Navigate Your Queries

While you could certainly arrange everything on your own, it can be a stressful and time-consuming process. One of the most challenging aspects for independent travelers to grasp is why it is better to have a tour package arranged by an experienced agency. 

First, the U.S. Government still has a travel embargo in place for Cuba. Although it has eased over the years to allow programs like those offered by Hc Tours, the embargo still prohibits leisure travel. To visit Cuba legally, it is essential to travel with an entity that falls under U.S. jurisdiction.

The safety and quality of your time in Cuba are our top priorities. We carefully design each tour to engage with the Cuban people in a thoughtful and caring manner. Additionally, we vet every experience, driver, guide, restaurant, and team member involved in your itinerary to ensure the highest standards. Our team has established a network of privately licensed professionals in Cuba, which enables us to meet U.S. requirements while providing an exceptional guest experience. This arrangement also allows us to direct a significant portion of your tourism dollars directly to the Cuban people.

Please note that there is a list of businesses that are prohibited for U.S. residents and citizens. Our guides, drivers, and operational support staff also have this information readily available in Cuba to help you avoid any potential oversights.

Cuba is an incredibly challenging country to navigate. Delivering on a promise of excellence requires expertise.

American Airlines and Southwest offer daily non-stop service from South Florida to Havana.
United offers direct flights from Houston, TX.
You can then travel from any U.S. city with American Airlines, Delta, or United, having a stopover either in Houston (with United) or in Miami.

HC Tours can book the flights for you if you feel more comfortable with us doing that for you.

Every visitor to Cuba will need to obtain an e-visa to enter the country.
However, there is no formal visa process requiring you to send in your passport to complete an application.

We will handle all of this for you, and the visa fee is already included in all our packages.

Once you obtain your e-visa, all passengers arriving in Cuba must also complete an online customs and health declaration form within 7 days before they travel ( DViajeros Form ).
You will need to enter your flight information and e-visa number when prompted.)
Upon submission of the electronic form, passengers will receive a QR code to present to Cuban health and immigration authorities when they arrive in Cuba.

Finally, there is one more requirement that is important for U.S. residents and citizens: You must keep an accurate record of all transactions conducted while in Cuba.

Please note that you must maintain these records for five years. They may also be subject to review by the U.S. Treasury Department or Customs when re-entering the United States.

However, the good news is that you will simply need to retain your Hc Tours official invoice with the specified itinerary in it.  

When you arrive in Cuba, please have your passport, Cuban visa, and boarding pass ready for review so they can return them to you afterward. Once you reach your hotel, it’s advisable to leave your passport and visa in the safe. Although it's a good idea to take a copy of your passport, ID is generally not needed in Cuba. Customs will request your visa upon departure. 

Once you arrive in the United States, please have your passport and the invoice with the itinerary we provided you to present to your U.S. customs agent. The invoice is sufficient to demonstrate that your trip to Cuba was 100% legal. Occasionally, an officer may ask what you did in Cuba. In that case, you should simply reply you did various activities, as shown in the itinerary, to "Support  the Cuban People" .

Yes, pack all your prescription meds in their original bottles. Also, don't forget to bring any over-the-counter stuff like Aspirin, Advil, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, or anything else you might need—those brands aren’t available in Cuba, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Most outlets in Cuba use 110V with American-style plugs, so if you're coming from the U.S., your hair dryer and most of your electronics should work just fine. But heads up—some places (like newer hotels) might also have 220V outlets. Double-check your device for dual voltage. If it’s not dual voltage and only works with 110V, you’ll need a converter to avoid frying it! An adapter might also come in handy if the plugs are different. Safe bet? Pack both, just in case!

It depends! Most U.S. cell phones should work in Cuba, but roaming can be super expensive, so you’ll want to check with your carrier before you go. Some companies, like T-Mobile or AT&T, offer international plans that might cover Cuba, but otherwise, you could be paying a lot just to text or make calls. If you want to avoid crazy fees, consider getting a local SIM card when you're there or using Wi-Fi  (all the accommodation we provide have free Wi-Fi).
Apps like WhatsApp or Messenger can work over Wi-Fi, so that’s a good way to keep in touch without breaking the bank. Just make sure your phone is unlocked if you’re thinking about using a local SIM!

Absolutely! Bringing gifts for the Cuban people is not only kind but often very appreciated. Everyday items that are harder to find in Cuba can make great gifts. Think toiletries like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo; clothing; school supplies like pens, notebooks, or backpacks; and even over-the-counter medications like painkillers or multivitamins. If you’re staying with locals (like in a casa particular), small thoughtful gifts are a nice gesture to show appreciation.

Just keep in mind that there are restrictions on what you can bring, so avoid anything that might raise eyebrows at customs (large quantities of electronics or anything that looks like you’re trying to resell it). But personal-sized, useful items? Totally fine and warmly received!

Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP) as its official currency.
In the past, there was also the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) which tourists often used.
However, starting January 2021, the CUC was phased out, so now the CUP is the only currency used in the country.

Yes. The majority of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in Havana accept United States Dollars in cash and provide a significantly more favorable exchange rate compared to transactions conducted at banks or exchange offices.

We recommend carrying a variety of denominations, including $50, $20, $10, $5, and even $1 bills for the purpose of tipping.

It is imperative to note that these bills must not be creased, marked, or stained, as such conditions will result in their rejection.

Therefore, we advise you to request new bills or, at the very least, bills in pristine condition from the bank teller.

Currently, most businesses, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, accept USD and offer conversion rates ranging from 280 to 310 Cuban pesos per USD.
While these rates are not as high as those available through informal street exchanges, they are nearly three times higher than the rates provided by banks or official exchange offices.

Exchanging some USD for Cuban pesos can be convenient; however, it is strongly advised not to attempt this on your own, as dealing with strangers poses risks, including the possibility of receiving counterfeit bills.

To ensure a secure and reliable exchange, it is best to inform us in advance. In this way we can arrange for Cuban pesos to be ready upon your arrival.

Please be aware that exchange rates fluctuate daily, so while the exact rate cannot be guaranteed, it will be very close to the best possible rate available on the street.

It's a good idea to bring enough cash for your trip to Cuba since you can't really use credit cards or ATMs there.
We've seen travelers run out of money trying to buy art or deal with unexpected costs.

So, we recommend bringing at least $150 per person each day. You’ll probably want to buy some gifts , souvenirs, and pay for fun activities during your free time, too.
It’s better to come home with a bit of extra cash than to be strapped for cash while you’re there.

And don’t forget to change any leftover Cuban Pesos back into U.S. Dollars before you head back because you won’t be able to exchange them in the States.

U.S. credit and debit cards  won’t work in Cuba since there's no banking connection between the U.S. and Cuba.

If you have credit or debit cards from other countries, you can use them, but just know they'll be exchanged at the official rate of 108 Cuban pesos for each dollar.
They might be handy in emergencies, but using them for everyday stuff isn't convenient at all.

When you’re going through Cuban customs, you have to declare any cash over $5,000 x person.
You’ll see that question on your customs form.
And just so you know, when coming back to the U.S., you can't have more than $10,000 in cash.
But honestly, we wouldn’t recommend bringing that much cash to Cuba unless you're planning on buying some fancy art or something like that!

Tipping in Cuba is expected but not a must. We know it can be tricky for Americans since the usual tip back home is around 18–25%. So, here's a little tipping guide to help you out. But remember, it’s totally up to you—feel free to tip less, more, or even not at all, depending on how the service is.

For drivers and guides, it’s about $5–10 per person per day. You can hand them the tip at the end of the tour.

For breakfast staff, think $1–2 per guest per day. For room cleaning, $2 per room per day is good, and for baggage porters, $1–2 per piece.
You can tip daily or leave it all at the end, whichever you prefer.

At cafes and restaurants, a 6–7% tip is just fine, and if the service was really great, you can bump it up to around 10%, but that’s usually the max.

Cuba is actually one of the safest places you can visit!
Just like anywhere else, it’s smart to take some basic precautions against petty crimes, like pickpocketing. Guns and drugs are a no-go in Cuba, so violent crime is pretty rare.
Just keep an eye out for cars when you’re crossing the street—those old rides often have old brakes, and they might not stop as quickly as you'd think.
It’s also a good idea to leave your fancy jewelry and expensive camera at home if you're out alone, especially at night. Common sense goes a long way!

So, even though we never want to think about stuff like this happening, if you get sick or hurt while you're traveling, your health insurance has got you covered at the top clinics in Cuba.

Plus, Cuba has the highest number of doctors per person in the world! If something goes wrong, you'll be whisked away to a clinic or hospital right away.

No, you do not need any special vaccinations to travel to Cuba.

We totally recommend sticking to bottled water while you’re in Cuba. The local tap water isn’t the best for us since our systems aren’t used to it. A lot of Cubans even boil their water before drinking! If you do chance it with the tap water, you might end up with some stomach issues like diarrhea and nausea. Better safe than sorry!

Food in Cuba is pretty delicious! You've got a tasty mix of flavors from Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. You’ve got to try some classic dishes like Ropa Vieja, which is shredded beef, and Moros y Cristianos, which is basically black beans and rice. Don’t miss out on Tostones, those crispy fried plantains—they're a real treat! 

Restaurants are obligated to wash your food with filtered water.
If you have a sensitive stomach, please refrain from eating salads and un cooked items.

In Cuba, there's a great mix of dining options to satisfy your taste buds, whether you're in the mood for something cozy or a bit more upscale.

You can find family-run restaurants called paladares, which offer a homey vibe and authentic Cuban dishes made with love. These spots are perfect for experiencing the local culture and flavors.

On the flip side, if you're looking to treat yourself, there are also some fancy restaurants that provide fine dining experiences with beautifully crafted meals and a stylish ambiance.

So, no matter what kind of meal you're after, Cuba's got you covered!

Absolutely! Cubans usually love having their photos taken, so just remember to ask first to keep things polite. It’s a good idea to steer clear of snapping pictures of military personnel, police officers, or government buildings, though.
There are so many incredible photo ops around Cuba! Check out our blog for some of our favorite snapshots. You can use small video cameras, but if you’re thinking of bringing large news or movie cameras, you'll need special permits for those.
Just a heads up, electronics can be pretty pricey and limited in Cuba, so it’s best to pack any cameras and gadgets you’ll need for your trip!