Travel Documents & Airport Requirements

Entry Requirements

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States or if you were born in Cuba regardless of your citizenship, contact CGEE for further information. CGEE will assist you in reviewing information, but the responsibility for obtaining and paying for a proper Cuban visa is yours. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also carry with you all necessary documentation to re-enter the United States (visa, green card, etc.).

• Passport Book: Keep any documents inserted into your passport or given to you by immigration officials upon arrival in Cuba. You will need to present them upon departure.

• Travel Restrictions: U.S. law places restrictions on travel to Cuba. Under U.S. government regulations only persons whose travel falls into certain categories may be authorized to spend money related to travel to, from, or within Cuba. Currently, CGEE facilitates educational programs in Cuba under the general license of Support for the Cuban People. You will receive detailed information on licensing requirements before departure and are required to comply with them. Please see the website of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for further information. 

•  Visa & Entry Requirements: Foreigners seeking to enter Cuba must have an entry visa. U.S. citizens participating in CGEE programs must obtain a Cuban tourist visa to enter Cuba. Whatever higher education institution books your airfare is also responsible for arranging the processing of your Cuban tourist visa. A copy of your valid passport is required to begin visa processing. Cuba Visa Services provides this service online. 

• Medical Insurance: All foreigners who visit Cuba are required to purchase medical coverage from the Cuban government. This coverage is normally included in the price of your flight. The boarding pass for the flight on which you arrive in Cuba is evidence of this medical insurance coverage, so hold on to it. Take it with you if you go to see a doctor or receive medical treatment in Cuba.

Air-Travel Arrangements

If you are an Augsburg University student, CGEE will arrange your air travel between Minneapolis and Cuba. In all other cases, the sponsor of your trip is responsible for making flight arrangements. Kindly check with CGEE or with the person or institution organizing your trip if you have questions about how flights for your particular group are being handled. 

In the event that illness, strikes, terrorism, weather, or other causes require a change in your return flight to the United States, such a change will be made to ensure the well-being of all participants. Depending on the circumstances, additional expenses, if any, will be the responsibility of individual travelers or the institution sponsoring your trip, although CGEE will make every effort to minimize such expenses.

When you arrive at the airport in Cuba:

• When you arrive in Cuba: You may be asked by Cuban officials about your itinerary and daily schedule. If so, simply respond: you don't yet know your schedule. (You will receive a schedule of program activities from your guide upon arrival.) Identify yourself as a tourist; the official purpose of your trip is tourism. Watch your bags and documents at the airport.

Luggage:

Flights to and from Cuba have additional fees for checked bags and overweight bags. All fees are your responsibility. Check the website of your airline for specific information.