Can Americans travel to Cuba legally?

Yes, Cuba travel remains legal.  With Evoke Cuba be assured that your itinerary will comply completely with all US regulations while still be interactive and memorable. 

Travel to Cuba remains regulated by the US government. Section 515.574 of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515, authorizes individuals to engage in travel-related activities involving Cuba as set forth in section 515.560(c) of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and other transactions directly incident to the types of “Support for the Cuban people” activities organized during the visit. 

Under the above criteria, you must maintain a full-time schedule of activities that will result in meaningful interaction between you and individuals in Cuba, and that those activities help Cubans become more independent. With Evoke Cuba you will frequent privately-owned businesses, stay in a “casa particular” (Cuban bed and breakfast), dine in restaurants owned by Cubans, and meet and interact with entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and shop owners. In order to guarantee full licensing compliance, you should take part in all activities coordinated by Evoke Cuba. 

Evoke Cuba will issue you a letter of authorization in the proper category of license so that your travel is legal under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury.  As required by US law, Evoke Cuba will keep all documentation for five years. In the event of an audit by the Department of the Treasury, we will supply this information for you.  We recommend that you keep a written record of your expenditures not covered by the Evoke Cuba program for five years.  

For more information on the most recent guidelines, please refer to OFAC's FAQs.

Will I need a travel visa to visit Cuba?

American visitors must have a Cuban tourist card, similar to a visa, to enter the country. There will be a booth or desk at the airport the day of your departure where you can purchase your tourist card.  The fee will vary depending on your choice of airline. You may also purchase tourist cards online prior to your trip.   To learn more about visa and entry requirements for Cuba, please check out the Cuba page of the US State Department’s website at: Cuba Travel. 

Do I need trip and/or health insurance?

There is basic health insurance included in your flight ticket in case you need to go to the hospital for a minor injury, fever or stomach issue. Your boarding card and Cuban tourist card are proof of insurance so save them until your return to the US.  Please note that your current medical insurance will not cover you in Cuba.    The most common ailments for travelers in Cuba are indigestion, diarrhea and other stomach problems. Be sure to bring along adequate quantities of all medications you might need, both prescription and over the counter including Imodium and Pepto Bismol.  

For additional trip insurance, contact a specialized US travel insurance provider for rates. 

What is the currency of Cuba?

There are two currencies in Cuba: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP). The CUC is almost exclusively utilized by tourists and the CUP, referred to as “moneda nacional“ is used primarily by locals. One CUC is worth 24 CUPs so getting to learn the difference between them is critical to avoid being a victim of scams when receiving change. The two are easy to tell apart: CUCs are multi-colored, printed with the word “peso convertible” and feature monuments of national heroes. Each CUP is a single color and shows the face of a national hero. 

Can I use my US bank issued credit and debit cards?

Your US bank issued credit and debit cards will not function in Cuba.  Plan on bringing enough cash for your entire stay.

Will my US mobile phone work in Cuba?

Virtually all US wireless phone service providers allow you to activate a voice and data roaming package during your stay. Because the telecommunications market in Cuba is rapidly changing, we recommend that you check with your wireless phone service provider for the latest rates before you travel. 

Will I have access to Wi-Fi while in Cuba?

Telecommunications in Cuba has vastly improved in recent years, but still remain spotty and unreliable. Internet is mostly limited to hotels, public Wi-Fi hotspots and limited number of private homes scattered throughout Havana, including some “casa particulares.” 

Where should I stay while in Cuba?

There’s no better way to support the Cuban people and embrace the Cuban lifestyle than staying in a '“casa particular” (Cuban bed and breakfast).  Evoke Cuba offers a range of first-class and established Cuban bed and breakfasts and privately-owned boutique hotels.