Is Chamber Explorations travel to Cuba legal?
Yes. By traveling with Chamber Explorations you are licensed
and authorized to travel to Cuba. Chamber Explorations
programs operate under a specific license granted to us by
the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign
Assets Control (OFAC). Prior to your departure to Cuba, you
will receive a copy of our travel license and a letter of autho-
rization from us granting you permission to travel under that
license.
What is people-to-people travel?
In 1999, President Clinton implemented People to People, an
initiative that allows Americans to travel to Cuba, as long as
they take part in cultural experiences, putting them in direct
contact with the locals in the hope of learning more about
the people and customs of the country. The people-to-people
travel experience is both rewarding and unique. We highly
recommend that each participant engage with the people
they meet. You will find that Cubans are often well-informed
about current events and are open to discussing the positives
and negatives of their country, provided you are willing to do
the same about yours.
Who is OFAC, and what does it do?
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers and
enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign
policy and national security goals against targeted foreign
countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and
those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction. OFAC acts under the Presi-
dent’s wartime and national emergency powers, as well as
under authority granted by specific legislation, to impose con-
trols on transactions and freeze assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
How do we get to Cuba?
We will be flying non-stop from either Miami International
Airport or Los Angeles International Airport. The modern jet
service/aircraft used is chartered and is not open to the pub-
lic unless traveling on one of our licensed Cuba programs and
departure dates.
What time do the flights to Cuba depart the US
and arrive back in the US?
Miami flights: (Day 2 of your program) On our programs de-
parting from Miami your flight will depart at 9:00 am, arriving
at 10:00 am in Havana and returning from Havana to Miami
(DAY 9) at 11:00 am and arriving at 12:00 noon in Miami.
(Return flights home should be booked at 3:00 pm or later to
give you plenty of time to clear customs).
Los Angeles flights: On our programs departing from Los
Angeles your flight will depart at 11:00 am arriving at 7:30
pm in Havana. The return flight from Havana to Los Angeles
will depart Havana at 11:30 am arriving back to Los Angeles
at 2:30 pm. (Connecting flights on Day 1 at LAX and Return
flights home from LAX should be booked to give you at least
3 hours to check in prior to departure and 3 hours after your
return to give you plenty of time to clear customs).
How much luggage can we bring?
Miami flights: On our programs departing from Miami you
are allowed one checked and two small carry-on pieces of
luggage. This is not to exceed 44lbs combined weight of
checked and carry-on luggage, per person. Excess baggage
will be charged at the rate of $1 per lb.
Los Angeles flights: On our programs departing from Los
Angeles you are allowed one checked and two small carry-
on pieces of luggage. This is not to exceed 50lbs combined
weight of checked and carry-on luggage, per person. Excess
baggage will be charged at the rate of $2 per lb.
What about U.S. airport departure tax?
Miami flights: On our programs departing from Miami the
airport departure tax of approximately $58 per person is
included.
Los Angeles flights: On our programs departing from Los
Angeles the airport departure tax of approximately $58 per
person is not included/additional and can only be paid in U.S.
DISCOVER CUBA
Frequently Asked Questions
Chamber Explorations CUBA FAQ’s (page 1)
cash during check-in at LAX airport.
Please note: All departure times are subject to change by
the airline. Some Miami departure dates may have alternate
flight schedule.
What hotels are to be used?
In Havana, we are using many different properties including
the Melia Cohiba Hotel, the Melia Havana Libre and the Melia
Havana Hotel. Outside Havana we use the Jagua Hotel in
Cienfuegos and the Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar in Trinidad.
All hotels in Cuba are subject to change and all passengers
need to be flexible due to the tremendous demand by Ameri-
can travelers to this destination and limited hotel availability.
On some dates alternate hotels of equal or higher quality will
be used.
What about payment for the program?
Deposits are $500 pp and checks must be made payable to
Chamber Explorations. Final payment will be due at 75 days
prior to departure. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, & Discover)
are accepted for deposit and final payments.
Who are Chamber Explorations tour guides?
All Chamber Explorations programs begin in Havana, where
guests meet up with their professionally trained Cuban host/
guide. Your Cuban host will work with you and your group
to ensure each individual has the most rewarding experi-
ence possible. Trained in the history of the island, and known
throughout the cities and towns you explore, you will be met
with smiles and welcoming arms everywhere. Your Cuban
host will provide you with direct access to the people, places
and cultural visits outlined and included in your itinerary and
will introduce you to the real Cuba.
Do we travel with a group on Chamber Explora-
tions programs?
Our small group sized departures provide our travelers with
the opportunity to enjoy interactions with the people who
know the country best — the local people. Chances are you’ll
also travel with like-minded individuals who will share in the
experiences and culture of Cuba.
What can we bring back from Cuba?
You are allowed to bring back to the U.S. the standard style
gives such as souvenirs, music, clothing, none communistic
literature, paintings and other forms or art. Paintings are
subject to a 10% tax upon leaving Cuba. Currently you are not
legally allowed to bring back to the U.S. Cuban Cigars, Cuban
Rum, Cuban Coffee & governmental/communistic literature.
VISA’s & DOCS
Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Yes, Cuba requires all tourists to have a Cuban Visa (some-
times referred to as Tourist Card). There is no official appli-
cation process. Chamber Explorations books your flights to
Cuba, and your Cuban visa will be sent to you along with your
final program documents. The visa is a two-part card where
Cuban immigration officials will take one half upon arrival in
country, and the other half upon departure. Chamber Ex-
plorations requires a copy of your passport at the time of
reservation.
Do I need a passport to travel to Cuba?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport is required to participate. We
suggest that your passport be valid for at least six months
beyond the travel dates. Please make note of the expira-
tion date and renew your passport if it is nearing expiration.
Generally, Cuban officials refrain from stamping U.S. pass-
ports. Non U.S. citizens are allowed to travel on our program.
Chamber Explorations will require a copy of the participant’s
passport and green card upon initial deposit and reservation.
What travel documents do I need for Cuba?
In addition to a U.S. passport valid for more than six-months
prior to your departure date, Chamber Explorations will also
provide the following in your final travel documents.
•Airline ticket to Cuba.
•Cuban visa (Tourist Card).
•Copy of Chamber Explorations specific license.
•Copy of the letter of authorization allowing you to travel to
Cuba on our license.
•Proof of Cuban health insurance (Cuban health insurance is
included in the price of the program).
TRAVELING IN CUBA
How are Americans generally received in Cuba?
Cubans are commonly described as being outgoing, friendly,
fun, respectful, and above all welcoming to foreign guests. Try
to return their courtesy by being open-minded and respectful
towards their culture and lifestyles, and share in the fun with
them during the spontaneous experiences that arise during
your visit. They feel a kinship to Americans and are thrilled to
have the opportunity to meet you.
What time zone is Cuba in?
Cuba is the same as Eastern Standard Time in America. Please
note that Cuba also follows Daylight Saving Time.
What are the opening hours for banks and shops?
Information found below varies depending upon the specific
establishment. If possible, it is always best to check in ad-
vance. Working hours in Cuba are from 8am-5:30pm during
the weekdays, while banks operate from
8am-3pm.
Is tipping for services necessary in Cuba?
Tipping is greatly appreciated for services received that are
not included in your program. (cab drivers, wait staff, barmen,
etc.) This provides considerable supplementary income for
Cubans and is usually expected.
Chamber Explorations CUBA FAQ’s (page 2)
How much do I tip Chamber Explorations guides
and drivers?
Tips for our Cuban guides and drivers provide a consider-
able supplementary income and is usually expected for good
service. We recommend $5 per person, per day for the guide
and $3 per person per day for the driver.
Do I need to keep a travel log?
Each traveler must keep a record of all transactions under-
taken during the program, and should be made available for
examination upon demand for at least 5 years from the date
of the event. In addition OFAC may require the traveler to
produce a detailed report of activities undertaken in pursuant
with the people to people program/license.
CURRENCY INFO
Can I use credit or debit cards in Cuba?
Credit cards and debit cards issued by U.S. banks cannot be
used in Cuba. Please keep this in mind as you prepare for
your program. Be sure to bring a sufficient amount of cash
with you as you will not be able to access your funds.
Can I use traveler’s checks in Cuba?
It is possible to bring traveler's checks to Cuba. However,
they can only be cashed in very specific hotels in Havana.
Traveler's checks used in Cuba are not insured, thus losing
their primary feature. They are also subject to an additional
exchange fee. At this time, we do not advise our participants
to rely on traveler's checks as a monetary resource.
What is the currency used in Cuba?
The currency for foreigners to use in Cuba is the Cuban Con-
vertible Peso (CUC). The exchange rate is subject to change
at any time, and for the most up-to-date information, we en-
courage you to visit www.xe.com. However, the best currency
to take with you is the Euro. Cuba operates on a dual-econ-
omy, which means that foreigners use one currency (CUC’s),
while Cubans use Cuban pesos, which are also called Moneda
Nacional (CUP). Foreigners are not supposed to change their
CUC’s into pesos and are expected to use CUC’s for their
purchases. CUC’s come in the following denominations: 1, 3,
5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.
Can I buy or sell Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC)
outside of Cuba?
Cuban currency is not part of the international currency
exchange. Therefore, you will be unable to buy or sell it any-
where but in Cuba.
Can I exchange money in Cuba?
Yes. Once in Cuba, the airport, tourist hotels, banks and of-
ficial exchange bureaus operated by CADECA can exchange
American or Euro currency for you. Banks are usually open
from 8am to 3pm, Monday-Friday. Hotels often have more
flexible hours. The process of exchanging money is similar to
any other country. Proper ID (passport) is required.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Can I bring cameras or video recorders to Cuba?
You are allowed to bring one camera and one (amateur) video
recorder to Cuba, which will be X-rayed upon your arrival
at the Havana airport. Official permission from the Cuban
government is required to bring expensive, professional video
graphic equipment that will be used for journalistic purposes.
Are there restrictions on what I can photograph in
Cuba?
You are free to take pictures of just about anything in Cuba.
Similar to most countries, you should avoid taking pictures of
airports, certain government buildings, military or industrial
installations, and officials in uniform. In short, exercise com-
mon sense, ask permission, and refrain from photographing a
subject if you have any doubts about its legality.
Otherwise, Cubans are quite willing to be the subjects of
some of your most memorable photos. It is polite in any
culture to ask permission before taking someone’s photo,
and Cuba is no exception. Often holding up your camera and
a simple nod is enough to ascertain whether or not some-
body minds having their picture taken. You may come across
people dressed in elaborate historic or ethnic attire. If you
take their picture or pose with them, be prepared to pay
something for it. Similarly, if you enter a market and begin
snapping away, please be mindful that it is polite to make
small purchases from the people who so kindly appear in
your photos.
If I lose my camera, can I buy a replacement?
Locations such as Foto Video and Photo Service sell small digi-
tal or instant cameras, but professional equipment like SLRs,
lenses, filters and flash units can be very difficult to find. It is
a good idea to bring spare batteries, tapes and film, which are
also not commonly available.
FOOD
What is the food like in Cuba?
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean
cuisines. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with
Spanish and African cooking, with some Caribbean influence
in spice and flavor. This results in a unique, interesting and
flavorful blend of the several different cultural influences. A
small, but noteworthy, Chinese influence can also be account-
ed for, mainly in the Havana area. During colonial times, Cuba
was an important port for trade, and many Spaniards who
lived there brought their culinary traditions along with them.
Another important factor is that Cuba itself is an island, mak-
ing seafood something that greatly influences Cuban cuisine.
Another contributing factor to Cuban cuisine is the fact that
Cuba is in a tropical climate. The tropical climate produces
fruits and root vegetables that are used in Cuban dishes and
meals.
Chamber Explorations CUBA FAQ’s (page 3)
ELECTRICITY
Do I need an electrical adapter and converter?
Cuba uses mostly two and three-pronged outlets, but you
may find other outlets which cannot accommodate your
devices. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring a multi-
adapter. The most common electrical voltage in Cuba is 110
volts, although some hotels use 220 volts. It is also suggested
that you bring a 110/220 voltage converter to be sure that all
of your electrical devices work properly.
PHONE
How much are international calls from Cuba?
On average, calling from a tourist hotel costs approximately
$2.40 per minute. It is advisable that you always check rates
before making an international call, regardless of the country
you are in.
Can I use my cell phone/smartphone in Cuba?
It can be difficult for a tourist to use a cell phone in Cuba. Al-
ternatively, calling from your hotel phone might be a far easi-
er option. Another option might be to replace the SIM card in
your phone/device. You may purchase them upon your arrival
in Cuba. However, SIM cards can be quite expensive, and the
minute usage associated with them often is as well.
CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
What goods can I bring back to the U.S.?
Due to the U.S. sanctioned embargo, the U.S. government
routinely confiscates goods purchased in Cuba which are of
Cuban origin. The only exception to this regulation is infor-
mational materials such as books, artworks, posters, photo-
graphs and CDs. It is not permissible to bring back purchased
goods such as Cuban cigars, rum or coffee, even if the items
were purchased at a “duty-free” shop in the Havana Airport.
WEATHER
What is the weather like in Cuba?
Cuba has a very pleasant semi-subtropical climate, which is
generally warm year-round. Regional variations and trade
winds do account for fluctuations. Cuba’s average mean
temperature is approximately 78 °F. Compared to most coun-
tries, Cuba experiences little seasonal variation, although the
months of July and August can be warmer.
SAFETY
Is Cuba safe for travelers?
Cuba is very safe by any world standards, and the average
visitor has little reason to worry about personal safety on
the streets, in the hotels, at the beaches or any other place a
traveler might visit.
MEDICAL INSURANCE/CANCELLATION WAIVER
Do I need medical / health insurance to travel to
Cuba?
Since April 2010, the Cuban government requires that all
travelers to Cuba must have Cuban health insurance under an
approved plan.
Does Chamber Explorations provide Cuban health
and medical insurance?
YES. Your health, standard of care, and safety are of the ut-
most importance to Chamber Explorations. When you enroll
in a Chamber Explorations program to Cuba, you automati-
cally receive a Cuban health and medical evacuation insur-
ance. This policy is not supplemental and provides you with
full coverage while in Cuba. Your policy information will be
included in your documents.
What does the Cuban health and medical
evacuation insurance cover?
Medical expenses because of Illness and accident
Up to $25,000
Repatriation and transport
A) Of deceased/Up to $7,000
B) Of injured or ill/Up to $7,000
Additional details will be included in the final program docu-
ments.
Does Chamber Explorations provide a trip
cancellation waiver?
YES, Chamber Explorations highly recommends and provides
a Cuba Cancellation Waiver for $199 per person. The Can-
cellation waiver covers cancellation prior to departure for a
personal illness or death of an immediate family member.
(Complete policy details available upon request)
*All information contained in this document is correct to the best of
our knowledge and is subject to change at any time.
A division of Premier World Discovery
2615-190th Street, Suite 200
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
www.chamberexplorations.com
Chamber Explorations has been issued a specific
license by The Department of the Treasury, Office
of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which authoriz-
es registered guests of our programs to visit Cuba
legally. There are no applications to complete,
and your travel with us is fully authorized. Prior to departure,
you will receive a copy of our Specific License and a Letter of
Authorization which legalizes your travel to Cuba.
Chamber Explorations CUBA FAQ’s (page 4)