Janice Lozano
International students can travel to Cuba, but there are several restrictions and requirements that should be noted. Firstly, US-issued credit and debit cards are generally not accepted in Cuba, and travellers are advised to carry sufficient cash. Secondly, students should be aware that US laws and restrictions apply to travel to and from Cuba, and tourist travel is prohibited. However, there are 12 pre-approved categories for travel to Cuba, including educational activities, which allow students, teachers, and school staff to visit the country. Additionally, students should be mindful of visa requirements and health insurance needs, as well as potential challenges related to accessibility and infrastructure, especially for individuals with disabilities.
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What You'll Learn
Travel for US citizens and residents
US citizens and residents are subject to travel restrictions when it comes to Cuba. Firstly, US credit and debit cards cannot be used in Cuba, so it is advised to carry sufficient cash. US dollars can be exchanged for Cuban currency at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses.
Secondly, travel for tourist activities is prohibited by statute. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has outlined 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, which are considered “general license” travel. These categories include academic travel, which has been expanded to include students, teachers, school staff, and chaperones. Other categories include official business of the US government, foreign governments, and specific intergovernmental organizations, educational activities, and people-to-people travel.
It is important to note that US citizens must have full-time engagement in the activities outlined in their chosen travel category. Purely touristic activities, such as lounging on beaches, are prohibited. Additionally, there is a list of Cuban hotels that Americans are banned from staying in.
When departing Cuba, US travelers should exchange their CUP for a foreign currency before reaching airport security checkpoints, as CUP cannot be converted outside of Cuba. Under Cuban law, travelers may take up to the equivalent of $5000 out of the country.
US citizens and residents should also be aware of the Cuban Restricted List, which identifies entities and subentities associated with the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. Persons subject to US jurisdiction are prohibited from engaging in certain direct financial transactions with these entities.
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Visa requirements
US citizens and permanent residents, as well as those physically located in the United States, are subject to US regulations and must obtain a license for travel-related transactions to Cuba. This includes tourist travel from or through a third country like Mexico or Canada. US credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba, and US dollars can only be exchanged at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses.
For students who are not US citizens or residents, visa requirements may vary depending on their country of citizenship. It is recommended that international students, scholars, and employees contact their respective universities or embassies to understand the specific visa requirements for their country. Additionally, Cuban-born travelers have special visa requirements regardless of their current citizenship.
All travelers to Cuba must have a visa and valid health insurance with coverage in the country. Obtaining a visa may involve applying to the appropriate government entity, such as the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or the Cuban Embassy, depending on the traveler's country of citizenship and the purpose of their visit. It is important to allow ample time for visa processing and to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations to avoid any legal consequences.
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Travel insurance and health
All visitors to Cuba are required to have travel medical insurance that covers medical emergencies, repatriation of remains, and emergency medical evacuation. This insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the trip and must be purchased before arrival. Cuban authorities may ask for proof of insurance at the airport or seaport upon arrival, and travellers without the necessary insurance may be denied entry.
US airlines that fly directly to Cuba typically include Asistur travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket, with the boarding pass serving as proof of insurance. Asistur is a Cuban organisation that provides assistance to foreigners and has agencies in all major tourist centres. If you require medical treatment or hospitalisation while in Cuba, you can call Asistur's local assistance number, quote your policy number, and follow their instructions to receive treatment without having to pay in cash. Asistur also covers the cost of accommodation and transportation if an accident or illness prevents the insured person from leaving Cuba as scheduled.
It is important to note that Asistur does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, and claims can only be made in Cuba in person. Additionally, Asistur does not cover travellers aged 70 or above for death unless it occurs while travelling on public transport.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers to Cuba, including Cubans living abroad, are required to purchase COVID-19 travel medical insurance that covers coronavirus-related expenses. While there are currently no COVID-related entry requirements, Cuban authorities have the authority to perform random PCR tests on arriving visitors, and those who test positive will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at their own expense.
For international students from Cuba studying in the US, healthcare can be expensive, and it is recommended that they purchase adequate health insurance. While F1 visa health insurance is not required by US consulates, Cuban students can compare international student insurance plans and choose the one that best suits their needs. Plans such as Student Secure Insurance and Student Health Advantage are designed specifically for international students or cultural exchange scholars.
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Students with disabilities
International students can travel to Cuba, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind, especially for students with disabilities. Firstly, it's important to understand the legal framework and travel regulations for visiting Cuba, which vary depending on your country of origin and purpose of travel.
Legal Framework and Travel Regulations:
For US citizens, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Department of Treasury oversees Cuba travel. There are twelve pre-approved categories of general license travel, including educational activities and people-to-people travel, which allow students, teachers, and school staff to visit Cuba for academic purposes. However, it is essential to ensure that your activities in Cuba align with the requirements of your chosen travel category, as purely touristic travel is prohibited.
Accessibility for Students with Disabilities:
Cuba has made efforts to protect the rights of people with disabilities and improve accessibility. The Constitution of Cuba prohibits discrimination based on disability, and the country signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007. The National Council to Support Persons with Disabilities (CONAPED) was established in 1996 to implement policies and programs that promote the rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the country include provisions for accessibility and services for people with disabilities.
However, it is important to note that registering complaints about disability discrimination with the Cuban government may not always be effective. Havana's older infrastructure and attractions, particularly museums, present challenges for individuals with mobility needs. Accessibility outside of Havana is limited, and power outages and shortages of assistive devices can further impact accessibility for students with disabilities.
Education for Students with Disabilities:
Cuba has a mix of special schools and inclusive schools that cater to students with disabilities. In 2019, there were 342 special schools out of a total of 10,598 schools in the country. UNICEF has played a significant role in improving educational services for students with intellectual disabilities in mainstream schools, providing training for specialists, teachers, principals, and families in rural areas. The Cuban legal framework recognizes children and adolescents with disabilities as individuals with rights and promotes their education in different settings.
In conclusion, while Cuba has made progress in protecting the rights and improving the accessibility for individuals with disabilities, there may still be challenges for international students with disabilities travelling to Cuba, particularly regarding physical accessibility and infrastructure. It is important to research and plan accordingly, considering the specific needs and requirements of your disability to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Currency and spending
Cuba's currency system is complex, and it's essential to understand it before planning your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's a guide to currency and spending in Cuba, specifically tailored for international students.
Cuban Currency
The sole national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso, abbreviated as CUP or simply peso. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was discontinued in 2021, and the country now operates with the Cuban Peso as its sole legal tender.
Exchanging Currency
When visiting Cuba, it's important to carry cash, as credit and debit cards issued by US banks cannot be used in Cuba due to US sanctions. US dollars can be exchanged into Cuban Pesos at the airport, hotels, or state-run exchange offices called CADECAs. It's recommended to use CADECAs, official banks, or the informal market with the help of a trusted local to exchange currency. The informal market offers a better exchange rate, but be cautious to avoid scams.
Spending in Cuba
The Cuban Peso is the primary currency used for transactions in Cuba. However, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in the tourism industry. Canadian Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are also accepted but are less desirable to Cubans.
When spending money in Cuba, it's important to be mindful of your budget and the varying exchange rates. It's recommended to bring $100 USD per person per day for meals. Transportation within Havana, such as taxis, can cost anywhere from $5 to $25 USD depending on the distance.
Additionally, tipping is customary in Cuba for services that are typically tipped in other countries. It is also important to note that Cuban law allows travelers to carry up to the equivalent of $5,000 out of the country. If you have more cash than this amount, you must show that the currency was acquired legitimately from a Cuban bank.
Returning from Cuba
When departing Cuba, it is advised to spend or exchange any remaining CUP into a foreign currency before reaching airport security checkpoints. Cuban Pesos cannot be exchanged back into USD, and they will become worthless once you leave the country. Therefore, it's best to spend any remaining CUP or exchange it before leaving Cuba.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can travel to Cuba. However, they may be required to apply for a visa to Cuba in their home country.
Cuban-born travellers require a special visa, regardless of citizenship.
Foreign students on scholarships must test for HIV/AIDS. However, there are no HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors and foreign residents of Cuba.
U.S. credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba. It is recommended to carry sufficient cash and exchange U.S. dollars into Cuban currency at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses.
Travel to Cuba for tourism purposes is prohibited for U.S. citizens. There are 12 pre-approved categories of travel that U.S. citizens must comply with, including official business, humanitarian projects, and educational activities.
