INVICTA GROUP SERVICES

getting to Cuba

WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL I NEED TO TRAVEL TO CUBA?

AIRLINE SERVICE

Flying into Cuba can be challenging. All flights into Cuba are operated by charter companies and commercial airlines that have been licensed specifically by the U.S. Government to fly into Cuba. These companies do a bulk of their business out of Miami, where the Cuban population makes up a large percentage of the paying passengers. All flights are subject to review and pre-approval by OFAC as well as the Cuban Government. Final approval may not occur until 6-8 weeks prior to departure, making long-term planning difficult. In addition, flight schedules change from time to time and flights may be dropped and/or added. There are currently direct flights via New York City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

LUGGAGE

Baggage fees vary from one company to another. Nearly all charter companies follow a policy of charging per piece of checked luggage along with a $1.00 - $2.00 fee for each pound over 44 lbs total weight (including carry-on). Details will be provided when your airline company is selected.

PASSPORT AND VISA

You must have a valid passport to enter Cuba. Be sure your passport will not expire until at least 6 months after your travel dates. You are also required to have a Cuban Tourist Card, often referred to as a visa. This card is provided by INVICTA GROUP SERVICES. You do not need to send your passport into INVICTA for your tourist card/visa. When you enter Cuba your tourist card/visa and/or passport will be given an entry stamp. Once you arrive in Cuba, your passport will no longer be required and you should keep it in the security box in your hotel room.

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DOCUMENTATION

To satisfy regulations in both Cuba and the United States, you will need to carry the following documentation. These documents will be given to you by INVICTA GROUP SERVICES:

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• CUBAN VISA (TOURIST CARD)

• TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT

• LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION from INVICTA GROUP SERVICES stating that you are traveling under one of the approved categories

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CUBAN BORN TRAVELERS

Cuban Americans traveling with a Cuban passport to Cuba must have a visa from the Cuban government prior to reserving your flight or have your passport stamped by the Cuban Interest Section. Cuban-born U.S. citizens fall into one of two categories for travel to Cuba. Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970 will require either a HE-11 visa (which can take from four to six weeks to process, is valid for a one-time entry for 30 days, and expires within 90 days of issue), or a Cuban passport; the choice is up to the traveler. Those who left Cuba after January 1, 1971 will require a Cuban passport, which can take from three to four months to obtain. All travelers must have either a United States passport or residency card that is valid at least six months after the planned travel date. You should allow  (30) thirty days for the processing of your visa.