Contents
- Introduction
- What is a Green Card?
- What are the requirements for travel to Cuba?
- What are the benefits of traveling to Cuba?
- What are the risks of traveling to Cuba?
- How to travel to Cuba as a Green Card holder
- Tips for traveling to Cuba
- Things to do in Cuba
- Where to stay in Cuba
- How to get around in Cuba
As of Monday, March 16, 2020, U.S. green card Holders Can Now Travel to Cuba. This is a significant change in U.S. policy towards Cuba, and it opens up a whole new world of travel possibilities for American citizens.
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Introduction
The United States and Cuba have had a complicated relationship for over half a century. The Cuban Revolution in 1959 led to the rise of Fidel Castro and his communist regime, which in turn resulted in strained relations with the US. In 1961, the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba that is still in place today. In an effort to improve relations between the two countries President Barack Obama announced in December 2014 that the US would startNormalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba. As part of this process, the US Department of State recently announced that US citizens who are green card holders will now be able to travel to Cuba.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an identification card that proves that you are a legal permanent resident of the United States. If you have a Green Card, you can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. You can also travel in and out of the country freely.
What are the requirements for travel to Cuba?
U.S. citizens and legal residents (green card holders) are now able to travel to Cuba for certain approved activities. There are a few requirements that must be met in order to qualify for travel:
-You must have a valid U.S. passport
-You must have a Cuban visa, which can be obtained through a licensed travel provider
-Your travel must meet one of the 12 approved categories, which include family visits, educational activities, religious activities, and more
For more information on the requirements and approved categories for travel to Cuba, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
What are the benefits of traveling to Cuba?
There are many benefits to traveling to Cuba as a US green card holder. First, it is one of the few countries in the world that Americans can still visit without a passport. Second, green card holders do not need a visa to enter Cuba, which means they can stay for up to 90 days without having to apply for a tourist visa. Finally, green card holders are eligible for certain discounts on hotels and flights when they book their travel in advance.
What are the risks of traveling to Cuba?
Since the U.S. government reopened its embassy in Havana in 2015, more Americans have been traveling to Cuba. But there are still some risks associated with travel to the island nation.
The U.S. Department of State warns that there have been incidents of violence against American citizens in Cuba, and that the Cuban government does not always provide adequate protection or medical care to travelers. American travelers should also be aware that Cuban infrastructure is not as developed as in other countries, and that food and water shortages are common in Cuba.
Despite these risks, many Americans still choose to travel to Cuba for its unique culture and history. American travelers should exercise caution and be prepared for challenges while on the island.
How to travel to Cuba as a Green Card holder
As of June 5, 2019, U.S. Green Card holders can now travel to Cuba without needing a special license from the U.S. government. This change comes as a part of the Trump administration’s newly- announced Cuba policy, which tightens restrictions on travel and trade with the island country.
In order to travel to Cuba, Green Card holders must meet one of the 12 authorized reasons for travel, which include activities such as family visits, professional research, journalistic activity, religious activity, and humanitarian work. A full list of the authorized reasons for travel can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Green Card holders who wish to travel to Cuba must also comply with the Cuban government’s regulations, which includes obtaining a tourist visa from a Cuban consulate prior to arrival in the country. More information on how to obtain a Cuban tourist visa can be found on the Cuban Embassy website.
Tips for traveling to Cuba
As of March 2016, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (green card holders) can now travel to Cuba for certain “authorized” activities. Below are some tips to help you plan your trip:
Check the rules: Make sure you meet the requirements for travel and that your activities fall into one of the 12 authorized categories, which include religious, educational, and humanitarian activities, among others.
Get a visa: You will need a visa to enter Cuba, which you can get from a Cuban embassy or consulate, or through a licensed travel agency. You will also need to purchase a health insurance policy that covers medical evacuation and repatriation.
Plan your itinerary: There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip, such as the fact that U.S. citizens are not allowed to stay in state-run hotels or use state-run transportation. There are also restrictions on what you can bring into the country, so be sure to check the latest rules and regulations before you pack your bags.
Prepare for travel: Once you have your visa and travel insurance, you’re ready to book your flight and start packing! Remember to bring enough cash to cover expenses while in Cuba, as U.S. credit and debit cards cannot be used there.
Things to do in Cuba
There are a variety of activities that U.S. Green Card holders can do while in Cuba. These include taking part in educational and cultural exchanges, visiting Cuban historical sites, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Some popular tourist attractions in Cuba include the following:
-The Old Havana historic district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is home to a number of Spanish colonial-style buildings, as well as cafes, restaurants, and bars.
-The Great Theatre of Havana, which is the largest theatre in Cuba and hosts a variety of musical and dance performances.
-The Museum of the Revolution, which chronicles the Cuban Revolution of 1959.
-The Havana Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants.
-Cuba’s white sand beaches, which are some of the best in the world.
Where to stay in Cuba
Although US citizens cannot yet travel to Cuba as tourists, green card holders are now able to visit the island nation for certain purposes. If you are a green card holder and would like to travel to Cuba, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you will need to obtain a Cuban visa. You can do this by applying for a Tourist Card, which is also known as a Cuban Visa. The Tourist Card costs $85 and is valid for 90 days. You can apply for the Tourist Card online or at a Cuban consulate.
Once you have your Tourist Card, you will need to make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses while in Cuba. US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, so you will need to bring cash with you. It is recommended that you bring at least $100 per day.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a few options available to travelers. There are a number of hotels in Cuba that cater specifically to tourists, or you can stay in a private home known as a casa particular. Casa particulars are subject to registration and inspection by the Cuban government, so they are generally safe and clean. However, they can be more expensive than hotels.
Regardless of where you stay, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to Cuba. Due to the current relationship between the US and Cuba, medical evacuation from the island can be very expensive.
How to get around in Cuba
US Green card holders can now travel to Cuba – Here’s How to Get Around planning on making the most of your time in Cuba, it’s important to know the lay of the land. Havana is the capital and most populous city, but there are a number of other places worth visiting. You’ll want to have a good idea of how to get around before you go.
The best way to get around Cuba is by car. There are a number of rental companies that operate in the country, and rates are reasonable. You can also hail a taxi pretty easily, although you’ll want to make sure that you agree on a price before getting in. If you’re planning on doing some serious driving, it’s a good idea to get an international driver’s license in advance.
Another option for getting around Cuba is by bus. Viazul operates a fleet of modern buses that connect major cities and tourist destinations. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Viazul office in Havana. The downside of taking the bus is that routes can be unreliable and schedules are often subject to change.
Of course, one of the best ways to see Cuba is by taking a leisurely drive down the famous Malecón highway. This scenic route runs along Havana’s coastline and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. Just be sure to take it slow and enjoy the ride!