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Is it legal to travel to Cuba under the new administration?
In short, yes! On June 5th, 2019 the US released new regulations concerning travel to Cuba. These new regulations were primarily designed to eliminate the flow of casual tourism ‘disguised as People to People Contact’. Many categories were restricted or reduced, and the People to People exception category was essentially eliminated.
The primary directive of the new regulations was to ensure legitimate engagement in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, and that result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba.
This trip is hand-designed to completely and directly comply with the amended OFAC general license 31 CFR § 515.574, “Support For The Cuban People”. This general license authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people. OFAC has amended this general license to require that each traveler utilizing this authorization engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, and that result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. All of KB Cubs's trips comply with all 3 parts of that requirement.
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Is my departure guaranteed?
No, KB Tambo must reach a minimum number of guests to operate each trip, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from KB Tambo.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location? Will someone pick me up from the airport?
NYC, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, and more from various major carriers.
Plan to fly into the airport in Havana where a representative from KB will meet you and take you to your casa
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How big will my group be?
The maximum group size is 10 people, and the average is usually around 5 or 6.
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What are the accommodations like?
You'll stay in private homes (“casas”) which is what most travelers do. These are private, local homes that have been restored - they include private rooms with private bathrooms, often with separate entrances. They are clean and comfortable, and you only have to be around the families if you want to. Many travelers say it is one of their favorite parts of the trip.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
If you are a solo traveler and would like your own room there is a $150 fee.
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What is the food like?
The Cuban culinary scene is improving rapidly by leaps and bounds. Featuring basic ingredients heavy on fresh local vegetables, rice, chicken and fish, with plenty of beans as well. You will be eating a mix of home cooked meals in your "casas particulares," combined with a few local restaurants for dinner. The Cuban food on our trips has been one of many pleasant surprises reported by our guests.
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How do I purchase a travel visa?
Cuba requires all visitors - not just Americans - to purchase a travel visa. This is essentially granted automatically to anyone traveling to Cuba. If traveling through Mexico, this visa can be bought at the check-in counter of the Cancun or Mexico City airport for $20. If flying directly from the US, most airlines have their own system for this visa and they are the ones responsible for providing it to you. Most airlines are charging between $50 to $90 for this visa. Please ask us if you have any questions.
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What is the best time of the year to visit Cuba?
October through April are usually the preferred months. Cuba is a great destination when it's cold at home and you're in search of some warm weather. For most people that means visiting in spring, winter, or fall. May through August are the warmest parts of the year in Cuba, often with high humidity and daily rain showers.
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How does money work in Cuba?
There are two currencies in Cuba. The local currency, peso, and the convertible peso (CUC), which is tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. The local guide will help you change some money into local currency. Credit cards are not generally accepted, and withdrawing money from an ATM is generally not possible, so you'll need to bring all the cash you'll need for dinners, drinks, souvenirs, etc. For most people that is from $500 to $1500. KB Cuba can arrange for safe, free safeguarding of your spending money throughout the trip so you can focus on having fun.
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How much extra money should I budget?
All lodging, breakfast on days 2-7, transportation, and activities are included. Extra money is needed for lunches and dinners, drinks, souvenirs, etc. For most people that is from $500 to $1500. Dinners without alcohol would be only about $100 for the week, so it is possible to hit the lower end of that scale if a budget trip is desired. Others can enjoy the rum-flavored, Hemingway-style nightlife options found throughout the trip.
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What should I bring with me? Do you have a packing list?
See our planning and packing list section for these details.
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Do I need to bring a power adapter? Anything else I should consider?
Power outlets in Cuba vary; there are usually US-standard 110v outlets available, but some are 220v. Most are marked, but some are not. Overall, it is best to bring a power adapter/surge protector type charger for your phone, camera, or computer. Check with your device manufacturer or retailer for details. You should bring all needed medicine, personal hygiene, and eyesight needs including contact lens solution. Also, all batteries, chargers, memory cards, SIM cards, etc should be brought as they are not easily purchased.
Oh, and bring a couple of soccer balls!
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Are there any health concerns?
Cuba has a very good health care system, but you should contact your primary physician and/or local travel clinic to discuss your plans for a trip to Cuba. A doctor is also the best source for advice on which, if any, special vaccinations would be required for travel, but there are no unusual health concerns for a trip to Cuba.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads for travel insurance.
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Can I cancel my trip?
evo upholds KB Tambo’s policies regarding date change and cancellation. Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to evoTrip and KB Tambo.
Rescheduling: We allow date changes up to 45 days before your trip. Reach out to us and we can work with you to reschedule.
The following cancellation fees will be applied based on date received and trip start date: 31 days or more out; refund minus 20% of booking cost. Within 30 days of your departure, the trip is nonrefundable.
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How does this trip comply with US regulations?
When the latest US regulations were released on June 5th, 2019 KB Cuba took it upon themselves to study them carefully, and do two things: First, comply in all aspects with the new regulations - in spirit, in words, and in actions. And the second, trying to connect two dots: what the government wants, and what travelers want. On this trip, we focus on helping the local, small entrepreneurs. It’s where we feel we can make the most impact, and also where you the traveler, can help the most.
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Are there things I need to be aware of to remain compliant while traveling?
Yes, there are a few things to remember and KB will help you with them directly. In general, you may eat only at privately owned (paladares) restaurants (which have the best food anyways!). Also, be aware our schedule is jam-packed because scheduled that free time isn't allowed under the Support for the Cuban People exception. Our itinerary does allow some flexibility for your preference during time away from the group, as long as it includes lots of authentic and organic interactions with the local people and independent, small private businesses.