A few people have asked me “is it possible to arrive in Cuba
on a one way ticket and buy an outbound ticket from Cuba to my next travel
destination when I am in Cuba?”
This is not something I have tested out. When travelling to Cuba I always have a return ticket. On one occasion, I bought a one way ticket
to Cuba from Costa Rica and an outbound ticket from Cuba with another airline
from Havana to Caracas. I had these
tickets before I arrived in Cuba.
Cuban immigration has never asked to see an airline ticket
showing my departure date. I have always
assumed that if Cuban immigration were to ask me of my intended departure date,
I would need to show evidence by providing a valid airline ticket with my
departure date from Cuba.
None of the airlines I have travelled with going to Cuba have
asked to see a return ticket, until recently. I arrived at Gatwick airport in
London, pleasantly surprised to find no queue. I went straight to the check-in
desk and the lovely ladies at Air Europa asked to see my Cuban tourist card
(this always happens) and my return ticket (this is a first).
According to the Air Europa Check-In Attendant at Gatwick
Airport, you do need a return ticket when flying to Cuba, or at least an
outbound ticket from Cuba.
So if you are planning to travel to Cuba on a one way ticket
and to buy an outbound ticket when you get to Cuba, think again. Personally I
wouldn’t recommend it. Trying to sort out travel arrangements in Cuba isn’t
easy. Even with WIFI hotspots dotted around Cuba, getting a decent WIFI signal
and actually connecting is hit and miss, which makes planning travel on the
internet in Cuba quite challenging.
If you have managed to travel to Cuba on a one way ticket,
please share your experience with us.
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES
Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.
To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:
