Posts about Airports
Returning from Cuba to the US Safely
Cardenas, Cuba
Returning from Cuba to the US safely is an important part of your trip to Cuba.
Getting back into the US after a Cuba trip is an easy process. You should prepare well to make it easier on yourself.
First, it’s good to plan a 24-hour layover in a Mexico gateway city.
This will ensure that you don’t miss your connecting flight back to the US, and will allow you a safe connection if your flight from Cuba arrives late and you are flying to the US on a different airline.
Second, get rid of all Cuban purchases in your luggage.
Don’t even think of bringing Havana Club rum or Cuban cigars back to the US, as they will be confiscated at customs when you arrive in the US.
Transfers at Havana Airport
Havana
Transfers at Havana Airport are common for people traveling to Cuba.
Havana Airport is called Jose Marti International Airport.
It is a regular first-world caliber airport.
You should have no problems getting through Havana Airport, and you’ll find English-speaking staff in most places.
Note that there will be aggressive taxi pushers outside. Don’t get taken.
Negotiate upfront, and for trips to downtown Havana, pay no more than 15 CUP (say “keen-say”).
Remeber, you’ll need to transfer money first to get 15 pesos. Taxis in Cuba are modern and safe.
Getting to Cuba from the US
Havana
Getting to Cuba from the US is best done if you’re not a US citizen, or if you have dual citizenship.
If you only have US citizenship, getting to Cuba from the US is best done as part of an organized group that is sanctioned to travel to Cuba from the US for cultural exchange purposes.
Regardless of your status, it is not hard to get to Cuba from the US, you just have to go indirectly.
The best method for most US citizens is via Mexico or the Caribbean.
Mexico City is a top choice, as well as Cancun, depending on which is cheaper.