Is it legal to visit Cuba?

Yes, American citizens have the express legal right to travel to Cuba. What is illegal is for US citizens to spend money in Cuba unless traveling on either a specific or general licenses approved by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department. Also those people being fully hosted by Cuban enterprises. Our groups are licensed as a People to People exchange event and as such we will be traveling with full US government approval, under specific licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the Treasury Department, or under the general license of the World Amateur Athletic Congress (WAAC), which is permitted under the appropriate regulations.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba?

Yes. Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world for both tourists and its own citizens. Visitors from the US, Canada and Europe often marvel at the treatment they receive from the Cubans.

Who is able to go?

USA-CUBA SPORTS EXPERIENCES and the WAAC select players and teams for this unique opportunity. Athletes are selected based on their ability to compete in their given sport and also to represent the USA in a positive light through sportsmanship on the field and friendship off of the field. It is vitally important that all persons selected to participate understand the purpose of the program and as such do his or her best to forward positive international relations between the two countries.

USA-CUBA SPORTS can accommodate entire teams, or individual players and coaches. If your team is interested but unable to travel due to schedule or budget constraints, we suggest that you augment from your community or region as needed, as there are many athletes and families in your area. that are willing, able and qualified to participate in the program. For those families who wish to participate in the program but their team is unable to go we will be glad to invite them to participate on a team of similar age and talent. We have numerous requests from families all over the country that wish to have their child placed on one of the participating teams. Coaches are welcome as well on the same basis.

Parents, chaperones, sponsors and other supporters are also welcome to participate. Educational, religious, and business groups are also eligible to travel to Cuba under the appropriate licenses. Our staff of professionals can assist with all of the arrangements for meeting the requirements of both countries.

Can an athlete travel without his/her immediate family?

Yes. An athlete may join a team if his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) do not come along on the trip if in addition to all of the proper travel documents a notarized power of attorney and waiver of liability is provided to allow the coach to make emergency medical and other decisions, if necessary. A complete medical history and a supply of medications, if required, must be provided.

Typically, about half of the team members travel without parents or guardians.

Can an athlete, or small group of athletes join another team?

Definitely. Often times a single player or group of players from a team can travel at a time when the rest of the team is unable to. USA-CUBA SPORTS will work to place the athlete(s) on a team of the same age and level of playing skills to accommodate the athletes. The opportunity to join a team from another state or region adds to this experience of a lifetime. For additional information contact USA-CUBA SPORTS.

What is the level of competition?

The Cubans take their athletics very seriously. Expect to face stiff competition in whatever sport you are participating in. The quality of coaching is very high and it is exhibited in the play of the athletes. Baseball players, for instance, play the “whole game”. That is, they use speed, power and the whole field. They are fundamentally sound and do not beat themselves! You will be tested, but not overwhelmed.

Wherever you play be prepared to see many screaming and enthusiastic fans. They’ll cheer the achievements of both Americans and Cubans, but when a Cuban does something special (like hitting a home run) the noise reaches new levels. You gotta live it to believe it! We’ve had teams play in front of as many as 4,500 fans.

Rules are generally the same as in our country. The Cubans will accommodate us by modifying any rules to those that we are used to.

What about medical coverage?

USA-CUBA SPORTS has arranged for a policy of complete medical coverage for the athletes through Cubadeportes. But for those little aches and pains, it is suggested that your team bring a supply of lotions, liniments, creams and bandages. These are things that the Cubans do not have in great supply.

The Cuban medical system is world-renowned. Cuba’s doctors travel the world offering medical treatment to those in other countries.

What about age cut off and game rules?

In the spirit of friendly competition the Cubans do not require birth certificates or proof of age. They will accommodate our visiting team and play by any rules we feel comfortable with. Typically, they encourage free substitution without restriction to maximize the playing time for all athletes. However, in the case of international tournaments the determination of age eligibility is governed by the sanctioning organization.

What documents are required?

All travelers must have a current US passport and a current Cuban travel visa. We will need a copy of your passport (picture page and signature page) approximately 90 days prior to your scheduled departure so that your team’s application can be processed through OFAC and also through the Cuban Special Interests Section, which issues the visa for travel to Cuba. You must have at least six (6) months remaining on your passport for travel to Cuba.

Once we arrive in Havana it is suggested that the coach or team administrator hold all passports, in safekeeping. You will receive an identification card from the hotel.

Is there a language barrier?

Not as much as you might think. Hotel employees are bi-lingual and we will always have a tour guide and translator with us on our bus and at the games.

As far as the athletes are concerned, the language of sport is universal.

Does our government authorize these People to People events?

Yes. The United States has authorized People to People programs for sports activities as a means of improving relations with the people of Cuba and citizens of the United States. These programs are specifically licensed by OFAC or covered under a general license. USA-CUBA SPORTS EXPERIENCES has been the leader in People to People exchanges since 1998.

What is the purpose of the trip?

The teams and players that participate in this program do so as ambassadors of the USA. Cuba looks at it similarly. The purpose is to foster goodwill, friendship, camaraderie, and understanding between our two countries, Sports have long been accepted and preferred as a method and tool to bring nations together.

Our teams are selected based on their ability to compete but possibly more importantly they are selected as ambassadors of the USA and ambassadors of their sport. The Cubans take their sports quite seriously but are also known worldwide for their gracious sportsmanship and hospitality. You can rest assured that the competition will be stiff, but you can also be sure that the friendship that they offer will be honest, sincere and second to none.

What teams or groups have already traveled to Cuba?

In February of 1998, USA-CUBA SPORTS EXPERIENCES conducted the first baseball clinics between the two countries in Havana Cuba at the prestigious Estadio Latinamericano. Former major league ballplayers and top clinicians from the United States conducted a baseball symposium for the top Havana youth teams and coaches. Subsequently USA-CUBA was able to supply the Cuban National Team with bats and other equipment when they played the home and home series with the Baltimore Orioles.

In December of 1999, USA CUBA BASEBALL brought down the 14-year old Little League Championship team from Palm Beach County Florida as the first American youth team to play competitive ball in thirty years. The Americans won 2 out of 5 games and the series was covered in depth by Sports Illustrated for Kids in the March 2000 issue. That very same week a 14 and under soccer team from Minnesota played a five game series against Cuban competition in Havana.

USA-CUBA has also brought baseball, softball and basketball teams to Cuba. In addition, USA-CUBA arranged the first Junior Golf Program between the United States and Cuba in March of 2001. An all-star team was also selected to play against the Cuban junior Olympic Team in July of 2001 under arrangements made by USA-CUBA..

Numerous soccer and volleyball programs from the university level on down have visited Havana successfully. Also universities and other academic institutions from the USA are following the Europeans in sending thousands of students abroad to Cuba each year to study medicine, politics, arts, language, ballet, music, and sports medicine.

What can our athletes expect from an educational standpoint?

The sports and cultural exchange of a lifetime! Cuba's culture is sports dominated. They are widely known throughout the world for their yearly exploits in international baseball, volleyball, track and field, and boxing. This emphasis starts with their youth and in their school programs. As an example, promising baseball players are hand selected at 10-years old and sent to special academies where they receive 3-4 hours a day of special training, in addition to their complete educational requirements. How exciting is it for a young American to represent the USA in international competition against the best in the world, and in front of, perhaps thousands, of friendly flag waving Cuban fans that also ask for autographs? Ask any 14-year old afterwards and you're likely to get "Awesome" as an answer in describing the experience. That is often followed by “When can we come back?”

In addition, the team is treated to a full kaleidoscope of Cuban life and culture. The team will visit dozens of historically important locations in and around Havana rounding out the background on the discovery and the development of the Americas. They will see a style of life that even TV cannot replicate; Cuba is completely un-commercialized. It is clean and as charming a country you will ever visit.

Vintage American cars, Chinese rickshaws, Russian automobiles and Spanish architecture from the 15th century blend together to make a picture that cannot be described.

Where do the trips depart from?

At the current time direct, non-stop, charter service to Havana is available from Miami, although it is also licensed from New York and Los Angeles. However, at the present time the only service is from Miami. USA-CUBA SPORTS arranges all travel to Havana from the closest point to your geographic location.

How long are the trips?

The typical trip is for 8 days and 7 nights, including travel. However, trips of a longer duration can be planned based on your schedule and budget. USA-CUBA SPORTS is pleased to tailor your program to suit your time and budget.

What are the hotels like?

The hotels in Cuba are modern and efficient. USA-CUBA SPORTS uses four and five star hotels, depending on your budget. All of the hotels used in our programs are spacious, clean, air-conditioned and have all of the amenities we require. It is suggested that you bring a converter for electrical appliances as most hotels are wired for 220 volts and our appliances use 110 volts.

What is the local currency?

The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the official currency. At current rates you receive $0.82 CUC for each $1.00. US dollars may be converted to CUC at Jose Marti International Airport and at hotels and banks. Bring cash for spending money, as our credit cards and travelers checks are not accepted if they are drawn on a US bank. You will need cash for tips, purchases, gifts, unscheduled meals, optional activities, room service, and telephone charges. and the airport departure tax of $25CUC. Prior to departure you can reconvert your CUCs into dollars at no additional penalty.

What is the weather like?

Similar to Florida but as Cuba is an island it is sometimes a bit breezier. The fall and winter months can bring a mixture of weather so pack a light jacket and sweatshirt. Pack the suntan lotion and bathing suits for the beach and pool. Bermuda shorts and walking shoes are recommended.

What about the water?

The water at our hotels is purified and there is ample bottled water available. Generally, the water is not a problem and not a concern such as it is in other Latin American or Caribbean countries. Coaches are advised to make provisions to purchase bottled water for each day of games. USA-CUBA will assist by making arrangements for the purchase at the best price available.

What about food?

We will enjoy lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, lobster, ham sandwiches, pizza, French fries, cereals and omelets. All breakfasts and dinners are included in your package. Some of the restaurants we may visit are La Palanque, known for hamburgers, chicken, pork and French fires; Dos Dragonnes (The Twin Dragons) in Chinatown for authentic Chinese fare in the largest Chinatown in the Caribbean; and chicken and rice at one of the finest restaurants in all of Cuba - El Aljibe.

The daily breakfast buffet at the hotel offers omelets, meats, fruits, breads, cereals, juices, and coffee.

How does travel and transportation work?

Our flight from Miami, Cancun, Nassau or Montego Bay will be nonstop to Havana. All charters from Miami are done on FAA approved, certificated and scheduled airlines (United, American, Continental, Copa, etc.).

Once we arrive in Cuba and pass through Immigration and Customs we will be met by our tour guide/translator in a modern air-conditioned bus for the trip to our hotel headquarters. The bus will be our means of transportation to the games, tours, sightseeing and restaurants for the entire stay. Taxis and car rentals (at extra charges) are also available for those who wish to go off by themselves.

By the way, your travel in Cuba is not restricted at all and you can make any arrangements you wish to leave the group and venture off on your own. You will have unlimited photographic opportunities. There is an extensive taxi industry available and you can also find cars for hire in the private sector. You will find the drivers very plentiful and accommodating. As it relates to traveling about it should be mentioned that the crime rate in Cuba is very low and it is against the law for the Cubans to own guns.

Additionally it should be mentioned that the Cuban people embrace the American visitors and they are a very friendly culture. You can rent a car with a driver if you want to do an extended trip around the island or through the rain forest or mountain region.

The time of your return flight will depend on your destination (Miami, New York or Los Angeles).

What is a typical itinerary for the trip?

Once we check in at the hotel there will have a small briefing with refreshments. The rest of the day or evening will be free time to enjoy the hotel or whatever suits your fancy.

The program is built around your game schedule. The last day before returning home is usually left for touring, shopping, exploring or just relaxing.

For baseball, the stadiums are reminiscent of old minor league ballparks. Soccer fields, softball fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, swimming venues and track and field facilities are also unique with the Cuban flavor.

Among the activities and places (subject to change) may include:

Optional activities include:

Clothing for evening and nightclub shows is very informal. Because everything is either outside or in air-conditioned facilities, a light sweater might be advisable.

What about nightlife and entertainment?

Cuba comes alive at night! There is always lots to do. Havana is teeming with musical, dancing, and acrobatic talent. Restaurants, cabarets, discos, concerts and shows dominate the night scene. Bring your dancing shoes and be ready to enjoy all that Cuba has to offer.

What about telephone service?

No need to worry, there is direct dial telephone service from Cuba to the US. However, most hotels charge upwards of $2.50 per minute. Email service is available at most hotels, and is less expensive than telephone service.

You can also purchase prepaid phone cards, or contract for cellular service. Your cell phone will not work in Cuba unless it is programmed through the Cuban phone company. Rates vary and are subject to change.

What about gifts and donations?

It has become a tradition of USA-CUBA on these trips to bring new and used sporting equipment to give away as gifts. Our used equipment are treasures to them. Anything you have will be very much appreciated. Most of their athletic teams have a very limited amount of equipment. What we consider old and of no use is desperately needed in Cuba. Uniforms and shoes are very much-desired items. Anything that you bring will be cherished. This is a very important part of our journey and we really count on everybody to gather up as much used athletic equipment and clothing as possible. You will find that your local schools, athletic leagues and sporting goods dealers are a ready source for equipment that can be donated. Also, school supplies (paper, pens, pencils, etc.) are in great demand.

When are the programs scheduled?

Programs are scheduled throughout the year. You tell us your preferred dates and USA-CUBA will build the program around them.

Because of the uniqueness of this program, and the educational and cultural benefits received, we have been successful in scheduling programs during the school year. Local school officials have been enthusiastic in their support and teachers often require a report for credit, in addition to making up school assignments. There is time allotted every day for schoolwork. This is coordinated with the parents and coaches.

How much cash do I need?

There is no hard and fast rule. Each meal comes with a drink, but you will need funds for extra drinks. This is done on the honor system. Uniform laundry service is $2 per day. You are also responsible for room service charges, mini bar charges and unscheduled meals. By all means, do not forget spending money for shopping. At the present time (it is subject to change) you are allowed to spend $157.00 per day in Cuba under the regulations covering the license that has been issued by the Treasury Department.

What can I legally bring back from Cuba?

There is no dollar limit on other “intellectual” items, such as artwork, books, and pictures. At the present time (10/05) the US government has suspended the $100 allowance for alcohol and tobacco.

How do we apply for a program?

If you are a coach or team administrator you can either fax (623 535-4059) or email (mlsprt@earthlink.net) your request for an application. Or you can call our corporate office (623)-535-0548) for additional information.

General Observations

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime. You’ll never forget it.

See you in Cuba.

USA-CUBA SPORTS EXPERIENCES