Cuba Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

The only way to get to the Island of Cuba is by Air. Cubana is the nations national airline. Cubana does not fly to the Untied States but does serve many other countries. It serves a network in the Caribbean , South America , Europe , and Central America as well as Mexico City , Toronto and Montreal in North America , also including domestic destinations. Other non Cuban Airlines also fly to Cuba. Aeropostal Air Canada Air France Aero Caribbean Aeroflot Aerogaviota Air Jamaica Turkish Airlines Cayman Airways Cubana De Aviacion Iberia Airlines LTU Martinair Mexicana TAAG TACA KLM British Airways Thomas Cook Airlines Condor That is a list of airlines serving Jose Marti International Airport which is the main airport of entry to Cuba. However you dont need to fly out of the United States to fly to Cuba. Miami International Airport does have frequent service to many Cuban Destinations. Continental Airlines and American Airlines has charter service to Cuba. You must book these flights with a travel agent. Jose Marti International Airport outside Havana is the main gateway and is served by major airlines from points in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. There are also regional flights from other Caribbean islands. An official taxi to Havana center costs 15-25 CUC but you can find cheaper (not legal) ones. The cost is roughly 1 CUC per kilometer. There are also regular holiday charter flights to resorts such as Varadero, and these can sometimes be less expensive than those going to Havana. The airports are all fully-air-conditioned and quite modern, compared to other destinations in Central America, and offer good medical care in case of problems. Also, there are no pickpockets, so you can feel safe and keep your money with you without too much worry. By boat There are no regular ferries or boats to Cuba from foreign ports, although some cruise liners do visit. Yachters are expected to anchor at the public marinas. Also, most ports are closed and tourists are not permitted to walk around them. Private vessels may enter at Marina Hemingway in Havanna or Marina Acua in Varadero, Entry requires a US passport but there are no visa requirements. Expect to hand out several $10.00 dollar bills to facilitate your entry. Your passport will not be stamped by Cuban authorities unless you request it. Anticipate that your boat will be photographed by American officials from the American Interests Section. You will likely be intercepted upon your return to America and fined $5000.00, although this is just a formality. You will not be expected to actually pay this fine nor will there be any repercussions or attempts to collect. This fine can safely be ignored as there have been no attempts to prosecute except the case Peter Goldsmith v United States. This case was dismissed with prejudice in late 2004 in the Miami District Court.