So, I'm following advice and gov't links...

It states that if the business is not on the list, it is fair game, EVEN THOUGH a Restricted List business may own another business I use. I hope I interpreted correctly

You do.

12 days: 3 nights in HAVANA, a few in Isla de la Juventude/Cayo Largo (Is a day trip possible if I cant get casa booking? ), a couple nights in Trinidad. I'll have a few days to be flexible.

There aren't any casas on Cayo Largo. I don't know if you can do a day trip there. It used to be possible to do a day trip to la Isla.

That sounds like a lot of travelling for just 12 days.

Now I'm nervous: I bought ticket from Copa Airlines. But I was never asked about the Tourist Card or health insurance available for purchase... do I buy these at PTY airport? Someone mentioned Asistur?

@beardouk - On Cayo - I think there's an all inclusive that I was planning to stay at. It was not on the Restricted List. If I can't book anything for that island, then I'll just stay wherever I am.

Based on your travel experiences in Cuba, how is that a lot of travel for 12 days? Because of the logistics?
I just read about Isla Juventude and it seems like quite a PITA to get there, with unreliable transport and LOTS of waiting. I may omit that island just because of the complexity of getting there...
Thanks for the reply.

NERVOUS!! (but excited)

We just spent a full 9 days in Havana, split into Casa stays in Old, Centro and Vedado. All are good, and different, and you shouldn't have any problems finding places. I'd recommend a good bit of time in Havana getting acclimated and exploring, with a couple of side trips to the countryside via Viazul bus (maybe to Vinales or something like that. You'll experience plenty whereever you are - don't get too ambitious! Your money should be plenty, especially if you don't buy a lot to bring back. just roam the streets and talk to people, but beware of hustlers hooking you up with this or that. You should be safe, but be practical - don't be out really late in isolated neighborhoods alone, and secure your money/passport (off-the-wall tip: I use a diaper pin, placing my wallet/passport in a front pocket, then pinning it securely - diaper pins are kind of awkward to open. Have fun, and write back when you're back with some tales!

Now I'm nervous: I bought ticket from Copa Airlines. But I was never asked about the Tourist Card or health insurance available for purchase... do I buy these at PTY airport? Someone mentioned Asistur?

Yes, you buy your tourist card in Panama airport.

Insurance - I don't think that Copa deals with that. I hear that Asistur has a desk in Havana airport - but it is not always staffed.

@beardouk - On Cayo - I think there's an all inclusive that I was planning to stay at. It was not on the Restricted List. If I can't book anything for that island, then I'll just stay wherever I am.

It was just that you mentioned casas.

Based on your travel experiences in Cuba, how is that a lot of travel for 12 days? Because of the logistics?
I just read about Isla Juventude and it seems like quite a PITA to get there, with unreliable transport and LOTS of waiting. I may omit that island just because of the complexity of getting there...

Each movement involves the travelling (and waiting), the registering in the new place - it all just eats up time. Especially, as far as I aware, each of the places you mention involves travel from Havana.

Thanks @goslow and @beardouk

I can't buy insurance from the Asistur website? I thought some people purchase it BEFORE they go to Cuba.
I'll be arriving around 8pm, I assume the Asistur office at Havana airport will be closed. Will I be allowed entry, or will I need to wait until next day for Asisur to open?

Thanks!

I am sure that they will only insist on insurance when the Asistur desk is open - I don't know what hours it is open though.

No idea about buying in advance. Have you looked at the website ?

Actually, in checking my health care provider benefits, I think I may be covered. I will call tomorrow to confirm.

Though I guess that you would have to pay in Cuba and then reclaim.

Actually, in checking my health care provider benefits, I think I may be covered. I will call tomorrow to confirm.

Your profile says you are from the US.
VERY UNLIKELY any US insurance plan covers you in Cuba.

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