Starman441 Loc: Iguana Land, Fl.

I totally agree. It's ignorant to criticize the conditions in one country without taking a realistic assessment of the condition of your own.

Jtittsworth Loc: Tampa

Havana is great for pics but I never felt safe there. Please be careful.

obsidian

I was there 3 years ago. Air bnb is a very good alternative. Hotel accommodations are an arm and leg. Change your money into Canadian dollar. When we were there, one cuban dollar is worth only 75 cents USD and taxi drivers will NOT accept USD and he has to drive us to the bank to exchange our money with taxi meter still on. Canadian dollar is worth MORE. Also, please NEVER talk about politics. This may complicate your return back to US. Inform Homeland Security that you are leaving US so that just in case something happens to you, medical or otherwise, US embassy knows that you are in a foreign country. Just be generous with your tips. Life is tough but people there are very friendly and they love America. If you can find a local person to guide you, usually where you stay, the owner has personnel and are very much affordable. They can even shop for your food and groceries.
There are a lot of tourists in Havana so you will feel like in California.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Just to clarify some incorrect information. I was there January 2020.

I flew direct from JFK on Jetblue, home on American Airlines. US carriers are allowed to fly to Cuba.
Keep in mind that the US is not so happy with people traveling to/from Cuba. Trump continues to make it difficult. A well known dance company was supposed to come to perform in the USA, and Trump had their visas revoked, after they had all air and hotels arranged.

Many Cubans do prefer cash at this time. The people are concerned about the 2 currencies. I gave dollars to the drivers, a jewelry shop and an artist shop.

At this time, visitors must come and go thru the airport in Havana. When I was there in 2018, we were able to fly out of the airport in Santa Cruz.

Havana is safe, I felt more safe there than I do at times in NYC. Be street smart, always, where ever you go. They do not like photos of the police, and some government buildings. There are often many European visitors in Cuba, tourism is important to their economy.

Xanadu Loc: Clay County FL

I have not been there in over 20 years so I am in no position to offer advice on current conditions. However, I echo the previous cautions - DO NOT GO ALONE.

ptmedia6300 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

The attached 'Frequently Asked Questions Related to Cuba' form will just about answer your questions relative to your planned trip to Cuba. I have attached 'Cuba Travel Certificate' form (Visa application) will explain what you are permitted to do once you arrive in Cuba.

I visited Cuba late 2017, while the charm and beauty exist, Cuba is quickly becoming to touristy.

Note: The current White House Administration (Mr. Trump) is drastically undermining the relationship with Cuba, that the former White House president (President Barack Obama) attempted to open doors to a better U.S. and Cuba cooperation.

Hope that each of the forms will address your concerns and questions related to the planned trip.

Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Cuba
Attached file:
(Download)

Cuba Travel Certificate Form
Attached file:
(Download)

ptmedia6300 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Short video I made of the trip to Cuba. Had to edit it to fit on this platfom.

Attached file:
(Download)

ronichas Loc: Long Island

These forms are from 2015. They do not address concerns and questions related to trips in 2020.
Cuba has always been touristy in some areas. Europeans and Canadians have been going there for many years.

ptmedia6300 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

The 2015 CUBA FAQs is just that, questions which were applicable during my 2017 trip to Cuba. From the looks of your question about the form, have you taken the time out to read the FAQs I posted? The Cuba Travel Certificate (Visa) requirement is still use by the State Department for entry to Cuba.

Yes, Europe and many other counties have been traveling to Cuba long before the doors re-opened for America. From my perspective, it was to touristy from what I have read and seen in photos.

Thank you for your feed back.

eviemyoung

My friend and I went to Havana in 2018 and it was one of our favourite places. We are 2 women in our 70's and had no safety issues at all. We walked all over the city taking amazing photos of the people wearing their gorgeous colours, and loved every minute of it. We even went out at night by ourselves walking up and down the streets near the water with only one incident which happened during the day but was quickly resolved when we slipped into a restaurant. Just do not drink the water, even use bottled water to brush your teeth. My friend did get sick for 24 hours but I did not because all I ate was pasta and pizza. Stay away from meat at all costs. (great wood burning pizza place on the water) We found the people to be amazingly friendly but don't fall for all the tourist stuff. We did take one of those gorgeous taxis one day because that is part of a Havana trip, and a tour bus ride all over the city to get our bearings. We were there for 10 days and will definite go back. I am not great with remembering any names but if you want more info, I could get it for you. Here are just a few of my images. And these are just from the first day. I think I took over 7000 images over all. Have fun, I am jealous.

(Download)

ronichas Loc: Long Island

eviemyoung,
Great images!!!

Cubanphoto

A Cuba! My birth place.
Many beautiful things could be seen in Havana (Habana), the architecture of Habana Vieja (old Havana). El Vedado, Castillo del Morro (Castle del Morro). Take a walk on the Malecon (famous avenue in front of the sea) but be ready to protect your camera it may get wet. Go see the Capitol (just like the one in Washington).Take pictures of the one beautiful buildings now delapidated.
Don't forget to take pictures of the lack of medicine and food and basic necessities the people go without. But they'll hide all that from you as they will hide the lack of freedom of the press and of your own speech that we have here in this beautiful country (USA).
God Bless America the country that gave me the opportunity to prosper and the freedom many take for granted.

ptmedia6300 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Eviemyoung, I couldn't agree with you anymore. I had a wonderful time in Cuba as well. If I had any drawbacks would be the aggressive solicitation (begging) from the people on the streets. Having said that, I explored the unique relationship between Afro-descended populations in Cuba and the United States Afro-Americans. This fulfilled one of the 12 requirements for visiting Cuba under People-to-people travel. This cross-national relationship nurtured by Afro-Cubans and black Americans helped Cubans see American's many similarities that exist. I certainly have enjoyed my week on the island, and the ONLY negative was the aggressive solicitation.

Nightlife in Cuba is enormous and impressive. I'm one of those so-called thrill-seekers. I like the challenge of exploring beyond the expectations. When you have others traveling, I have to take into account everyone's safety.

Yes, I tried the food in Cuba. Was not sicken from eating it. With great emphasis, do not drink the local water. Make sure to carry your bottled water.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Wow, after reading that, I wouldn't go there again.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Closing in on all sides: Cuba nears declaring coronavirus victory

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cuba-idUSKBN23G024