International Students' Travel To Cuba: Is It Possible?

Cuba is a popular destination for international students due to its rich history and vibrant culture. However, there are several travel restrictions and requirements that international students should be aware of before planning their trip. The requirements vary depending on the student's country of origin, visa status, and reason for travel. In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of international student travel to Cuba, including the necessary preparations and potential challenges, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Travel insurance and visa requirements

All travellers to Cuba are required to have a visa and health insurance that covers them in the country. For insurance, a \$25 fee is added to the ticket price. Cuban-born travellers have special visa requirements, regardless of citizenship.

If you are travelling from the US, you must comply with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury. If your travel is covered by the 12 travel categories authorised by a general OFAC license, you do not need to obtain a license from OFAC. If your travel is not covered by a general license, you must seek OFAC authorisation in the form of a specific license.

US credit and debit cards cannot be used in Cuba. US dollars can be exchanged for Cuban currency at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses. However, it is advised to have sufficient cash for your trip. US dollars can be hard to obtain through official channels.

Hospitals and doctors in Cuba do not accept US health insurance. Most hospitals require payment upfront before services are rendered. Cuba requires all US airlines departing the US to pay for health insurance for each passenger. This insurance is valid for 30 days upon arrival in Cuba. If you are planning to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to extend your coverage before you can extend your visa.

US travel restrictions

• Family visits
• Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Educational Activities (study abroad for students, teachers, and school staff)
• People-to-People travel
• Support for the Cuban People
• Humanitarian Projects
• Religious Activities
• Professional Research
• Journalism
• Educational Activities (which People-to-People travel is part of)
• Academic travel
• Other general licenses issued by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

It is important to note that US travel restrictions on Cuba also include financial transactions. Persons subject to US jurisdiction are prohibited from engaging in certain direct financial transactions with entities and subentities identified by the State Department on the Cuba Restricted List. Additionally, there are restrictions on the importation of Cuban merchandise for commercial purposes, with very limited exceptions. US credit and debit cards also cannot be used in Cuba, and US dollars are not accepted for payment at Cuban airports.

Academic travel

International students can travel to Cuba for academic purposes. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the political situation in Cuba, which is currently under communist rule. There have been reports of political unrest and protests against the government, so staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. Additionally, a student visa is required for studying in Cuba, and permanent residents of the US should be cautious as leaving the country for extended periods may impact their status.

US students travelling to Cuba should be aware of the US-specific regulations and sanctions. The US Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) oversees Cuba travel and has outlined twelve pre-approved categories, known as "general license" travel, which allow Americans to visit without prior government authorisation. These categories include educational activities, support for the Cuban people, humanitarian projects, religious activities, and professional research. US academic institutions can organise and sponsor educational trips for their students, faculty, and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided they comply with OFAC guidelines and have a representative from the institution accompany the group.

When planning academic travel to Cuba, it is advisable to use a US-based tour operator licensed by OFAC to ensure compliance with US-Cuba travel regulations. These tour operators can provide a Certificate of Legal Cuba Travel, which guarantees adherence to current regulations. It is also recommended to compare different options and read reviews to make an informed choice. Additionally, having a good understanding of Cuban culture and customs is essential for a smooth travel experience. Learning some basic Spanish can be helpful, especially when interacting with locals outside of major cities.

Some practical considerations for international students travelling to Cuba include investing in a portable Wi-Fi device or international phone plan, as internet access in Cuba is limited. It is also important to carry a copy of your passport and keep the original secure. US travellers should be aware of currency exchange regulations and plan accordingly, as US dollars may not be accepted or easily obtainable through official channels. Additionally, it is recommended to carry a cell phone with Cuban cellular service for emergencies and to travel in groups whenever possible.

Currency restrictions

Cuba's currency is the Cuban peso, also known as "moneda nacional" in Spanish. The Cuban peso has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when it circulated at par with the Spanish-American silver dollar. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various economic policies and events, such as the introduction of the socialist planned economy and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 1994, Cuba introduced the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which circulated alongside the US dollar. This helped stabilize the Cuban peso, and from 2004 to 2020, the exchange rate was fixed at US$1 = CUC 1 = CUP 25. During this period, a 10% penalty or tax was applied when changing US dollars to CUCs, which could be avoided by exchanging other currencies.

On "Day Zero" (1 January 2021), Cuba unified its currency, abolishing the Cuban convertible peso and the 1 CUP/USD rate for state enterprises. The Cuban peso became the sole legal tender, with CUCs being converted at a rate of 24 CUP/CUC. This single official exchange rate of 24 CUP/USD applied to both public and private transactions. However, due to demand for hard currency, these exchange rates were not always available in the informal market.

For travellers to Cuba, there are a few important currency-related considerations:

• US credit and debit cards cannot be used in Cuba, so travellers are advised to carry sufficient cash.
• US dollars can be exchanged for Cuban currency at the airport, hotels, or state-run exchange offices (CADECAs).
• When departing Cuba, travellers should exchange any remaining Cuban pesos back into a foreign currency before reaching airport security checkpoints, as currency exchange houses in the departure area are currently closed, and Cuban pesos are not internationally convertible outside of Cuba.
• Under Cuban law, travellers may export up to the equivalent of 5,000 USD out of the country. Departing with a larger amount of cash requires evidence that the currency was acquired legitimately from a Cuban bank.

Internet access

Cuba has one of the lowest internet connectivity rates in the world. Internet access is limited, costly, and heavily monitored and restricted by the government.

The internet was introduced in Cuba in the late 1990s, but its development has been hindered by a lack of funding, tight government restrictions, and the US embargo, particularly the Torricelli Act. In 2007, the situation began to slowly improve, with 3G data services introduced in 2018 and 4G in 2019, although it is still monitored by the government.

In 2012, only 25% of the Cuban population had access to the internet, and only 5% had access to the free, open internet. As of 2022, 68% of the population had access to the internet.

To get online in Cuba, you need to buy an ETECSA Cuba internet access card (NAUTA card). You can also buy a tourist SIM card or eSIM for mobile internet access.

The Cuban government heavily restricts and censors internet access. All material intended for publication on the internet must first be approved by the government, and service providers may not grant access to individuals who are not approved. Many websites are blocked, particularly those that express criticism of the government, cover human rights issues, or provide circumvention tools.

The limited internet access in Cuba has serious ethical and logistical implications. It restricts the right to education and freedom of expression and access to information. However, it has also led to a more socially engaged population, as Cubans are not distracted by their devices when socialising in public.

Frequently asked questions