on the beach” trip, but you will have the opportunity for leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture of Cuba, as it comes to you.
ENTRY TO CUBA
Beginning November 15, 2021, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, the testing mandate has been removed. Effective April 6 2022, the vaccine mandate to enter has been removed. You may still be given a PCR test on arrival in Cuba.
All travelers are required to complete a Health Declaration (Declaracíon Jurada de Sanidad) online before travel.
From December 1, 2020, all air tickets will have a sanitary fee of $30 included to cover the cost of various provisions associated with health and safety on the island.
Every traveler traveling with Absolutely Cuba is required to purchase Cuban health insurance. Cuban health insurance is not included in your package. Cost: approximately $30USD.
SCREENING AND QUARANTINE
At the discretion of the Cuban government, arriving tourists may be given a PCR test on arrival and may be subject to quarantine. Any costs related to additional testing and/or quarantine will be paid at the traveler’s expense.
If you are selected for testing and your first PCR test is positive, you will be transported to a state-run hospital or medical center. Arrangements will be made by the Ministry of Public Health.
Once discharged, the costs of the hospital or clinic stay are paid by you in cash. The cost of a hospital stay is roughly estimated at $300USD per day.
CUBA: FOR YOUR INFORMATION
OFAC COMPLIANCE
All itineraries created and executed by Destination by Danielle d/b/a Absolutely Cuba (“Absolutely Cuba”) are compliant with OFAC regulations. Our itineraries provide a a full-time schedule of experiences focused on meaningful engagement with the Cuban people.All U.S. Citizens must travel under one of 12 authorized categories. Your trip falls under the category “Support of the Cuban People”. PLEASE NOTE: By law, you are required to keep your itinerary on file for five (5) years.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
Your passport must be valid for at least SIX (6) months after your departure date from Cuba. Please be sure to verify your passport’s validity. Refunds will not be issued due to inability to travel.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated. Confiscated items are normally returned on departure.Mobile telephones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but any inbuilt GPS should be disconnected or disabled. For more information on Cuban customs regulations, including a list of prohibited and regulated items, visit the Cuban Customs Administration website.Cuban regulations allow a maximum of two pieces of checked in luggage per person, each to a maximum weight of 32kgs. Passengers should confirm their luggage allowance, which may be more restrictive than this, and excess baggage charges with their airline.
RELEVANT LINKS:
ABSOLUTELY CUBA TERMS & CONDITIONS