A Different type of Spiritual Mission Experience Into the last communist country of the western hemisphere: Cuba

Highlights

Proof of being fully vaccinated is required for all participants on this mission experience as ordered by the Cuban communist authorities There are no exceptions to this requirement, regardless of your own personal circumstances. The use of masks that will cover both your nose and mouth is also mandatory, regardless of being vaccinated through your entire journey.

Failure to comply with such requirements will cancel your participation at a moment’s notice and will place you on the next airplane to the US at your own expense.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from Cuba.

The issue of “luggage” is highly restricted and extremely expensive. Airlines that fly to Cuba know very well that most of their passengers will come heavy, in terms of luggage, to Cuba, and the airlines take advantage of this. So, you are only allowed to bring one piece of carry-on luggage that can’t be heavier than 12 pounds, and one checked bag under the plane that can’t weigh more than 50 pounds.

From that point forward every additional pound costs between $ 3 and $ 5 dollars, plus an additional fee per bag of around $ 35 to $ 45 US dollars. So, plan accordingly.

Two basic meals will be provided per day. Most of the meals consist of black beans, white rice, seasonal vegetables and fried plantains. You are strongly advised to bring some additional food like: Dried fruits, nuts, Granola bars and cookies. ALL (again) ALL food must be in the original packaging, otherwise you will not be allowed to introduce that food to Cuba. No fruits or vegetables are allowed to come to Cuba except unopened bags of dried fruit.

If you don’t speak Spanish, that is not a problem. Your group will be assigned a translator.

Please keep in mind that you should follow the timetable in terms of payments and documentation that relates to your mission experience. There are no extensions of deadlines, or last-minute applications. Because of the nature of traveling to a communist country, last minute arrangements are not granted by communist authorities.

HNE International does not accept the use of Political Propaganda on the clothes you will wear in Cuba.

The use of medical marijuana and/or vaping is not tolerated by communist authorities, and they will waste no time to take you to prison regardless, of the amount you either consume or hold.

You and your group will either stay in a local motel or in a government registered guest house. This is not the Holiday Inn. Therefore, you need to bring your own Towel, Toiletries, Flashlight, Toilet Paper (Highly Recommended) mosquito repellent & Plastic Sandals. For your information there is no laundry service in Cuba, but a church member may do some laundry at a personal cost to you.

In terms of the use of currency in Cuba you will not be allowed to use US dollars or Credit Cards based in the US. The communist government in Cuba will exchange any other type of currency for the local people but not the US dollar. Euros and Canadian dollars are strongly recommended.

Please be advised that US customs will apply the full force of the US embargo with Cuba in terms of what you may choose to bring back from Cuba. Please kindly pay attention to the instructions from HNE International upon arrival to Cuba in reference to this very sensitive aspect of your mission experience to Cuba.

If you need to communicate with relatives back home, this is up to you. There are a few factors you must keep in mind. HNE International Ministries will send a brief report to your relatives every other day (if you leave a correct mailing address or phone number for them.)

Please be sure you bring what you need for this mission experience to Cuba. If you are thinking that you will purchase any missing items in Cuba, let us be the first one to tell you that most likely, it is the other way around: They have a need of almost everything!  By the way, when you pack, consider bringing things that you can leave behind. People in Cuba would love to be blessed with anything you can use, even if they are dirty. To be practical you will travel back with basically what you are wearing on the last day.

There is a very detailed RELEASE of LIABILITY form that you must read in detail with full understanding. This is a legal document that requires your full signature and that cannot be adjusted or altered to your own circumstances. The absence of such signed document will not allow you to participate with HNE International, even if you are ready to board the plane.

One of the most important goals of this special experience is to reflect the character of Jesus and the sharing of HIS amazing love with others regardless of their political circumstances.