2026-2027 Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba

FAQs

• How do I get to Cuba?

  Avoid flying through the United States. The best routes to fly from Australia are to Santiago de Chile-Panama-Havana or to Madrid-Havana.

  China Air flies twice per week from Beijing to Havana. Copa Air flies daily to Havana from Panama. Some European airlines also fly Madrid or Paris to Havana, however these flights have become limited due to the fuel blockade imposed in January 2026.

  The most affordable way to travel is to fly on separate legs e.g. booking one return flight to Madrid from Australia, and the return flight Madrid-Havana on a separate booking.

• What do brigadistas do?

  Brigadistas (participants in the brigade) will follow a program of exchanges (meetings) with various Cuban academics, leaders, and workers.

  Brigadistas may be in touch with their local solidarity networks to arrange donations of material aid (e.g. materials for schools, medicines), which they will bring with them and deliver where appropriate.

  Brigadistas will also participate in solidarity work. This may look like farm work (e.g. planting, weeding, clearing fields), environmental rehabilitation, cooking, cleaning, repairing, or building. If brigadistas have particular interests or skills (e.g. electrical skills, carpentry) please note this in your registration.

• How will be get around in Cuba?

  Transport for the brigade will mostly be through private bus. Depending on your arrival time in Havana you may be picked up by bus or need to catch a taxi to your accomodation.

  Airport transfer will be included in the cost if you arrive on the 27th and depart on the 12th. If you would like support to arrange an airport transfer on other dates, please get in touch southerncrossbrigade@gmail.com.

• Can I spend time in Cuba outside of the brigade?

  Yes, and we definitely encourage this, especially leaving time after the conclusion of the program to allow yourself to explore places that you may have heard about through exchanges with Cubans or other brigadistas. Get in touch via email if you'd like support with arranging accomodation or transport outside of the brigade.

  The Cuban tourist e-visa is valid for 90 days. If you would like to extend your visit beyond this please email to discuss options.

• Will I be banned from the United States for travelling to Cuba?

  Not necessarily. Travelling to Cuba prevents you from obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You can still apply for a tourist visa through the US Embassy if you need to travel to the US in the future. (this info was correct at the time of writing, however always check the US Embassy website for accurate information).

• Can children travel on the brigade?

  Yes! The youngest brigadistas have been five year olds and the oldest have been in their eighties..there is no age limit but those under 18 must be travelling with their parent/guardian to be able to enter Cuba on a tourist visa.

• I have dietary restrictions, can I still travel on the brigade?

  All efforts are always made to meet dietary restrictions and accomodate allergies, as long as organisers are made aware well in advance.

  Cuba has been facing a fuel crisis, which affects food as it can rarely be refrigerated, or transported great distances. This means that on the brigade the variety of food is typically limited, with most meals consisting of rice, beans, eggs, and meat, with fruit and coffee for a typical breakfast. We encourage all brigadistas to travel with necessary supplements, and if you are particularly concerned about getting enough protein etc. to travel with further supplements and snacks.