I can hardly believe I’m writing this blog post! If you’ve been following my social media (Instagram and X), you probably know that I spent the first part of March 2025 in Cuba 🇨🇺.

It has truly been an UNFORGETTABLE experience—an incredible seven-night journey to a country that has been on my bucket list ever since I developed an interest in cigars.

I have so much to share, especially for anyone thinking about a similar adventure or considering joining a group tour.

Since there’s a lot to cover, I’ll break it down into several posts. This first part will focus on booking the trip, key considerations, and essential items to pack before departure.

How it all started

At the beginning of the year, I stumbled upon an email from Surrey Cigars, a shop I visited a few years ago in Guildford, Surrey. They were promoting a week-long cigar tour in Havana, Cuba.

At first, I was skeptical—”This looks amazing, but can I really afford it?” I usually don’t splurge that much on a single holiday, especially since the trip costs £1,999. But as I took a moment to reflect, I realised Havana has been on my bucket list for years.

Back in April 2020, I had arranged to fly to Havana after booking my flights, but then COVID struck, and those plans were dashed. I remember my flights to Cuba were cancelled with Air France back in 2020. 😞

At that moment, I thought perhaps it wasn’t meant to be, and maybe it wouldn’t have been the right time for my cigar journey anyway. Fast forward to 2025; with everything I’ve learned about cigars through my blog and the friendships I’ve built along the way, I felt the time had finally come.

The idea of traveling with a group of fellow cigar enthusiasts excited me, though it did give me a bit of anxiety. Would I get along with everyone? I snore, and if I share a room with someone (the cheaper option), will they end up punching my lights out? 😲. One thing was clear: this experience would be far richer than any solo trip or even the challenge of dragging a partner or family along to tobacco fields and cigar factories in the future. After careful consideration and some financial planning—since the trip could be paid for in installments, making it more affordable for me—I finally took the plunge and secured my spot with a deposit.

Shortly after booking, I reached out to my cigar buddy, Alistair, whom I’ve recently been visiting cigar lounges with across the country, to see if he was interested in going as well.

He mentioned he had seen the email and was already thinking about it. After I secured my spot, he followed suit—yes get in 💪. It’s awesome to have someone I know joining me—especially someone as nerdy about cigars as I am, and definitely no longer a cigar newbie (he insisted I mention that part! 😆).

The Surrey Cigars Cuban Cigar Tour

From March 11th to 19th, 2025, we set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of Cuba’s cigar culture. This tour, hosted by Surrey Cigars, promised an immersive experience filled with factory tours, visits to tobacco farms, cultural excursions, and, of course, an abundance of premium cigars.

The package was priced at £1,999 and included flights, accommodation at the 5-star Iberostar Parque Central, a Cuban visa, tours of the plantations and cigar factories, and an impressive Gala Night celebration. While meals and drinks outside of breakfast and the gala dinner weren’t included, I was confident I’d find plenty of dining options to explore.

The itinerary

Here’s a sneak peek at the jam-packed itinerary which was shared on the Surrey Cigars website before we went (note that it did change slightly during the trip):

• Tuesday (Arrival Day): Fly from London to Havana (with a layover in Madrid). After settling in at the hotel, we’ll kick things off with welcome drinks and a dinner at a local restaurant—paired with cigars and rum, naturally.
• Wednesday: Guided tours of Havana’s legendary cigar factories, including Partagás, H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta, and Cohiba’s El Laguito factory. All while cruising through Havana in classic American cars.
• Thursday: A visit to state-owned tobacco farms to see where the magic begins, with plenty of tastings along the way.
• Friday: More farm visits, this time to private growers, where we’ll get an even more intimate look at the art of cigar-making.
• Saturday: Cultural day! Hemingway’s favorite haunt, El Floridita, followed by sightseeing and an evening of jazz, salsa, and Havana Club rum.
• Sunday: A well-earned beach day followed by a grand Gala Night party to celebrate the experience.
• Monday: A free day to explore Havana, relax, or do some last-minute shopping.
• Tuesday: Departure day—one last chance to soak in the Cuban atmosphere before heading home.

Surrey Cigars emphasises that while they strive to adhere to the planned itinerary, adjustments may be required. Weather, operational needs, or unforeseen circumstances (like the blackout we experienced during our trip—more on that in a future post) may result in changes. The company is dedicated to providing a smooth and enjoyable experience and appreciates guests’ patience and flexibility.

Preparing for Cuba

Before traveling outside the UK, it’s wise to check the GOV UK website for their foreign travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba.

Passport

To enter Cuba, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date. 

Visas

Fortunately, our visas were arranged by Surrey Cigars, but a visa is necessary to enter the country. As stated by GOV UK (as of Feb 2025):

If you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist card, also known as a tourist visa, before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator. Travellers can also access the link here to apply for their tourist cards/’visa’ online. The electronic card will be linked to the applicant’s passport.

You must also show proof of onward or return travel. See Cuba’s consular services information for details. For more information and advice about other types of visas, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.

The Cuban Tourism Portal provides useful information on travelling to and within Cuba.

I discovered that traveling to Cuba makes you ineligible for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). As a result, you will need to apply for a visa for any future trips to the U.S. This process includes visiting the U.S. Embassy, which can be considerably more time-consuming. 😲

This stems from the U.S. Department of State’s designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) on January 12, 2021. While this change might impact some travelers, it’s important to remember that U.S. policies can shift, so it’s wise to check the official U.S. embassy website before finalising any travel plans.

Vaccine requirements

For UK travelers, recommended vaccines include Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and possibly Typhoid and Rabies.

You can find the latest vaccination requirements here: TravelHealthPro – Cuba (this website was also recommended by my GP).

It’s a good idea to check with your local GP to see if you need any vaccines—some may still be valid if you’ve had them before. For example, I had a Tetanus shot in 2018, which lasts for 10 years, so I’m covered until 2028.

Travel insurance

I used InsureandGo for my travel insurance, and I found them to be incredibly affordable! Their policies offer great coverage at a fraction of the price compared to other providers. The process was quick and hassle-free, making it easy to get insured without spending a fortune. If you’re looking for budget-friendly travel insurance without compromising on protection, they’re definitely worth checking out!

What to pack?

Cuba offers a travel experience quite different from the typical luxury resort vacation. While upscale accommodations do exist, the reality for most locals is one of significant economic struggle, which is hard to ignore. The country’s rustic charm and rich history are captivating, but poverty is an everyday reality for many.

Due to the long-standing U.S. embargo, certain everyday items can be hard to come by, so packing wisely is key. We received some great advice about what to bring, including essential items like medication, toiletries, and dry snacks. Here’s a helpful list to guide your packing.

Medication:

Don’t take for granted that you’ll find everything you need at pharmacies in Havana. It’s safer to arrive with your essential medications, as availability can be quite limited. Recommended items include:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Strepsils
• Imodium (for upset stomachs)
• Sunscreen

Toiletries

• Toothpaste
• Toilet wipes

Essentials

• Hats/Caps
• Sunglasses
• Earplugs (great for the beach, especially if you’re prone to ear infections, or if you’re sharing a room with a snorer 😲)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear
• Light cotton clothing (it can get very hot)
• UK to US electrical adapters (for charging phones, tablets, and laptops)

I watched Kirby Allison’s video for tips on what to wear in Cuba. However, his style leans more towards a business traveler’s wardrobe—definitely suited for someone with a cupboard full of suits!

As a typical Brit abroad, I prefer something more laid-back, think “Kevin & Perry Go Large” 😂. That said, I did indulge in a Guayabera, a traditional Cuban and Mexican shirt that features an open neckline, breast pockets (ideal for storing cigars), and short sleeves—perfect for a night out paired with a Panama hat.

Dry Food & Snacks

Be sure to bring your own dry snacks, as options may be limited. Consider packing:

• Ketchup
• Chocolates
• Sweets
• Crisps (Pringles)
• Cordial juices
• Instant coffee
• Coffee Mate
• Tea bags

Money

Cuban Pesos (CUP) is the primary currency for locals, but tourists often use US Dollars (USD). Due to economic sanctions, Cubans may struggle to make change for larger bills. While USD is still accepted, the government has reduced its use, so it’s best to bring smaller denominations of new US currency for easier transactions.

Always check the latest currency policies before your trip.

I wasn’t sure how much spending money to bring, so I initially took £750 worth of US dollars. However, I ended up spending £1,000 – thank you, credit card.

Cigar allowance

According to GOV.UK, you can bring back up to 50 cigars duty-free into the UK for personal use. If you’re planning to stock up, make sure you have enough cash handy.

Before the trip, I researched cigar prices in Cuba and found several YouTube videos (2024) to be quite helpful. While cigars are cheaper than in the UK, they are not as inexpensive as I initially thought:

Rough prices from the videos:

Bolivar Belicosos Finos (25 count): $341-342
Cohiba Secretos (10 count): $348
Cohiba Siglo I: $765
Cohiba Siglo II: $871
Cohiba Siglo de Oro Year of the Rabbit: $450
Edmundo Dantes Exquisitos (Espe) No. 2: $392
Flor de Oliva Extra Figurado (25 count): $325
H. Upmann Magnum 54 (25 count): $356
H. Upmann Regalias (50 count): $422-423
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 (25 count): $440
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (25 count): $752
Hoyo de Monterrey (25 count): $467.50
Montecristo Edmundo (25 count): $485
Montecristo No. 3: $346.25
Montecristo No. 5: $72.50
Partagas Serie D No. 5 (10 count): $132
Ramon Allones Specially Selected (25 count): $406-407
Romeo y Julieta No. 2 (10 count): $98.50
Romeo y Julieta No. 3 (25 count): $192.50
Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills (25 count): $400

Note: American-issued credit cards will not be accepted, so it is wise to carry enough cash for your purchases. I was able to use my UK credit card at La Casa del Habanos shops and the airport.

Other tips

Cuba boasts a rich cultural heritage, so it’s important to be respectful when interacting with locals. Always ask for permission before taking photos, as some may find it intrusive. Cubans are known for their warmth, and a friendly “Hola” or “Gracias” goes a long way.

A step back in time

For cigar lovers, a trip to Cuba is more than just a tour of tobacco; it’s a journey back in time, combining old-world charm with vibrant Cuban culture. I am eager to be amazed, challenged, and inspired. However, beyond the romanticised images of Cuban cigars, there is a stark reality of a country facing significant hardships.

I’ll be documenting my journey and sharing more insights in future blog posts. If Cuba has been on your travel radar, stay tuned…

Next Up: Getting there and first impressions!