7DaysinParadise

Cuba => Cuba => Topic started by: JJay on January 14, 2006, 09:45:00 AM

Title: Really simple Cuba questions
Post by: JJay on January 14, 2006, 09:45:00 AM

As you know my plan at the moment is to go to Cuba for the first time in May.  Here's a few simple questions just to get me started.
 
 I'm thinking of hanging on and booking nearer the time but know you need a Visa to travel to Cuba so my first concern is how long does it take to get a Visa?  Do you have to have it before hand or can you get it at the airport like in the Dominican?
 
 I have some travellers cheques, issued by a UK Bank, in sterling left over from my last holiday.  However these are American Express so I assume these will be of no use in Cuba.
 
 Would you recommend just taking sterling to exchange for CUC's?  Can this be done easily at the airport and is this the best time to do it?
 
 I hate not being organised with money etc before I go away and this is one of the things that is putting me off a little at the moment.

Title: Re: Really simple Cuba questions
Post by: Harlequin on January 14, 2006, 10:42:00 AM

We booked with Thomson who no longer provide the visa, T Cook and 1st choice did, check with the holiday company at the time of booking, if a visa is not included you can apply at the Cuban consulate (not sure how long it takes by post i picked ours up while i was in London)     http://forms.visaservice.co.uk/cuba%20tourist.pdf (http://forms.visaservice.co.uk/cuba%20tourist.pdf)      
 or online at
      https://www.visacuba.co.uk/secured/index1.aspx (https://www.visacuba.co.uk/secured/index1.aspx)      
 
 Any travellers cheques or credit cards linked to a US bank cannot be used, cash is a better option, we exchanged GBP and Euros without any problems, make sure the notes are in good condition, you can exchange money at the airport when you arrive or at your hotel, don't be put off going to Cuba it's a fantastic place to visit

Title: Re: Really simple Cuba questions
Post by: JJay on January 16, 2006, 06:47:00 AM

Thanks Garin the Visa info will be very useful.  I'm looking to book with either First Choice or T Cook as they fly out on the correct days so hopefully there policy will be the same as last year and the visa will be included.  One less thing to worry about.

Title: Re: Really simple Cuba questions
Post by: Harlequin on January 17, 2006, 01:30:00 PM

If you can book with 1st choice, we flew Monarch out of Manchester which was chartered by Thomson and T Cook, the legroom is minimum on there flights