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@LondonSteve – thanks so much for your comprehensive answers to my queries, especially for the details about what it’s actually like to go to Cuba these days, I will take it all on board and book (when BA tell me how!) the redemption, then make a call on it nearer the time – hopefully the situation improves for everyone’s sake, especially the Cubans.
Thanks again and to everyone that’s assisted on this thread.
@HornetBrad – you’re welcome, hope you do travel and have a great time! Before booking, do double check the cancellation terms as booking IB on BA will likely apply IB’s standard terms for Avios redemptions. These used to be much stricter than BA but they may have since aligned and also permit cancellation up to 24 hours before the flight. In the circumstances if I was travelling to Cuba in 2024 I wouldn’t want a non cancellable ticket, or one with a sizeable penalty to cancel.
Definitely go if you’re not worried about travel/visa to USA.
I’ve been to Cuba 3 times. Loved it despite all the issues. Went once before Castro died, second time arrived day before he died (if that’s when he actually did!) and once after. Always travelled Virgin to Havana but sadly they no longer fly there. Never been to Varadero.
I travelled with my daughter and never had any issues 2 women travelling alone. Used taxis in Havana and walked. Used drivers, trains and buses to travel further afield. Found it a rip off for tourists as Government controlled everything and we paid very little in local currency.
The locals were very friendly and helpful. My daughter knows a Cuban whose family still live just outside Havana. We left whatever we could and everything was well received including toilet paper. Just wished I spoke more Spanish as it would have been very helpful.
When we travelled we needed a tourist visa which was a printed sheet of paper which we got from Virgin at the airport. Was about £15 if I recall correctly. On all occasions our passports were stamped on arrival and departure in bright pink ink, so easily identifiable.
Would go tomorrow if it weren’t for US issues.
We had no issues entering or leaving US twice this year with Cuban stamps in our passports. Last US entry stamp was on same page as last Cuban entry and exit stamp and we both had to renew ESTAs.I thought I would update on my struggle with the same problem. I could see the avios flights available on Iberia but when using the BA site with the voucher Havana is not a destination that comes up. Even if I just typed in Havana it returned an error. I spoke to the contact centre and they said they were unable to even book cash flights. However, what I then did was searched Madrid to Panama and on the flight selection page then clicked on ‘change’ and changed the destination putting in HAV and it returned flights which we booked. I did also look at direct from London but this is seemingly impossible as it returns results but says the flights aren’t bookable. I hope that helps anybody else!
Thank you @dsm83 – that works well!
Have you been yet – how is it now? It’s 8 years since we have been.
Also make sure you’re aware of the visa implications for future travel to the US if you visit Cuba. I mean I thoroughly enjoyed the short time I had in Havana – but you’ll no longer be able to use an ESTA to get into the US.
Does it help if you have two passports (i.e. use one for Cuba and another for the US later)? An honest question.
@Vit – it’s not just what your passport shows, but how you answer the Cuba question on the Esta application. Would you be prepared to provide false info?
“According to CBP, if it is determined that an individual already approved for ESTA has prior disqualifying travel to Cuba,… the ESTA will be revoked, and the individual will be required to apply for a visa…
Since November 2022, there have been several reports of travelers with approved ESTA authorizations being denied boarding or entry to the United States based on CBP’s awareness of prior Cuba travel…”Simpler to apply for a Visa, rather than lying to CBP to get an Esta, IMO.
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