Educational visit to cuba

[tripletdad]

We are planning an educational visit to Cuba this summer. As teachers, we are interested in forming educational alliances between our country and theirs. What documentation is required to visit [Cuba] in accordance with the laws of both nations. Thank you for your replies.

[LindseyD]

Hi @tripletdad,

Here is the information from Southwest.com on documentation that is required for travel to Cuba. 

A Passport - Every traveler must have a U.S. passport that’s valid at least six months after the return date.

A Visa - Every traveler is required to obtain a 2-part visa before traveling to Cuba. When returning to the United States from Cuba, you will be required to present the remaining half of your visa. There are several visa options available:

• Cuban tourist visa - We have partnered with Cuba Travel Services(CTS) to fulfill your Cuba visa needs. We recommend purchasing your visa online prior to departure to the airport. You can also call CTS at (800) 617-1902 (Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm EDT) for assistance or to answer any visa related questions. You will pick up your Cuba visa on your day of travel inside the Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) or Tampa (TPA) airport at a CTS counter located at checkin or at your departure gate. Customers who do not purchase their Cuba visa online with CTS prior to arriving at the airport can purchase their Cuba visa on their day of travel at CTS ticket counters located inside the Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa airport.

Happy Travels!

[tripletdad]

Yes, we bought our visas through the Southwest connection with CTS; however, my question has more to do with documents relating to the "reason" for visiting Cuba. Do we need to have a letter from our school, etc., stating our eduacational purpose? Thanks...

[LindseyD]

Hey @tripletdad,

The US Department of State articulates and enforces travel policy for Cuba, so it would be best to refer directly to their website for information about documentation. You can check that out here. Southwest will simply require your passport and visa at the airport.