Yes, absolutely. While US regulations state that Americans aren’t allowed to travel to Cuba for tourism, there are 12 categories of travel that are perfectly legal. The Exhale Collective travels under the OFAC general license category ‘Support for the Cuban People’.   

To qualify for this, you need to be able to provide an itinerary that shows you will be following a ‘full-time schedule’ of approved activities that directly support private Cuban businesses and individuals. In other words, your carefully curated The Exhale: Cuba Edition itinerary.  

When you book your flight online, you’ll be asked to check a box certifying that your trip fits one of the 12 categories. Choose 'Support for the Cuban People'. We'll supply you with your detailed itinerary to present during travel if needed.

Most foreign passport holders need a tourist visa to enter Cuba. Cuba has introduced an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel.

https://evisacuba.cu/en/inicio

All travelers must complete the Certificate of Travel form on the D’Viajeros traveler information portal 48 hours before you arrive, which asks for immigration and health information. You’ll get a QR code to show to the authorities on arrival.

If you don’t speak Spanish, click on the top right hand ‘lenguaje’ tab for the dropdown language menu and choose Ingles/English which will translate the page for you. 

When you’re finished, make sure you view the pdf, print it out and keep it somewhere safe. It’s a good idea to take a photo of the QR code too, just in case.  

Yes. This is a requirement from the Cuban government. Most major U.S. airline providers like United, Delta, American Airlines and Jet Blue automatically include the cost of this insurance in your ticket price. Your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance. You will want to be sure to keep your boarding pass with you throughout your trip in the unlikely event that you need to use it.

ASISTUR is a Cuban company that organizes medical and healthcare services to travelers and provides the medical coverage that is included in most U.S. plane tickets. ASISTUR medical coverage is only valid for the dates of your stay in Cuba. This coverage is limited to emergency medical issues that may arise while in Cuba.

Travelers who wish for more coverage or who are not covered through their purchase of a plane ticket may purchase coverage from a travel insurance provider like Allianz. 

Click here to learn more about Allianz and its travel medical plans.

U.S. government regulations require US travelers to keep documents from their trip to Cuba for five years after they travel. Keep hold of your Exhale Collective itinerary, flight details and any receipts, photos or records from your trip. You’re very unlikely to have to show them, but best to be prepared. 

The Cuban peso (CUP) is the official currency of Cuba. Our hosts will exchange currency for you as needed, and most places in Cuba welcome USD. We recommend bringing small bills, as you will get your change in CUP.

Your credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba. You need to bring cash for all expenses not covered by The Exhale Collective. You will not be able to access additional funds once in Cuba.

We recommend bringing about $100 USD per day spending money, although you may spend far less. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

You should plan to bring all medications and first aid supplies you might need with you. The pharmacies are not well stocked, and you cannot assume you will find what you need in case you get ill. In fact, please bring extra if you can. Our hosts are delighted to keep what you don't use!

Our hosts will provide shampoo and soap, and we will have a basic medical/first aid kit for the group as well.

We're going to be hiking, riding horses and exploring caves in Viñales, and dancing, eating and checking out the sights in Havana. Bring lightweight, comfortable clothes, sandals, and comfy shoes for walking.

It will be hot during the day (mid 80's) but could be cool at night, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

We may find time to get to the beach, so bring a swimsuit!

Expect to have very limited communication with the outside world while you're in Cuba. Enjoy the time to unplug and be present. It's not a bug, it's a feature!

While some cell providers allow you to use a roaming service in Cuba, it’s very expensive (upwards of $3/minute to talk with equally expensive data packages).

It’s probably best to rely on local WiFi when and if we have it. But it will be slow and not always accessible.

We will have a group cell phone with a Cuban SIM that folks can contact in an emergency.

Cuba is one of the safest destinations in the region. Crime against tourists is taken very seriously in Cuba. Female travelers can feel safe and walk alone day and night in most places in Cuba without worry.

You may get cat-called a little in the streets, but it's harmless. Our best cat-call in Cuba so far has been "Hey! Congratulations on your beauty!" :)

In Viñales, we will stay on a stunning farm called Finca Villaverde. Accommodation is a shared eco-cabin with 3 beds (2 twins downstairs, one queen in the loft) and a private bathroom with shower.

In Havana, we will stay in Elvira Mi Amor, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Old Havana. You can choose between a single room or a shared room if you're traveling with a friend!

In Cuba, things are sometimes "complicado". There is always a chance that unforeseen circumstances will arise, and plans may change. You should be prepared for power outages, transportation challenges, inconveniences and miscommunications. It's all part of experiencing the magic of Cuba.

We will adjust our itinerary as needed, roll with the punches, and make the most of whatever comes our way. Flexibility is essential and will be rewarded with the time of your life.