Cuba: Family Island Exploration <

1. Upload a copy of passport here. We recommend printing some extra copies in case you lose it. *Note: Please confirm your passport is not expiring within the next 6 months of your trip. Additionally we recommend printing some extra copies and bringing them with you in case you lose it. 

2. Fill-out & print off your “Dropbox Sign'' Waivers (Only pages 5 & 6 which are titled "Certificate to Travel to Cuba"). These waivers were sent to you by us in a separate email via Dropbox Sign. Please print these pages and travel with it. *Note: This is a record of Discover Corps license to travel to Cuba under "Support for the Cuban People" therefore immigration going into Cuba / entering back into the US may ask to see this. 

3. Order, fill out & pack your Visa aka “Tourist Card” and travel with it. Be ready to present to the immigration agent upon arrival. *Note: This visa will come blank & you are to manually fill it out. I recommend doing this the night before as you need your flight # to be accurate.  Also is a 2-part entry visa, meaning you will need to present upon arrival and again when departing Cuba, so don’t lose it. 

4. Print off your Personal CISI Medical Insurance ID Card and travel with it. You will have received this in a separate email from CISI. *Note this only gets purchased and sent by our team 7-10 days prior to your trip date. 

5. Print off your Final Itinerary and travel with it. This is helpful for you to have on hand during your trip as it contains important contact information. *Note this only gets sent to you by our team 7-10 days prior to your trip date. This will include your guide name and contact info, as well as the address of your Casa Particular etc. 

6. Take out money. We recommend around $75 US dollars per day per person , while your trip indeed includes all meals, admissions, transportation etc. this money can be used for alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tipping/gratuities, as well as any other activities you would like to do outside of scheduled itinerary that permits.  *Note: Yes - USD is widely accepted currently in Cuba. Your cards however will not work in Cuba, nor will any ATM's so it is better to be safe then sorry. Also please bring new bills, and lots of small bills ($1's, $5's, $10's) as not all places will have change. We do not recommend bringing bills any larger than $20. 

7. Pack your bags. Check out the packing list for a detailed breakdown. Check out the packing list for a detailed breakdown. *Note: It is incredibly important you read through the packing list, due to the embargo and restrictions many products are very difficult to find in Cuba, therefore you need to pack well (ex. Personal toiletries, medications, first aid kit etc.).  It is important to also bring a reusable water bottle as we provide you with safe drinking water during your stay. 

8. Check out some"Gifting" ideas. *Note: The Cuban government does not like the word donations, so be sure to call them gifts. Due to the embargo a lot of goods are not available/accessible in Cuba, so it can be nice to bring the Cuban people something from home. There is really no bad gift in Cuba, all things will be appreciate, even used clothes you want to leave behind.

9. Call your cellphone provider & see if they have service in Cuba. If they do not and you require to be connected (since wifi is extremely rare and limited) you can ask your trip coordinator for a local sim card. However your phone needs to be "unlocked" meaning it can accept a local sim card. Many newer phones do not have a sim card option even so you will want to be sure of this before you go. The cost of the local sim card is $30 USD and you will pay for it upon arrival (in cash) to your guide. *Note: many of our travellers choose to be "off the grid" during their Discover Corps trip to Cuba as it is very safe and we have an emergency line you can share with your family 1-888-230-1452 in case they need to get in touch with you while you are away. By calling that line Discover Corps staff will be able to get in touch with your guide and facilitate a conversation. 

10.  Download Map of Cuba Offline & Apple Translator / Google Translator. Since internet connection is not widely available in Cuba it can be helpful to download a map so you can know where you are & additionally a translator so you can communicate with locals since not everyone will speak english). 

11. Print a copy of your D'Viajero's Personal Data Form. It will generate a QR code that you will need to present upon arrival to Cuba. *Note: You can only complete within 48-hours of your arrival time to Cuba. To read more about the required information see here (scroll to find).

12. Register for the free STEP program *optional*. "Note: use the following address: Casa Hanoi Calle 5ta e/ D y E Vedado, La Habana, Cuba.

13. Verify Airline Requirements. *Note: Some airlines may require additional affidavits to be filled out before travel. Please double-check with your airlines before traveling. 

14. Verify your flight(s) are accurate! *Note: If you noticed any changes, please update your Travel Specialist   lynne@discovercorps.com asap. 

15. Educate yourself about Cuba by taking a look at the recommended reading and video list!

16. Get ready to have a trip of a lifetime!!!