american can travel to cuba

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? [2024 Legal Cuba Travel Guide]

I’m an American citizen who travels to Cuba all the time, so “can Americans travel to Cuba?” is one of the questions I’m most frequently asked related to Cuba travel. While many Americans believe that Cuba is still “off-limits” to American citizens, this couldn’t be further from the truth; there are many ways to legally travel to Cuba for American citizens.

Want to travel to Cuba from the United States – as a U.S. citizen or otherwise? Our ultimate guide to Cuba travel for Americans will show you how, answering some of the most common questions about Cuba travel safety , Support for the Cuban People travel , and more.

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American Travel to Cuba

The short answer to the question “can Americans travel to Cuba” is YES, American citizens can travel to Cuba.

Non-U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently (no need for a group trip or guided trip here!), and enjoy Cuba just as they would any other travel destination.

The longer answer to the question “can Americans travel to Cuba” is that while legal travel to Cuba is entirely possible and even quite easy, there are some important regulations around American travel to Cuba that travelers should be aware of.

U.S.-Cuba Policy Changes

For years, U.S.-Cuba travel by citizens of the United States has been restricted in many ways. In 2014, President Obama announced a new way forward in the relationship between the United States and Cuba, including lifting many of the travel restrictions that made it quite challenging for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.

While the subsequent Trump and Biden administrations have made slight changes to Obama’s new policies, Obama’s new Cuba policies remain mostly intact. Americans can still travel to Cuba more easily than they’ve been able to in decades .

Cuba Travel 101

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Here’s why so many travelers ask us, “can Americans travel to Cuba?” – because Americans are still not able to legally travel to Cuba purely as “tourists.” Americans must still have a “reason” for traveling to Cuba.

Currently, the U.S. government doesn’t allow American citizens to Cuba as tourists. However, the U.S. government allows American citizens to travel to Cuba so long as they support local, non-government-owned businesses while in Cuba.

Essentially, yes, you can visit Cuba and travel exactly as you would anywhere else. Just avoid government-run hotels, restaurants, and tours while you’re there. This is actually incredibly easy, as all the best things to do in Cuba and the best places to visit in Cuba are local anyway!

So why might it feel like Americans can’t travel to Cuba (when it’s actually quite easy to travel to Cuba)? Americans must give a “reason” for traveling to Cuba – usually when purchasing an airline ticket or booking a hotel room.

How Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

You’ll probably need to check a box when purchasing your airline ticket asking for your “reason” for traveling to Cuba. No need to get nervous; this is easy – by stating that your trip to Cuba is in “ Support for the Cuban People ,” you’re simply acknowledging that while in Cuba, you won’t be staying at government-run hotels and the like.

It’s really that easy. Check a box on a form, and travel to Cuba.

Former President Obama’s policy changes towards travel to Cuba made this possible by creating 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba , travel that is permitted by the U.S. government for American citizens looking to travel to Cuba. Now it’s as easy as checking a box and booking your airline ticket!

Best Places To Stay in Havana

Casa Giraldilla ($)
Casa Flamboyan ($ – $$)
Residencia Santa Clara ($$)
El Candil Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$)
La Reserva Vedado ($$$)

12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

Now when traveling to Cuba, you simply choose one of these twelve categories of authorized travel to Cuba that applies to your trip. Most travelers’ trips fall under the Support for the Cuban People category of authorized travel, which allows for travel to Cuba so long as it supports local businesses.

These are the Twelve Authorized Categories of travel to Cuba:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and international organizations;
Journalistic activity;
Professional research and professional meetings;
Educational activities;
Religious activities;
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
Support for the Cuban People ;
Humanitarian projects;
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials;
Certain export transactions.

When you book your airline ticket to Cuba or book your accommodations in Cuba in advance, you may be asked your “reason” for traveling to Cuba. It’s as simple as stating “Support for the Cuban People.”

Read More: Support for the Cuban People Travel Guide

Support for the Cuban People

Most travelers looking to experience Cuba need to only offer “ Support for the Cuban People ” as their “reason” for traveling to Cuba. When you do this, it means you’re saying to the U.S. government that you acknowledge that you’re planning to spend your travel dollars with local, non-government-run businesses while you’re in Cuba – that’s it!

This is stuff that you’d be doing on a trip to Cuba anyway – which is what makes it so easy to travel normally this way.

Stay at a casa particular (room for rent or apartment for rent owned by a Cuban, Airbnb style) or a small boutique hotel, meet up with local guides, eat at any of the innovative new restaurants around the island , or experience Cuba from a local’s eyes. This is all permitted and encouraged on a “Support for the Cuban People” trip.

Travel Insurance

Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:

Visitors Coverage : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
Insubuy : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.

Regulations on American Travel to Cuba

While many continue to ask, “ can Americans travel to Cuba ?” – one of our most frequently asked questions on this website! – the answer is yes, and with these new regulations, it’s easier than ever.

However, keep in mind that some travel regulations put in place by the U.S. government still apply to American travelers visiting Cuba. These include:

American citizens are no longer able to bring rum or cigars back from Cuba ;
American citizens are now prohibited (by the U.S. government – not the Cuban government) from staying at a variety of hotels in Cuba ;
Some methods of traveling to Cuba, such as “ people to people Cuba ” travel organized tours and the ability to travel to Cuba by cruise, have been scaled back or eliminated.

Read on for some of the regulations on travel to Cuba that Americans should be aware of during their trip.

Restricted Hotels in Cuba

One of the newer travel restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba relates to places where American citizens are not allowed to stay while visiting Cuba. The Trump Administration developed a list of specific hotels and guesthouses that are either partially or entirely owned by the Cuban government and declared them off-limits to American travelers.

Check out the full list here before you book your accommodations in Cuba.

Some newspapers and websites have been incorrectly reporting that Americans are not allowed to stay in any hotel in Cuba, but this is not actually the case. Americans are just prohibited from staying in certain hotels that are owned entirely or partially by the Cuban government.

There are many boutique hotels with private ownership where Americans are still able to stay, plus private rentals called “casas particulares” or private home rentals like Airbnbs. In fact, some of our favorite hotels in Havana and around the country are still open and ready for business for American travelers ( La Reserva Vedado , La Rosa de Ortega , El Candil Boutique Hotel , and plenty of other Old Havana hotels are among our favorites in the capital).

Financial Restrictions in Cuba

It’s very important that American travelers to Cuba be aware of the financial and banking restrictions they will experience while traveling in Cuba. Because of the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, American debit cards and credit cards will not work on the island as they do for those traveling from any other country .

That means that while American citizens can travel to Cuba, they can’t access their money from Cuba. This is quite important, as it means that if plan to travel to Cuba, you need to plan ahead and bring the money you’ll need for your trip with you in cash .

You can bring American dollars and convert them into Cuban pesos once you arrive in Cuba. Please read our complete Cuban currency guide before doing this – you’ll see why it’s not wise to exchange your money for Cuban pesos at the airport, for example, and learn how much money to bring with you on your trip to Cuba.

Internet Restrictions in Cuba

There are no internet restrictions in Cuba that are specific to American travelers. However, it’s important to be aware of some important internet-related challenges in Cuba.

We get a lot of questions about whether there is internet access in Cuba , and if there is, if it’s safe to use or restricted by the government.

While the internet in Cuba is slower than you may be used to, it is now quite widespread and is pretty easy to use in most places in Cuba. Some websites are blocked in Cuba , and there have even been widespread internet outages during times of social unrest, though these blockages have mostly been of news websites that have been critical of the Cuban government.

However, the United States embargo of Cuba and the related financial and economic restrictions on U.S. companies doing business in Cuba means that some companies can’t offer their services to internet users in Cuba (notably, PayPal and many other banking apps, but the list changes) . You will not be able to access these websites from Cuba.

You can easily get around this if you want by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in Cuba . We recommend NordVPN – it’s by far the best VPN to use in Cuba But, even without a VPN, you can still use the internet in Cuba without too much of a hassle.

Read More: How To Use the Internet in Cuba: A Local’s Guide For Travelers

Packing Restrictions in Cuba

There are some limitations worth noting about what you can bring into Cuba. While most are quite obvious – the usual dangerous substances and the like – there are a few rules for packing for Cuba , both for travelers from the United States and elsewhere :

Travelers can not bring drones to Cuba
Travelers can not bring devices like walkie-talkies, satellite phones, or GPS devices. Any personal computers, cell phones, cameras, or any other devices you normally travel with are absolutely fine – no worries here.
Avoid bringing any literature to Cuba that may be seen as critical of the Cuban government. My brother was once held up in customs for bringing a university textbook with Donald Trump on the cover.

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our Ultimate Cuba Packing List to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

American Travel to Cuba – Frequently Asked Questions

Can americans fly to cuba.

Yes – Americans can fly to Cuba! American citizens can fly to Cuba either from the United States directly or from other countries. Flights to Cuba leave regularly from many of America’s largest cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and New York.

We frequently get the “can Americans fly to Cuba?” question because when travel to Cuba was more restricted, many Americans used to fly to Cuba through Canada or Mexico as a way to skirt travel restrictions .

However, flying to Cuba via another country like Mexico or Canada is no longer a necessity. Obama’s Cuba policy changes allowed many more American citizens to travel to Cuba much more easily, kicking off many more flights to Cuba from the United States.

Do Americans Have to Travel to Cuba With A Group?

One of the most popular ways to travel to Cuba prior to the Cuba travel policy changes of former President Obama was with a “people-to-people” group or as part of an educational tour. However, with the ease of traveling to Cuba from the United States now, these group travel to Cuba experiences are no longer a necessity to visit the island.

While there are groups that travel to Cuba and tout the ease of traveling to Cuba by purchasing a spot on a group trip doing so, it isn’t necessary to travel to Cuba with a group . Feel free to travel to Cuba with a group if this is your preferred style of travel – or plan your trip to Cuba independently, too!

Looking for some engaging tours in Cuba, ways to meet up with local guides, or fun activities and excursions in Cuba? We recommend Civitatis , a fantastic company we’ve used countless times before that runs tours with local guides all around Cuba.

Is Cuba Safe for Americans?

While Cuba isn’t crime free, Cuba is a safe travel destination for all travelers, including American travelers. Statistics prove Cuba is quite a safe destination for travelers, and my own experience exploring Cuba, even as a solo female traveler, confirms it.

In all my years of visiting Cuba, I’ve never been met with anything other than curiosity when people leave I’m from the United States. While many Cubans disapprove of the government of the United States, I’ve never met a single Cuban who holds this against the average American citizen.

Overall, Cuba is safe for Americans , and as a traveler, you have absolutely nothing to fear while visiting.

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. We’ve used NordVPN for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba.

American Embassy in Cuba

Part of the policy changes of former President Obama in 2014 paved the way for reopening the United States Embassy in Cuba after nearly 60 years of closure. The American Embassy in Cuba offers emergency services to American citizens traveling in Cuba, including assistance with lost passports, registering births abroad, and more.

Located prominently along the Malecón sea wall in central Havana, the American Embassy in Cuba is currently providing services to American citizens and has just started providing limited services to Cuban citizens seeking visas to the United States.

As a U.S. traveler to Cuba, you should save the address and contact information for the embassy just in case you need it:

U.S. Embassy Havana Malecón, Calzada between L & M, Vedado Havana, Cuba Phone: (53)(7) 839-4100

Travel to Cuba

There are so many things to do in Cuba – much more than laying on the beach and riding in old, classic American cars.

Anything from taking a guided tour of Havana to eating at a restaurant operated as a small business or taking salsa classes are ways to enjoy Cuba. And guess what – all of these things are perfectly legal – and welcome! – when you travel to Cuba as part of a Support for the Cuban People trip.

For more travel ideas, we put together a guide to the top ten activities in Cuba for a Support for the Cuban People trip with our favorite ideas for a fantastic trip! Go ahead – get started planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba! As always, we’ll be here to help you get started.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Yes, Americans Can Still Travel to Cuba. Here’s How

Is it legal for u.s. citizens to travel to cuba what types of travel can they take and what are cuba tourist cards here’s what you need to know about visiting cuba..

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A classic 1950s car outside row of two- and three-story pastel-colored buildings

Havana, Cuba’s capital city, is known for its vintage cars and historic architecture.

Courtesy of Spencer Everett/Unsplash

Cuba is a beautiful Caribbean island with a complex history and rich culture. But for decades, it’s been just beyond the reach of many Americans. In addition to several difficult years involving devastating hurricanes, pandemic-era travel restrictions, ever-changing U.S. State Department travel advisories, and frequently updated trade and tourism regulations , it’s not surprising that many Americans may be confused about whether and how U.S. travelers can legally visit Cuba .

As of early 2024, the short answer is: Yes, you can travel to Cuba as a U.S. citizen. There are, however, some hoops you’ll need to jump through, because (technically speaking) travel to Cuba for pure vacationing isn’t allowed. For U.S. citizens interested in planning a trip to Cuba, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Can you travel to Cuba?

The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been tumultuous, to say the least. Following the Cuban Revolution during the 1950s and the subsequent rise of Fidel Castro’s regime, diplomatic ties between the two nations deteriorated rapidly. In 1960, the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, effectively severing most economic and political connections.

In the time since, travel between the two countries has been heavily restricted by the U.S. government, which has implemented various policies to discourage or prohibit its citizens from visiting Cuba. Making matters more complex, those policies often changed with each presidential administration. The island nation was more accessible during the Carter, Clinton, and Obama years and more closed off during the G.W. Bush and Trump years.

In 2014, it became significantly easier for Americans to visit Cuba after President Obama announced a series of measures aimed at normalizing diplomatic ties and loosening travel restrictions to allow Americans to visit for certain purposes (more on that later). Additionally, in 2016, commercial flights between the United States and Cuba resumed for the first time in more than half a century.

However, the Trump administration made it significantly harder to visit Cuba. During his time in office, President Trump enacted more than 200 measures against Cuba , which included limiting what Cuban airports flights from the U.S. could fly into, banning cruises from stopping in Cuba, and eliminating the most common visa category under which U.S. citizens planned legal visits to Cuba (known as “people-to-people” travel).

Then in May 2022, President Biden’s administration announced it would undo many of the Cuba-related restrictions enacted under Trump and would work on expanding authorized travel. Under the new order, regular passenger and charter airplanes are again allowed to fly to any Cuban airport (and airlines announced new flight paths ). And officials said that the “people-to-people” category of travel, under which many tours and organized travel companies bring U.S. travelers to Cuba, will ultimately return, though there is no timeline on when that will happen.

Several musicians on the street in Cuba in front of a turquoise building

Cuba’s music scene is also a big draw.

Photo by Shutterstock

How to travel to Cuba as an American citizen

U.S. law states that those who want to go to Cuba need to qualify for a “general license” based on one of 12 approved categories.

The 12 categories currently authorized by U.S. government, for travel to Cuba are:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
Certain authorized export transactions

Licenses are self-qualifying, meaning that when you purchase your airline ticket, you’ll be asked to state your category in a signed affidavit before checkout.

When former President Obama first eased travel restrictions to Cuba , the move allowed leisure travelers to pursue self-led trips under the “people-to-people” educational activities category. Today, the “support for the Cuban people” category is the most popular because it’s the broadest.

What the “support for the Cuban people” license entails

To adhere to the requirements for independent travel under “support for the Cuban people,” travelers must first declare the category (when prompted) while booking flights and lodging. As part of the license, travelers are also expected to prepare an itinerary outlining how their trip will fulfill the category’s terms and contribute to Cuba’s local economy. (This itinerary could be—but isn’t always—requested on arrival to the country.)

An appropriate “support for the Cuban people” itinerary could including staying in casa particulares (locally run guesthouses), visiting Cuban-owned businesses, going on tours (like classic car rides or architecture walking tours) run by Cubans, visiting independent museums and galleries, partaking in cultural dance and music classes, and eating at locally owned restaurants and markets. (For specific recommendations and local resources, check out AFAR’s Cuba Travel Guide .)

Travelers can visit independently under that category, though it’s important you keep a record of your itinerary and your receipts: The U.S. government can ask for them up to five years after the trip.

Can you still travel to Cuba with organized tour operators?

Even though the Trump administration’s tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba prohibited organized “people-to-people” tours entirely, many tour companies have switched their approach to adhere to the “support for the Cuban people” license, according to Tom Popper, president of U.S.-based tour operator InsightCuba . Other tour providers that offer “people-to-people” trips, such as GeoEx Adventure Travel , Flash Pack , Intrepid Travel, and G Adventures, have similarly transitioned their program itineraries in order to offer legal trips to Cuba that comply with the regulations.

Challenges and considerations for travel to Cuba

Despite the easing of restrictions, traveling to Cuba as an American still presents some challenges. For example, there are limited banking services available to U.S. visitors, and American credit and debit cards are not typically accepted (as noted on the website for the U.S. embassy in Cuba ), so it’s important to bring plenty of cash. Similarly, internet access in Cuba is limited —expect connections to be patchy .

How to get a Cuba Tourist Card

The terms Cuba Tourist Cards and Cuban visas are sometimes used interchangeably.

Courtesy of Easy Tourist Card

Regardless of the license under which you travel to Cuba, you’ll still need to organize a few important documents before you go.

The Cuban government requires that all travelers entering the country provide a valid passport and proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation by air. In addition, all U.S. travelers—adults, children, and infants—must purchase a Cuba Tourist Card , which grants visitors a maximum stay of 30 days on the island. Tourist Cards are valid for 180 days after purchase, which means you will need to travel within six months of obtaining the document. Note that the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuban visa are sometimes used interchangeably; they’re the same thing.

There are several ways to buy a Cuba Tourist Card: Many U.S. airlines with direct service to Havana—among them United Airlines , JetBlue , American Airlines , Delta , and Southwest —offer Tourist Cards either online or at the gate; prices and purchase locations vary among carriers, so it’s important to check in advance.

Websites like Easy Tourist Card allow travelers to apply for and purchase Tourist Cards online with two-day international shipping. Those who plan to fly to Havana directly from the United States will need to purchase a pink Tourist Card at a rate of $100, while those departing from non-U.S. airports can purchase a green Tourist Card for $37, even with a U.S. passport.

“U.S. travelers should note that travel to Cuba has been regulated since 1963 and has changed under each presidential administration since that time,” states Popper of InsightCuba. “Cuba travel has always been a hot political topic, and you never know when the rules are going to change. I always tell people to go now—while you can.”

This article was originally published in 2018. It was most recently updated on March 21, 2024, to include current information.

A view of stone walls and lakes over Sky Road in Galway County

The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022

May 20, 2022 • 5 min read

Cuba Lifestyle with two Cuban models on the streets of Havana,

It may soon be easier for Americans to visit Cuba © Matt Porteous / Getty Images

The Biden Administration took several steps toward thawing US-Cuba relations on May 16, 2022, after five years of tightened restrictions. While the measures don’t fully restore the openings of the Obama era, they mark an encouraging start for struggling Cubans and aspiring US travelers.

What has changed?

Of direct interest to US travelers is the Biden Administration’s promise to expand authorized travel in support of the Cuban people. This includes opening up flights to airports beyond Havana (which were closed to US aircraft during the Trump era) and reinstating group people-to-people travel and other categories of group educational travel. Both measures will be good news to US travel agencies who have battled with increased red tape since 2017.

As yet, there is no word that the US will reinstate individual people-to-people travel, the category that led to a huge influx of US visitors to Cuba between 2016 and 2017. Nor have any Cuban state entities been removed from the US’s restricted list, meaning it’s still difficult for Americans to legally stay in Cuban hotels.

The directives have also lifted limits on family remittances (previously capped at $1,000 a quarter) to provide help in facilitating family reunions and supporting independent Cuban entrepreneurs.

Getting to Cuba from the US

Flying to Havana is one of the easier parts of the Cuba conundrum. As of May 2022, there are approximately a dozen flights a day between the US and Havana departing from the Florida cities of Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Operating airlines include American Airlines , Southwest Airlines , and JetBlue .

More Cuban airports will likely open up to US flights in the coming months.

The 12 categories of travel licenses for US citizens

US law states that US citizens can only travel to Cuba on a ‘general license’ based on one of 12 different approved categories , which include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances and exhibitions, and the vague sounding 'support for the Cuban people.' Licenses are self-qualifying (there’s no long-winded paperwork), but you’ll be asked to state your category of choice in a signed travel affidavit when booking travel to Cuba. More details are available online from the US Treasury .

The vast majority of current visitors are Cuban Americans entering under the ‘family travel’ category. Independent travelers with no affiliations can qualify under the conveniently vague ‘support for the Cuban people’ category, which is the easiest option for people looking to explore the island. However, bear in mind that before you travel, you’ll need to draw up a detailed itinerary of your plans. Additionally, on your return, you’ll be required to keep all your travel receipts for five years.

The Cuba tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed Tourist Card — which serves a similar function to a tourist visa. These are usually available through your airline (ask when booking). Alternatively, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85, including processing fees.

Health protocols for travel to Cuba

Pre-travel COVID-19 tests and vaccination certificates are no longer required to enter Cuba from the US. Random COVID-19 tests may still be administered at the airport but there’s no mandatory quarantine unless you test positive. Departing US passengers will need a negative rapid-antigen test to re-enter the US. Tests can be procured at Havana’s José Martí International Airport before departure.

All arriving travelers must fill out an online D’Viajeros form containing information relating to public health and immigration. You’re also required to take out medical insurance that includes cover for COVID-19; this may be included in the cost of your air ticket from the US. Health officials make spot checks at the airport.

A Cuban flag with holes waves over a street in Central Havana

Booking travel to Cuba through a travel agency

If it’s your first time traveling to Cuba, it is highly recommended that you enlist the services of a specialist US-Cuba travel agency. Both Cuban Travel Services and Marazul offer comprehensive on-the-ground information and can help organize flights and accommodation.

Alternatively, you can join an organized trip, which takes a lot of the hassle out of traveling to Cuba. Long-time US-Cuba specialists, Insight Cuba are offering a three-night ‘Weekend in Havana’ and a seven-night ‘Classic Cuba Tour’ in 2022.

Where to stay in Cuba

American citizens are not currently allowed to stay in Cuba’s government-run hotels or use most state-owned enterprises. Instead, it’s best to opt for private accommodation such as apartments, B&Bs and homestays (known in Cuba as casas particulares ). Airbnb has lots of listings of accommodations that are open to US citizens.

For restaurants, stick to private paladares (family-run restaurants, often in the owner's home) where the food quality is better. To get around, use private guides and taxis. In doing so, you’ll be enthusiastically ‘supporting the Cuban people.’

African American Female Is Dancing On the Cuban Sandy Beach

Money tips for Cuba in 2022

Credit cards linked to US banks don’t work in Cuba and the US dollar was taken out of circulation in June 2021. American travelers are best off arriving with plenty of cash in a non-US currency – the euro is the most favored foreign currency and is accepted by most private businesses, from casa particulares to restaurants and taxi drivers, meaning you won’t have to buy many Cuban pesos (which are worthless outside Cuba).

Beware: The Cuban economy is in a state of extreme flux. The current euro-peso black market exchange rate is over four times that of the banks.

In November 2021, Cuba introduced a tarjeta prepago (prepaid card) designed primarily to aid US travelers with American credit cards. You can purchase and pre-load a tarjeta prepago at a bank in Cuba or at the airport and use it to buy goods that can otherwise only be paid for with a credit card, such as medical services, cigars, and bus tickets. Cards can be loaded with amounts equivalent to US$1000, US$500 or US$200. However, you can only pay for the card in a non-US currency. Euros, Canadian dollars, and pounds sterling are all accepted, cash only.

This article was first published December 2020 and updated May 2022

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Travel Advice
General Information

Traveling to Cuba as a US Citizen: 2024 Complete Guide

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 January 3, 2024

Cuba has been a country shrouded in mystery and wonder for many Americans. Just 90 miles off the shores of Key West, it’s no surprise why many Americans wonder if they can visit Cuba. With continuous changes to travel restrictions and policies regarding Cuba, Squaremouth has compiled a detailed overview of everything you need to know, updated with the latest information regarding Cuba entry requirements , travel advice, and much more.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

In short, yes, it is possible for Americans to visit Cuba. However, the country still remains off limits for tourist activities. This means U.S citizens currently cannot visit Cuba when the sole purpose of their trip is to sightsee, go to the beach, and explore.

In 2024, Americans that wish to travel to Cuba must fall into one of the 12 approved categories of travel, determined by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) . Visiting Cuba is not as straightforward for Americans as it is for citizens of other nations, like Canada or the United Kingdom. U.S citizens can apply for a general license under one of the authorized categories, which can take anywhere from four to six months to process, according to regulation experts . The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba include:

Family Visits
Journalistic Activity
Professional Research and Meetings
Educational activities
Religious Activities
Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Exhibitions, Athletic and Other Competitions
Support for the Cuban People
Humanitarian Projects
Activities of Private Foundations, or Research or Educational Institutes
Official Business of the U.S. Government, Foreign Governments, and Certain Intergovernmental Organizations
Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information
Authorized Export Transactions

To apply for a license, or to learn more about the different categories of approved travel, visit the official OFAC website .

Cuba Travel Restrictions & Requirements

The U.S Passport is welcome and accepted at the Cuban borders. Most of the policies in place that prohibit tourist travel to Cuba come from the United States. Below are some of the main travel restrictions and requirements to keep in mind when traveling to Cuba.

Cuba Entry Requirements

To gain entry to Cuba, Americans are required to possess specific documents upon arrival. It’s important to start gathering these documents as early as possible to avoid issues at the border. Below is a simplified list of entry requirements, compiled by Cuba Unbound .

Return Travel Documents: Travelers must show proof of entry and departure dates in order to receive a valid visa.
Valid Cuban Tourist Card/Visa: U.S citizens traveling to Cuba must acquire a valid Visa, also known as a Cuban Tourist Card. These cards can be purchased online for $50-$100, are valid for 30 days, and take roughly 48 hours to process.
Certification of Travel Form: This document outlines the approved category in which U.S citizens are traveling to Cuba.
Valid Passport : Americans are required to have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay.
Proof of Travel Medical Insurance : Cuba requires all foreigners to purchase medical insurance prior to entry.

Cuba Travel Insurance Requirements

Since 2010, the Cuban government has required all visitors from abroad to provide proof of medical insurance when visiting the island. While there are no requirements on the amount of coverage travelers need, U.S citizens visiting Cuba must purchase a policy that includes Emergency Medical coverage, as well as Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage. Squaremouth recommends travelers visiting Cuba consider a travel insurance policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage. Squaremouth’s Cuba Travel Insurance page provides more information and specific policy recommendations for travelers planning to visit the country.

Typically, single trip travel insurance premiums will equate to 5-10% of a traveler’s total insured trip costs. According to Squaremouth data, the average Cuba travel insurance policy cost travelers roughly $200.

Visiting Cuba From the U.S.

For more than 60 years, U.S travel to Cuba has been a complex issue. With that said, there are plenty of reasons why Cuba, home to more than 400 white-sand beaches and over 3,500 miles of coastline, has remained a desirable destination for American travelers. In relation to neighboring Caribbean countries, many of which are consistently among the most popular destinations for Americans, Cuba has a relatively low crime rate. With that said, the U.S Department of State’s Cuba Travel Advisory recommends exercising increased caution when visiting the island due to petty crime, such as theft, sometimes targeted towards tourists.

What Airports Fly to Cuba From the U.S?

Regardless of the complexities of traveling to Cuba as a U.S citizen, there are still multiple airports and airlines that provide non-stop flights to Havana, the nation’s capital. According to Simple Flying , eligible U.S citizens traveling to Cuba can find non-stop service from the following airports:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas
Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida
Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida

For those interested in which airlines fly directly to Cuba, SkyScanner shares that American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, jetBlue, and United all provide such services to eligible U.S citizens.

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Getting Around

Entry to Cuba: Visas & Travel Requirements

Traffic by the Capitol building, Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Stay updated with the latest travel information for your trip to Cuba!

Embarking on a journey to Cuba? Here's your guide to the latest visa requirements and travel protocols. Whether you're coming from North America, Europe, or elsewhere, we've got you covered.

Cuba visa application form

What are the visa and entry requirements to Cuba?

US Citizens

Planning a trip to Cuba as a US citizen? There are special regulations you need to be aware of. While tourism trips to Cuba aren't yet authorized, general licenses have been issued for a variety of travel categories. If you meet the requirements of the general license under which they plan to travel, you won't need to apply for another permit from the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department) for your trip.

However, it's important to note that the US Embassy in Havana and the State Department in Washington D.C do not process visa applications for trips to Cuba. If you need to apply for a visa or have any questions regarding your specific case, you should contact the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C.

And remember, certain activities may not be allowed, so it's best to check with the US embassy for information on organizations or businesses in Cuba that U.S. citizens are not allowed to engage with due to economic sanctions or other legal restrictions.

Canadian Citizens

As a Canadian citizen, you'll need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in Cuba. Make sure your passport's expiration date isn't near to avoid any travel hiccups. Depending on your trip's purpose, you may need different types of visas. If you're traveling as a tourist, you'll need a tourist visa, which can be obtained from tour operators, airlines, or a Cuban government office in Canada.

European Citizens

If you're a European citizen planning to travel to Cuba, remember that visa protocols can vary depending on your country of residence. For most European citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. Some countries, like Spain, require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months.

It's also important to note that if you plan to travel to the United States after visiting Cuba, you'll need a visa. This is because the electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) is not sufficient for those who have traveled to Cuba before. This visa must be obtained at the Consulate General of the US Embassy in your place of residence.

Given the varying requirements, it's a good idea to contact your tour operator or travel agency to understand the specific visa requirements for your travel.

Latin American Citizens

For Latin American citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. You'll also need to obtain a tourist visa or tourist card for your trip. This can be processed at tourism agencies or airlines, which usually handle its issuance.

The visa is generally issued for about 90 days and can then be extended. It's also important to note that you should have travel insurance with medical coverage.

Visa Costs: What to Expect

Visa costs can vary depending on where it's issued. Generally, prices range between $20 and $80. If you apply online, additional charges may apply, and prices can range from $110 to $150.

Jose Marti International Airport in Havana

What items can I bring to Cuba?

When packing for your trip to Cuba, you can bring personal effects, including personal phones and computers, free of charge. The range of objects you can bring to Cuba is quite wide, from musical instruments to televisions. However, some items may be subject to charges depending on Customs regulations.

Some items can be brought into the country without having to pay any import taxes. These include used personal objects, art and literature books, music discs, manufactured pharmaceutical products, and wheelchairs, among others.

However, it's crucial to be aware of prohibited items. While some of these, like explosives, drugs and narcotics, and blood derivatives, may seem obvious, others might surprise you. For instance, literature, articles or objects that are considered obscene, pornographic or that attack the general interests of the nation are also prohibited.

If you attempt to bring into the country articles that are not allowed for import, the General Customs of Cuba can exercise administrative sanctions. This means that Customs can seize those imported articles whose entry is prohibited in Cuba, as well as products that have been entered with a fraudulent declaration.

Travelers on a beach in Varadero

Photo: Unsplash

Health and Vaccinations

Before you embark on your journey to Cuba, it's important to ensure you're up to date with routine vaccines. This includes vaccines against chickenpox, tetanus, influenza, rubella, and polio. In the current climate, being vaccinated against COVID-19 is also essential.

Additionally, consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. If your trip to Cuba includes exploring nature or venturing into rural areas away from the city center for activities such as outdoor camping, the rabies vaccine is also recommended. Travelers are also advised to consider the typhus vaccine.

Can I bring my pet to Cuba?

If you're planning to bring your pet to Cuba, there are a few requirements you need to meet. Make sure your pet has the necessary vaccines and an official health certificate. You'll also need to request a travel certificate for your pet from the Consulate or Embassy of Cuba in your country.

Written by Teresita Padrón .

Published July 2023.

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How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

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Travel to Cuba for American citizens has been a back-and-forth battle over the past few decades, and as of June 2019, tighter restrictions have been placed on travelers and tourists hoping to visit this Caribbean island.

Travelers must now declare themselves as making a trip that falls under one of 12 categories of travel. This means that tourists may no longer travel to Cuba in the "people to people" category, and those that do make it to Cuba are no longer allowed to support businesses that help fund the Cuban military. Additionally, the Trump administration further banned cruise ships and ferries from transporting Americans to the islands in June of 2019.

In order to book a flight to Cuba or lodging in the country now, you must now declare which category of travel you'll be making first, and as Americans still cannot simply book a flight and head to Cuba, most U.S. citizens will have to go through a process to make it to this country—unless they are part of a protected group still permitted to travel there.

New Legislation and Getting a Visa: Who Can Travel

Legal individual travel has always required that citizens fall under one of the 12 categories of permitted travel to Cuba, a rule already in place before Trump's November 2017 edict. Now, however, the requirement is legally binding and you'll need to document your activities to prove you were there for legitimate reasons (other than tourism).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba's official website , trips may be completed for:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines

In order to get a travel visa to Cuba, neither the U.S. Embassy in Havana nor the U.S Department of State in Washington, D.C. process applications, so you'll instead need to apply through the Cuban Embassy in D.C.

Booking Hotels and Logistics of Visiting Cuba

Because of the Trump administration's policy banning American support of military-funded establishments, paired with hurricanes that ravaged the island in 2017, booking a hotel room can be a challenge.

According to officials from the Trump administration, these new restrictions in Cuba were not meant to stop tourism of the country but to "direct money and economic activity away from the Cuban military and security services" and toward businesses owned by Cuban citizens.

Essentially, these new laws hope to encourage visitors to eat at local restaurants, stay in local hotels (or private homes), and buy from local businesses—just make sure you never go to any restricted businesses or you could be fined or arrested upon return to the United States.

While Trump has discouraged travel to Cuba with these new restrictions, it's still possible to go and enjoy the rich culture of this island. However, since relations between the United States and Cuba are suffering under the Trump administration, be well prepared before you go. Be sure to bring enough cash for your entire trip as accessing American funds in Cuba—as well as exchanging them to the Cuban peso—is rather difficult.

Going Solo to Cuba

Although the 2017 restrictions still allowed cruise ships and authorized tour groups to arrange hotels, transportation, meals, and an itinerary that complies with federal regulations, the 2019 edict prohibited these from arranging travel for tourists seeking to visit Cuba as tourists.

Going solo now, you'll need a passport and a reason for being there that doesn't involve tourism. You'll need to make your own hotel and transport arrangements, of course, and a working knowledge of Spanish can help, too. However, the island nation already has experience handling international tourists, so there is more than minimal tourist help already in place.

The changes in Cuba policy don't apply to travelers from elsewhere in the world, and Cuba is among the most popular Caribbean destinations for travelers from Canada and Europe. A number of international hotel companies, such as Riu , Iberostar , and Melia , have built large resorts in Cuban destinations like Varadero that meet the expectations of savvy global travelers. More than two million tourists now visit Cuba annually.

Traveling by U.S. Commercial Airlines

Although some top U.S. airlines bid over the right to fly to Cuba in 2016, the 2017 restrictions have all but eliminated commercial airline travel between the two countries. Charter flights that largely originate in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Tampa still remain travelers' best option for getting to Cuba by air from the U.S. It is highly unlikely that Cuba's airlines will begin offering flights to the U.S. anytime soon, as they would have to overcome significant regulatory hurdles in order to do so. Beginning in late 2019, U.S.-based carriers will only fly in and out of Havana. To visit other Cuban cities, you will have to travel by land within the country.

Flying From Canada, Cancun, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica

If you don't want to wait for U.S. airlines to start flying to Cuba, or you want to combine a visit to Cuba with a trip to a different Caribbean island, you have options, and not just to Havana but also a wide range of Cuban destinations .

Currently, Air Canada flies between Toronto and Havana and Varadero, Cuba, while Cubana—Cuba's national airline—has service between Toronto and Montreal and Havana, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, and Holguín, and COPA Airlines also has daily Toronto-Havana flights.

Cancun has long been the gateway of choice for Americans looking to visit Cuba without attracting the attention of U.S. Customs officials, and even though restrictions have tightened, you can still fly Cubana from Cancun to Havana. Cayman Airways also has flights to Havana from Grand Cayman and Jamaica .

Using the Havana Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Havana reopened in August 2015, as full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States have been restored. Although the relationship is now strained thanks to the Trump administration, this embassy will still help American citizens in Cuba in a variety of different ways.

Services offered at the U.S. Embassy in Havana include processing applications for new U.S. passports, renewing expired passports, or replacing stolen passports as well as registering U.S. citizens living in, traveling to, or born in Cuba.

The U.S. Embassy also provides federal income tax forms, services to notarize documents to be used in the United States, and limited assistance to U.S. citizen prisoners in Cuba as well as assistance in the shipment of remains of deceased U.S. citizens back to the United States or coordinating medical evacuations for U.S. citizens.

In an emergency situation, the U.S. Embassy will also assist in wiring money to citizens, but don't count on this option to help you if you simply run out of funds while visiting Cuba.

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Beyond the Ban: A Guide to Americans Visiting Cuba in 2024.

If you are a US citizen, you can still visit Cuba in 2024. However, unlike your neighbors traveling from Canada , you will be subject to specific regulations from the US government.

For example, doing “tourism,” like staying at a resort on a Cuban beach , isn’t allowed. Your trip must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. You must also comply with certain financial restrictions while on the island.

This article offers our first-hand experience organizing trips from the US to Cuba for over seven years. We will answer all your questions about going to Cuba as an American, including the entry requirements, the 12 categories of authorized travel, People-to-People travel, the Support for the Cuban People license, and much more.

In this guide, we cover all of it.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024?

How to travel to Cuba - Cuban giving thumbs up from balcony (1)

The simple answer is yes. It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes.

Americans can’t go to Cuba for tourism thanks to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of July 8, 1963, which imposed a trade embargo on the island.

However, you can travel legally to Cuba if you comply with certain Cuban and US government regulations.

Specifically, the Cuban government asks you to bring the following documentation:

The Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa).
Health travel insurance.
Customs and health declaration forms.

On the other hand, the US government requires you to:

Self-certify under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba
Avoid spending money at certain restricted businesses.
Keep your travel receipts and records for five years.

Does that sound like a lot? In the sections below, we explain how to meet these requirements so you can travel legally to Cuba from the US.

The Cuban Tourist Card

The Cuban Tourist Card is a tourist visa that almost everyone traveling to Cuba for tourism must bring. They come in two colors: pink and green.

In most cases, US citizens must get the pink Cuban Tourist Card because they fly directly from a US airport to Cuba. However, if you plan on leaving from a non-US airport, you will need the green version.

In any case, we suggest you purchase the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline or on EasyTouristCard.com .

Buy it From Your Airline

The cost of the Cuban tourist visa is usually bundled into the ticket price. However, in some cases, you will need to purchase the visa separately. Prices range from 50 to 80 US dollars, depending on the airline.

Please note that only a few US airlines fly to Cuba. Check out Skyscanner to find all available flights from the US to Cuba.

Purchase it on EasyTouristCard.com

If you can’t get the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline, the best alternative is to purchase it online from Easy Tourist Card , a widely trusted provider.

The pink version costs about 100 US dollars, while the green version sells for roughly 35 US dollars.

Mandatory Travel Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is an entry requirement to Cuba.

Your policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. The Cuban government won’t allow you to leave the country with outstanding medical bills!

Based on our assessment of the most popular travel health insurance providers for Cuba , we recommend Insubuy .

On Insubuy , coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation starts at 8 USD per week per person and is pretty comprehensive.

Customs and Health Declaration Forms

Cuba requires all travelers to bring a Sanitary Statement and a Customs Declaration form.

You can complete the documentation at D’Viajeros , the government’s website. It will save you time and annoyance at the Havana Airport !

The 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

Selection of 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

A “category of authorized travel to Cuba” is also known as a “travel license” or “general license.”

Confusingly, even though it’s called a license, it is not a physical or digital document. It’s a self-certification you need to do when travel providers, such as airlines and hotels, ask you about it. In most cases, it’s just about ticking a box.

Obviously, before you tick that box, you should review whether you meet the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your chosen category.

There are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba , as defined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC):

Family visits
Official business for the US government, foreign government, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban People
Exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational materials
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Certain export transactions

In 90% of the cases, a US citizen will travel to Cuba under either the Education Activities or the Support for the Cuban People categories.

Educational Activities (People-to-People Travel)

People-to-people travel falls under the Educational Activities category. This license aims to promote people-to-people contact, support civil society in Cuba, and encourage the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities.

You can travel under this license provided that your trip is:

Organized by a US travel company (the “sponsoring organization”).
Escorted by an employee of the sponsoring organization.

People-to-people travel is the best option for Americans who want to go in a group and prefer to avoid the hassle of planning an itinerary in compliance with the US-Cuba travel regulations.

However, not everyone likes the crowds or having a chaperone around. Besides, traveling to Cuba independently is still legal, easy, and safe . For those, there is the Support for the Cuban People category.

The Support for the Cuban People Travel Category

The Support for the Cuban People category intends to promote US travel to Cuba to strengthen civil society on the island. It covers activities that:

Foster closer connections with the Cuban people,
Contribute to the development of Cuban civil society, or
Advocate for the independence of the Cuban people from the government; and
Involve meaningful engagement and interaction with individuals in Cuba.

American travelers love this category because it’s pretty vague. You have lots of wiggle room and can pretty much do many of the activities you would in any other country.

Here are examples of activities that can “strengthen Cuban society”:

Visiting museums and historical sites.
Eating at locally-owned restaurants (paladares).
Taking Cuban cooking classes.
Taking salsa dancing lessons.
Touring a tobacco farm and learning how to roll Cuban cigars.
Taking a tour through the best of Havana .
Volunteering with a local organization or non-profit.

How does it sound?

However, we must remind you that you still can’t do tourism in Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People license. In fact, you should spend about 6-8 hours on a schedule of activities actually supporting the Cuban people.

That said, it’s not like an American official will call you daily to verify your schedule, so don’t stress too much about it.

You can also support the Cuban people in less subtle ways by:

Bringing inexpensive items as gifts for locals . Most essential products you take for granted (toiletries, hygiene products, etc.) are hard to come by in Cuba. Bringing a thoughtful gift will show your appreciation and may meet your hosts’ vital needs.
Tipping . The base wage for workers in Cuba is the equivalent of a few US dollars a month. Therefore, locals expect and highly appreciate tipping.

Finally, considering that the Internet is limited in Cuba , you should arrange your activities before you land on the island.

Restricted Businesses and Accommodations

The US Treasury Department doesn’t like Americans spending money anywhere in Cuba.

The Treasury keeps a list of businesses to which Americans must refrain from giving money. Most of these businesses are owned by the Cuban military or security services, with which the US still has a frosty relationship. You can see the full, updated list here .

The US government also forbids Americans from staying at specific accommodations listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .

To be safe, we recommend renting a room from Cuban Airbnbs , also known as “casas particulares.” These privately owned and highly affordable accommodations can provide you with an authentic Cuban experience.

Check out Skyscanner for the latest listings of “casas particulares” and hotels in Cuba.

Travel Receipts and Records for Five Years

The US government can ask you for your travel records and receipts for up to five years after your Cuba trip.

This sounds spooky, although anecdotally, it doesn’t happen very often. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so keep your records safe for five years if you’re questioned about your trip.

Bonus Tip for Americans Traveling to Cuba: Stick to Private

How to Travel to Cuba - African Cuban Woman

Generally, you should purchase most travel services and products from Cuban private businesses.

We know you can’t always stick to this principle because the Cuban government owns most of the travel facilities and services on the island, including hotels, car rental companies , tour agencies, and souvenir shops.

But whenever you can support Cuban entrepreneurs, please do so. You will strengthen the legality of your trip and genuinely help Cuban society.

Besides, if you want to cut your trip to Cuba costs , purchasing from locals will get you more bang for your buck. Not only is it more affordable, but you will likely pay in Cuban currency , the Cuban Peso, which is hugely devalued compared to the US dollar.

This includes:

Booking tours from local guides .
Staying in “casas particulares.”
Eating at “paladares” (check out our food safety guide for Cuba ).
Riding in private taxis, including “almendrones,” Cuba’s old classic cars .
Buying souvenirs directly from local sellers.

For more tips and tricks you can pull in your trip to the island, read our 58 travel tips for Cuba .

US Legal Travel to Cuba, Summarized

If you are an American traveling to Cuba, you can break down the process into five relatively simple steps:

Choose the best travel category to Cuba based on your travel purpose. If you are going in a group, it will likely be Educational Activities (People-to-People travel) or Support for the Cuban People if you travel independently.
Ensure your itinerary has a full schedule of activities covered by your chosen travel category.
Avoid booking an accommodation included in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .
Do not spend money on the specific prohibited businesses in Cuba .
Keep your records and receipts for five years.

Once you overcome the legal (but easy!) challenges of traveling to Cuba, you will see that the effort was well worth it. If you feel ready but don’t know when, check out our guide to the best time to travel to Cuba .

Have you traveled to Cuba as a US citizen? We want to hear from you. Please share your experience in the comments below!

Essential Travel Logistics For Cuba

Cuban Tourist Card – If your Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa) isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard .

Travel Health Insurance – Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba via Insubuy . Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.

Essential Items to Pack – Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:

First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Water bottle with filter
Mosquito repellent
Pin adapter (for Europeans)
Travel guide
Spanish-English phrasebook
Suggested Reading: The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times

Read our complete packing list for Cuba .

Find Accommodations – Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner , which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.

Book Your Flight – Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner , our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba.

About the Author

Tour republic.

Tour Republic is a marketplace where you can discover, book, and review the very best experiences Cuba has to offer. We are a team of tourism professionals and journalists who have partnered with Cuban entrepreneurs to provide travel experiences that can transform your trip into a life-changing adventure. We also share our profound love for Cuba through in-depth travel guides, myth-busting articles, and captivating narratives. Whether you want to explore Cuba's wonders or understand its intricacies, our blog posts are your gateway to the heart of this extraordinary country.

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The Complete Guide to Traveling to Cuba as an American

Everything you need to know about traveling to cuba as an american.

Didn’t think you could visit Cuba as an American? Well, I’m here with some good news! President Biden lightened restrictions on Trump-era policies for Americans entering Cuba so it is perfectly legal to visit Cuba in 2023, provided you meet a few requirements. I traveled to Cuba from the USA in February 2023 from Philadelphia to Havana with a layover in Miami so here’s what I learned from my trip. Just like visiting Myanmar with confusing travel regulations, the key is to know what exactly to prepare in advance traveling to Cuba as an American. Now let’s get to what you need to know:

Traveling to Cuba Legally As an American

There are restrictions traveling to Cuba on:

➡️ All US Citizens and Permanent Residents

➡️ Any person traveling from the USA to Cuba (directly or in transit)

US Citizens and permanent residents cannot visit Cuba explicitly as “tourists.” The difficulties surrounding travel to Cuba as a US passport holder is imposed by the US Government as a consequence of the US Embargo against Cuba.

One of my meaningful activities was taking a private cooking lesson with Hostel Milagros in Trinidad. It even doubled as a Spanish Language Exchange.

If you like cooking classes in different countries, read about my experience booking a Cooking Class in Nyaungshwe, Myanmar.

So, if you want to travel to Cuba, your trip must fall under 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba known as a general license. Most Americans’ trips will qualify under the “Support For The Cuban People” reason. In order to meet this guideline, you must have a full schedule of activities that demonstrates you are meaningfully interacting with local people and that you are supporting private businesses (and under no circumstances can you support any government-run entities). It will also be your personal responsibility to keep a record of your daily activities while in Cuba, including the names of the businesses you visit and your expenditures, as the US government reserves the right to audit your trip for up to five years. Also, bear in mind that as an American, you can only fly to Cuba. You cannot enter the country via a cruise ship.

This trip to Cuba exceeded every expectation I had for it! I’m so glad I went and all the prep work was worth it!

Checklist: What to Prepare for Your Trip to Cuba

✅ Roundtrip Ticket or Onward Flight ✅ DViajeros QR Code ✅ Affidavit for Travel ✅ Turista SIM Card ✅ Cuban Tourist Card (Cuban Visa) ✅ Booked Accommodations ✅ US Dollars in Cash (~$100 per day) ✅ A Copy of your Itinerary ✅ Valid US Passport with 6+ months

Buying a Flight to Cuba from the USA

You will need proof of return for visa purposes so make sure to buy a roundtrip ticket or have onward travel from Cuba if you are buying one-way. All flights from the USA will include travel insurance. Travel insurance is a requirement for all visitors entering Cuba.

Pro-tip: You cannot check-in online if you have a ticket to Cuba so make sure to go to the front desk and show all your paperwork in advance.

Traveling to Cuba as an American with American Airlines

I flew with American Airlines but you can also fly with jetBlue, United, and Southwest. Delta will resume operations in April 2023.

The Cuban Tourist Card

Traveling to Cuba as an American requires a Cuban Tourist Card (the equivalent of a visa). This can be ordered in advance and they do overnight shipping. Or you can get it right at the gate, with the “Cuba Ready” tourist card stand popping up an hour before boarding. I traveled with American Airlines to Cuba and paid $100 for the visa at my gate. It took less than 5 minutes since I had a “Cuba Ready” green sticker on my ticket from showing all the required documents at check-in. No joke, this was the easiest visa process I’ve ever been through and you don’t need extra time at the airport to get your visa. Flights from the USA receive a pink visa that you will fill out yourself.

The tourist card is what is stamped upon arrival and you must keep the two tourist visas with you at all times since this is what is collected upon departure. The best way to figure out your visa needs is through the airlines’ website. DO NOT call an airline call center about the Cuban visa due to misinformation. See the following carriers’ websites for accurate details on purchasing your visa:

✈️ American Airlines ✈️ jetBlue ✈️ Southwest Airlines ✈️ United ✈️ Delta will resume flights beginning April 10, 2023

Traveling to Cuba as an American Cuba Ready pink tourist visa.

This is what my boarding pass and the pink Cuba Tourist Card looks like for Americans.

Money and Finances

Start withdrawing USD well in advance. I budgeted around $100 per day and brought $200 as emergency funds. I cannot stress this enough–bring more money than you think you need!!! As an American, you will not be able to pay using a credit card or debit card and you will not be able to withdraw money from the ATM as well. In fact, you won’t be able to access any financial accounts from Cuba, even with a private VPN. This includes mobile banking applications, Paypal, Venmo, CashApp, etc. Make sure to notify your banks about your Cuba travel dates to avoid fraudulent activity while you’re out of the country and cannot access your accounts.

Pro-tip: If you have access to withdraw from Chase ATMs, they allow you to choose the types of bills you need. I found that $5 bills went the furthest in Cuba for tips, meals, and shopping. Locals cannot really use $1 bills so they’ll ask to exchange money with you too for $5 notes.

This is what $100 USD looks like in CUP, the Cuban peso also known as moneda nacional. Having enough cash to last the trip is crucial, especially if you’re traveling solo or without a tour group.

Accommodations

When checking into your flight, you will be asked to provide an address of where you’ll be staying in Cuba. You will most likely stay at a Casa Particulares (i.e. a homestay), which is great not only for the cultural exchange aspect, but you’ll also be giving money directly to a Cuban person. Make sure you have the address of your casa screenshotted for quick reference. Americans are not allowed to stay in hotels as they are typically government-owned entities.

The Puerto del Sol Casa in Cienfuegos

Staying at Casa Particulares in Vinales Cuba

The rooms at Casa Neyde in Vinales. All the casas I stayed at in Cuba had private bathrooms and air conditioners.

DViajeros Immigration QR Code (48 hours before departure)

As of January 2023, filling out the Cuba immigration and health declaration form is MANDATORY. This form is found on the DViajeros website . The form will only be active 48 hours before your departure so if you do it before that time, it will not work.

When filling out the form, here are some helpful tips:

The QR Code is the most important thing to have in hand. Once you complete the form, screenshot the confirmation page with the QR code as the website sometimes doesn’t send the confirmation page to your email.
Some airlines will ask for the QR code prior to boarding. In my experience flying with American Airlines, having the QR code along with my return flight and the address for my casa right while I was checking in afforded me a green sticker saying all my documents were verified and therefore made it that much easier to get my tourist visa right at the gate.
In the upper right hand corner under ‘Lenguaje,’ you can change the website to English.
Unless you are bringing items for commercial purposes or $5,000 worth of “gifts” (avoid using the word donations), you will not have anything to declare

Traveling to Cuba as an American DViajeros Immigration Form

Don’t forget to screenshot the QR code page just in case you don’t get the email!

Affidavit for Travel

The affidavit for travel is essentially a letter that clearly states your purpose for traveling to Cuba as an American. I like Copa Airlines’ easy template but if you opt to book with a tour group, they should supply you with a template as well.

If you’re looking to purchase a tourist SIM card at the airport, you must order it in advance from SuenaCuba at least 24 hours before your departure. The Cubacel Tourist SIM Card is the only SIM card for tourists and is $35 for 6GB of data, 100 min talk time, and 100 SMS messages. The SIM card is good for 30 days after activation. You can top up mobile data online only but not calls or SMS. As a reminder, your phone must also be unlocked.

To pick it up, you must present your passport and the 12-digit confirmation code that is emailed it to you. There are three spots to pick up your SIM card in Havana:

📍 At Jose Marti Airport in Terminal 3, you’ll see the Infotur stand to your right before you pass immigration in the baggage claim area. This stand is open 24/7 (according to the website). 📍 The Etesca Office right across the airport entrance next to the parking lot. 📍 At any Etesca commercial office in the city (open 9 AM to 4 PM).

When they installed my SIM card, they had to tinker with the settings by adding login credentials on my iPhone 11 to get service. If you have the same issue, go to “Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network” and insert these login credentials to activate your service:

This is what the login credentials looked like in my iPhone.

Pro-tip for IOS Users: The SIM card doesn’t play nicely with iphones so don’t bee too dependent on it. Also make sure to turn off cellular data on background applications, especially iCloud photo uploads or it will use all your GB. You have been warned! The data you get from your cellphone is basic data and is very unstable but it is enough to contact family and friends, as well as check emails and social media.

How I Planned My “Support For The Cuban People” Trip

I booked an 8 Day Tour for Women through Cuban Adventures to ensure my itinerary focused on local and cultural immersion and that I supported independent economic activity, particularly those of female entrepreneurs. Cuban Adventures is one of the longest running Cuba travel specialists and they are very well-connected in the country. Not to worry, you can travel independently; but most important thing to know is which businesses are on the US government’s Restricted List .

The Cuban Adventures Women’s Only Tour works with female entrepreneurs in Cuba.

Give me a shout-out on Pinterest pretty please?

Traveling to Cuba as An American in 2023: A Complete Guide on The Next Somewhere

Millette Stambaugh

Filipina-American Millette Stambaugh is a thirty-something former expat who has traded her nomadic ways for Philadelphia living. Corporate worker by day, content creator by night, Millette specializes in visual storytelling and joyful journeys and wants to help others find their "next somewheres." Follow her escapades on Instagram, Youtube, and Tiktok @thenextsomewhere.

Best Travel Bags for Every Traveler

Top Five Things To Do in Trinidad, Cuba

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SamH Travels

There is a lot to think about when visiting Cuba and this really useful post ensures that we have it covered. Thank you for sharing

This is such a helpful post! I have never been to Cuba before, but if I ever visited, this post would be so helpful. I love your pictures too! Thanks for sharing.

That is a lot of very useful information in planning a trip to Cuba. I have never been there. But someday this might be really helpful for me.

Great photos! I love the colors 🙂

I’ve always known that Cuba was tough to travel to but this post is so helpful in case if I do want to go in the future! Thanks for sharing!

These photos are cuteeeee, but more than that the information is so helpful for anyone planning a Cuban getaway!

This was so helpful. I am traveling solo in April and was concerned about the limited Wifi thanks for explaning how to get data!

My pleasure! So happy to hear that this post cleared up any confusion! Believe me, it’s hard to get a clear answer of the wifi experience but I also realized that wifi is more readily available in some cities than others. Like for example in Trinidad, most casas and restaurants have free wifi but in Havana, you have to find the wifi spots at the parks and have your Etesca WIFI card.

also going in mid april…..PLEASE contact my dear friend who we visit more than twice a year. I am American Roberto is Havana born. Previous he was VIP concierge for visiting diplomatics. Contact ROBERTO IBARRA on wazup or or messenger PHONE (53) 5253 0653, contact me if you have any questions….

Thank you for the heads up regarding the mandatory immigration & health declarations. Headed to Havana next month & almost have all my ducks in a row.

I’m so happy to hear that Lizzie! You’re going to have the best time!

Lizzie, this is the best summary of the requirements that I have found. The link to the Copa Airlines declaration didn’t work but I was able to find it by searching Google for “copa airlines cuba template”. Do you know of any templates I might copy for my itinerary?

Thanks for the very helpful post! I have question. We know many Americans travel only for the tourist purposes. What would be the best category to use if the visit is for a week and there are only some dance classes in the tour plan( which is clear is for fun) what kind of document we need to show to the U.S . Officials?

Hi Mary! If you’re doing dance classes with locals, you would list your category as “Support for the Cuban People.” It’s always smart to bring your itinerary to show that the dance class you’re doing is with an local vendor and also make sure you’re staying at a casa particulare. Please refer to the “Checklist: What to Prepare for Your Trip to Cuba” section to see what documents you need 🙂 PS – I also did a dance class too and LOVED it!

Awesome blog! Love the details. Can you tell us more on how you got around (transportation wise) and any Covid regulations you had to deal with throughout your trip.

Hi Jennifer! There weren’t any covid regulations in place but I would say that any traveler going to Cuba should bring a basic medical kit (e.g. nyquil + dayquil, tylenol, etc) since western medicine is pretty impossible to find and it’s great to giveaway. And transportation was included in my tour package but I do have the number of a for-hire driver. In Havana, you’ll see plenty of taxis although popular areas much later at night, you’ll find taxis harder to come by. Just make sure you negotiate a cost in advance before taking your ride so you don’t get taken advantage of.

Hi there, I’m a male. Do you have any links that can help me, especially with the “support for the Cuban people” part? I’ll like to visit as a solo traveler. Thanks!

Best regards, Manny

Hi Manny! Here’s a great link that shows you what type of activities you can do so that you meet the requirement of Supporting The Cuban People: https://hometohavana.com/blog/support-the-cuban-people-itinerary-activities .

Hoping to travel there with husband and two very little ones this coming year. Any tips for traveling with kids and/or recommendations for your operators beyond the one you used? Thanks!

I unfortunately don’t know much about family travel in Cuba but I will say that I did see a ton of families visiting with little ones. There aren’t many sidewalks which makes strollers quite difficult to maneuver so I saw most parents carrying their children in carriers. The beach destinations like Varadero and Trinidad are great for visiting families. Milk is scarce in the country so if you have children, prepare for foods and snacks because basic amenities are hard to come by. Hope this helps Sarah 🙂

This was so detailed! Very helpful. Thank you!

So happy to hear you found this useful! Enjoy your trip!

Link for Affidavit for Travel is broke, new link: https://www.copaair.com/assets/Affidavit-for-Travel-to-Cuba-7-aug-2023-EN.pdf

Thank you so much for letting me know it’s broken! I appreciate your help keeping this information updated 🙂

thank you so very much for this post. i look forward to booking a trip with the ladies tour group this year. I appreciate your efforts to help us have an awesome trip.

Hi Millette!

Thanks for the great post! My Dad and I are planning to visit Cuba next month (we are Americans, I live in Miami).

You mentioned being able to travel independently, however, you were with a tour group. If we book a place to stay through AirBnb and the local excursions through AirBnb Experiences, is that OK and holds up as supporting the local Cuban people? We don’t plan to use a tour group, but do plan to book tours with locals, but am hoping AirBnB as an OK medium to do so!

Thanks for any tips!

Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2024 Rules

Can you travel to Cuba with an American passport? Yes ! But there are some things Americans need to prepare for in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

We put together this guide to help make travel to Cuba easy. Below, check out our nine easy steps for Americans traveling to Cuba.

Or, better yet, message a local Cuban travel planner who can answer your questions and help you design your perfect trip.

Overview: traveling to Cuba with a US passport
Declare a valid travel category
Get a Tourist Card
Get valid health insurance
Prepare an Itinerary
Be sure to check the Restricted List before you go
What to know about your receipts from your trip
Check the latest COVID-19 news
Bring all the money you'll need in cash
Get local advice about exploring Cuba

Overview: Traveling to Cuba With a US Passport

You can now fly from your hometown airport to Cuba on a major airline with fewer than two stops on the journey. You can even go non-stop to Havana from New York City, Miami, Tampa, Houston, and a few other cities. Flights to other Cuban locales like Varadero, Camaguey, and Santiago de Cuba are available from Miami and Los Angeles.

(You could also travel via Mexico or Canada, as Americans once did when travel to Cuba was forbidden, but it’s no longer necessary .)

The Cuban government allows Americans to visit their country. The restrictions on traveler activities (and where they can spend money ) are all US government rules. So, regardless of American regulations, your US passport is valid in Cuba .

Officials in Cuba and in the US usually don’t ask many questions, so take a deep breath and get excited about traveling to Cuba !

A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Your Passport

You will need a full-sized passport to travel to Cuba . The Passport Card is not sufficient.

It’s wise to make sure your passport will not expire for at least six months after the return date of your trip to Cuba . Cuban officials do not enforce this rule, but some airlines do.

You might get a passport stamp entering or leaving Cuba, or you might not. Don’t worry about it unless you specifically want a stamp as a souvenir , in which case, if you don’t get one—ask!

Read on to find out about the other steps you must follow and regulations you should keep in mind when you plan a trip to Cuba with a US passport.

#1: Declare a Valid Travel Category

US travelers to Cuba must declare a travel category before departure. There are twelve categories to choose from and Americans can visit Cuba independently with most of them. (You can find a full outline in our guide to Everything You Need to Know About Cuba Travel .)

The bottom line is the travel category is self-declared. There’s no application process or physical license that travelers need to bring with them. Travelers declare their category during the online booking process for flights and lodging, and are bound by its rules on the honor system. Our local Cuban travel planners can help you choose the best travel category for your trip based on the activities you’d like to do in Cuba.

Read on: Can I Travel to Cuba? Here's What You Need to Know

How ViaHero Works

Choose a local

Message the local

Get a guidebook

#2: get a tourist card.

The Cuban government requires travelers from most countries , including the US, to have a Cuban Tourist Card (sometimes called a "visa") in order to enter the country. It’s easy to obtain one ahead of time online or through your airline itself (usually at the airport).

For detailed instructions on getting a tourist card, review our guide The Easiest Way to Get a Cuban Visa .

Or read step-by-step instructions on how to get a Tourist Card through specific airlines:

How to Get Your JetBlue Cuba Visa at the Airport

Get an American Airlines Cuban Visa Before Your Trip

Here’s the Deal with the Delta Cuba Visa Process

Snag a Southwest Cuban Visa Before Your Trip to Cuba

#3: Get Valid Health Insurance

Travelers to Cuba are required to have Cuban health insurance. Luckily, if you're flying from the US, 30 days of health insurance is already included in the purchase of your airline ticket, so there's nothing else you need to do to meet this requirement. This insurance provides access to Cuba's network of tourist clinics and hospitals, which are modern and offer care that is similar to anywhere else in the world.

If you're flying from outside of the US, the easiest way to get insurance is at the airport in Havana . There is a booth before customs where you can purchase a policy for just a few dollars per travel day. This requirement is often only loosely enforced, so you may pass through customs without having to purchase anything.

You can always choose to purchase additional travel insurance based on your needs.

Tip: Bring a printed copy of your flight information and/or other proof of health insurance just in case you need to use it.

#4: Prepare an itinerary

Creating an itinerary is the best way to demonstrate that you have a full-time schedule of approved activities within your travel category . Full-time is described as six hours per day on weekdays. If you’re visiting independent museums, talking with local artists in their galleries , or getting to know your casa particular hosts full-time, then you can spend Saturday afternoon at the beach without worrying.

Just like having a schedule at work helps you stay on track, an itinerary for Cuba can help you stay on track in your travel category.

Make it easy: ask a Hero to create a custom itinerary for you that fits your travel category.

#5: Don’t Spend Money Anywhere on the Restricted List

A list of restricted hotels and other Cuban government businesses was released on November 9, 2017, and applies to any American traveling to Cuba. It is maintained by the US State Department and lists organizations with connections to the Cuban military. Americans are not allowed to spend money at any business on this list. You cannot stay at any of these hotels, eat at any of these restaurants, or work with any of these travel companies.

Tip: Our expert local travel planners recommend excellent places to stay, eat, learn, and play that aren’t on this list and are also local favorites.

Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal

#6: Keep Your Receipts and Other Records

The U.S.-Cuba travel regulations state that the US government can ask you for receipts and records from your trip to Cuba for up to five years, so it's important to keep your itinerary, photos, and any other records from your trip on file in the extremely unlikely event you’re asked for them.

#7: Check The Latest COVID-19 News

Before you go anywhere these days, it's a good idea to check and see what kind of entry requirements your destination has for travelers. Today, Cuba is open for travel (even for Americans) regardless of vaccination status. Anyone traveling to Cuba just has to keep a couple of things in mind:

A health declaration form is required.

Travelers may be selected at random for COVID testing upon arrival.

Masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare settings.

Tip: Bring medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and cold medicine with you. They can be difficult to find in Cuba.

#8: Bring Cash

Debit and credit cards from American banks do not work in Cuba. That means you need to bring enough cash for your entire trip. Bring it in USD and exchange money when you arrive. You’ll get a better exchange rate if you don’t change money at the airport and most taxi drivers will accept payment in USD. Planning your itinerary in advance makes it easier to know how much money to bring with you.

Tip: If you’ve heard that there are two currencies in Cuba, this was true until 2021. Today, the only Cuban currency is the Cuban peso (CUP).

#9: Enjoy Your Trip

That’s all you have to do to travel to Cuba with a US passport. Figure out a few formalities in advance and keep your records, but otherwise, just enjoy getting to know the Cuban culture.

We know that this can all feel overwhelming. That's why we recommend talking with a local in Cuba .

Not only can they answer your questions on which boxes you need to check before your trip, but they can also help design an exciting, immersive itinerary in their home country. Get ready to learn to salsa dance, make your own cigars, go on guided nature walks, and taste Cuban rum.

Looking for more info?

And for more about travel to cuba: .

Connect with a Local to Plan Your Trip
Cuba Info for Americans
You Can Still Travel to Cuba: 2023 Update
New Cuba Travel Policy Updates

Simple Flying

How to fly to cuba from the usa: 5 top tips.

Flying to Cuba via the United States involves specific considerations. Here's what you need to know.

US citizens can travel to Cuba under 12 approved categories, excluding tourism.
Keep up with political changes affecting US-Cuba relations for smooth travel planning.
Respect Cuban customs, be aware of restrictions, and have necessary documentation.

Americans cannot visit Cuba for tourism due to the trade embargo under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of 1963 . However, since late 2016, when the first commercial flight to Cuba from the US in over 50 years took off, legal travel to Cuba is possible by complying with Cuban and US government regulations.

Among the US carriers currently flying to Cuba are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The country's flag carrier, Cubana de Aviación , does not fly to the US, but instead connects Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV) with Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Buenos Aires (EZE), and Caracas (CCS). Though it has become easier recently, traveling to Cuba from the US still requires careful planning. Here are five tips you should consider before starting your journey.

1 Understand US-Cuba Travel Restrictions

Us citizens need to qualify for a "general license" under one of 12 approved categories.

Travel to Cuba for tourist purposes is prohibited by US law , but exceptions exist through general licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These licenses cover 12 travel categories, including family visits, journalism, education, and humanitarian projects. Specific details on Cuba's sanctions regulations and the application for an OFAC license can be found on the Department of Treasury's website .

The most popular category currently is "support for the Cuban people," which requires travelers to engage in activities contributing to Cuba's local economy. This includes staying in locally run guesthouses, visiting Cuban-owned businesses, and participating in cultural activities.

In 2022, the US State Department announced measures to ease Cuba's travel restrictions for US citizens. It also planned to reinstate the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program and expand consular services for Cubans seeking to join their families in the US.

However, the State Department lists restricted entities associated with the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. The US Embassy does not process visa applications for Cuba, and U.S.-Cuban dual citizens should be aware of certain restrictions and obligations imposed by the Cuban government, including the requirement to use a Cuban passport when entering or departing Cuba.

Despite US Sanctions Cuba Has Never Been So Well Connected

2 consider people-to-people (p2p) exchanges, biden reinstated the general license category for p2p group travel to cuba in 2022.

In May 2022, the Biden Administration reinstated the general license category for People to People (P2P) group travel, which had been eliminated by the Trump Administration in 2019. However, individuals under US jurisdiction are prohibited from traveling to Cuba for "people-to-people" educational exchanges. Just group people-to-people travel for educational purposes is generally allowed, with certain conditions.

People-to-people travel requires a full-time schedule of activities that involve meaningful interaction with the Cuban people. Cuba Educational Travel is the premier People to People tour operator, organizing and conducting thousands of meaningful cultural exchanges for US travelers to Cuba over the last decade.

As of June 9, 2022, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has amended regulations to permit group people-to-people educational travel organized by US organizations promoting such exchanges, provided a representative of the sponsoring organization accompanies travelers. Authorized travel must involve activities intended to foster contact with Cuban people, support civil society, or promote independence from Cuban authorities and must result in meaningful interactions.

Cuba Travel Restrictions To Be Eased By The United States

3 obtain the necessary documentation, the cuban tourist card or visa can typically be obtained through your airline or a travel agency specializing in cuban travel.

Traveling to Cuba requires specific documentation, including a valid passport, a Cuban tourist card or visa, and health insurance coverage valid in Cuba. It's essential to arrange these documents well before your trip to ensure a smooth journey.

The Cuban tourist card or visa can typically be obtained through your airline or a travel agency specializing in Cuban travel. Health insurance coverage is often included in the cost of your airline ticket or can be purchased separately.

In January 2023, Cuba also implemented a new requirement for passengers traveling to the country to complete an online pre-arrival form called D'VIAJEROS , replacing the previous paper form. The form collects passport information, travel plans, customs declarations, and COVID-19 information. Once submitted, passengers receive a QR code for easy identification upon arrival. This system aims to streamline entry procedures and is mandatory for all passengers.

Similar electronic travel authorization systems exist in countries like the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and the EU's upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). The move aligns with global trends toward digitizing travel processes and enhancing border security.

World's Last Commercial Operator Of Ilyushin Il-96

4 stay updated on political developments, there hasn't been a clear trend in recent years, with different decisions contrasting with each other.

Given the evolving nature of US-Cuba relations, staying informed about any political developments or changes that may impact travel between the two countries is crucial.

In 2021, The US State Department, led by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo under the Trump administration, placed Cuba back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision reversed a move made during the Obama era toward normalization. Pompeo cited reasons such as Cuba's sheltering of US fugitives and Colombian rebels, as well as its support for Venezuela's regime.

Why The New US Travel Rules Are Bad News For Travellers From Cuba

A year later, under President Biden's administration, the White House eased some restrictions on Cuba, such as expanding US flights, reinstating a family reunification program, increasing visa processing, and removing the remittance cap for families.

However, in 2023, the US deported over one hundred Cuban nationals back to Cuba in the first deportation flight since the pandemic began. This decision followed a surge in Cuban arrivals at the southern US border, reaching nearly 221,000 in fiscal year 2022, since Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, with skyrocketing inflation, increasing food prices, and other expenses. Also, if Trump is reelected, there may be a return to more restricted travel policies.

5 Respect Local Customs and Regulations

Personal effects are allowed, but gifts exceeding $53.61 incur customs tax.

Cuba has unique customs and regulations that travelers should know before visiting. From respecting local traditions and customs to adhering to photography and internet access regulations, being respectful and mindful of your surroundings is very important. Additionally, travelers should be aware of restrictions on bringing certain items into Cuba, including electronics and medications, to avoid any issues at customs.

The Cuban customs system aims to protect citizens, industry, and the environment while combating illicit activities like smuggling and drug trafficking. Controls exist at entry and exit points, such as airports and ports. Visitors must have health insurance, a valid passport, a visa, a return ticket, and a lodging address upon entry. Personal effects are allowed, along with gifts up to 1287 CUP (Cuban Pesos) ($53.61); items exceeding this value incur customs tax.

A Brief History Of Cubana de Aviación

Prohibited items include drugs, weapons, pornography, and anything endangering citizens' safety. A customs declaration is required for permanent imports carrying over $5000. Upon departure, travelers can export cigars, cash, liquor, and cigarettes within specified limits. Artworks require documentation; with it, travelers can leave with them. An official seal is necessary for purchasing art items from the National Registry of Cultural Assets in Havana.

Have you ever been to Cuba? Which airline did you fly with? Let us know in the comments below.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Cuba Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 5, 2024, cuba - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime .

Country Summary: Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Travel outside of the Havana area for U.S. Embassy employees requires a special notification process which may affect the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Cuba.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cuba.

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad:

Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Cuba.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? It’s Complicated

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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Some Americans have seemingly been waiting an eternity to visit Cuba, the mysterious, off-limits island just 90 miles away. In recent years, some Cuba travel restrictions were briefly lifted—but many have since been reinstated. So can Americans travel to Cuba? The answer: Yes, but it’s complicated.

In April 2019, the Trump administration announced that it would be tightening restrictions on Cuba travel , and in June, clarified that cruises and people-to-people trips would be banned , effective June 5, 2019. However, “the government said it will allow anyone who has already paid for the trip to go ahead with it,” the Associated Press reported. “Commercial airline flights appear to be unaffected by the new measures and travel for university groups, academic research, journalism and professional meetings will continue to be allowed.”

What’s the Big Deal About Cuba?

Cuba is a country seemingly lost in time, with little commercialization compared to other parts of the Caribbean. Chrysler DeSotos and Ford Fairlanes do, in fact, ride down cobblestone streets that lead to historic buildings-turned-hotels. The island’s white sand beaches, sultry music, colorful artwork, and friendly faces only add to the appeal.

The year 2018 saw lower tourism numbers than hoped for by travel companies, airlines, and hotels. Nearly 81 percent of U.S.-Cuba tour operators who responded to a survey performed by the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) , a nonprofit research organization dedicated to increasing the positive global impact of responsible tourism, reported a decrease in U.S. travelers visiting Cuba during the first half of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017.

This is mainly due to safety concerns. In February 2018, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning in light of non-physical attacks on U.S. Embassy members in Havana, as well as damage from hurricanes. Currently, the State Department is recommending that travelers should exercise caution if traveling to Cuba. You can read more on the Department of State’s website .

Although early 2019 saw a spike in bookings and interest in Cuba, the Trump administration’s latest restrictions mean that the number of Americans visiting the country will likely drop.

How Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Americans’ travel intentions must fall under one of the following categories that are licensed by the U.S. government:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and/or meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
Certain authorized export transactions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects

Check the Treasury Department website for any updates on the allowed categories. Americans may not visit Cuba for “tourist activities” outside the above categories, so if you’re looking to spend a week on the beach, you’ll have to choose a different Caribbean island. While you don’t need to apply for a specific license for your trip, you must be able to offer proof that your journey fits into one of the above categories if it’s requested by the government.

In March 2016, President Obama announced that educational “people-to-people” trips did not need to be taken with a licensed group; instead, individuals would be able to take educational trips of their own design, without having to get permission from the government in advance. But in June 2017, President Trump announced a ban on individual people-to-people trips. In order to travel as an individual to Cuba in 2019, you must travel and meet the requirements under the “support for the Cuban people” category instead of “people-to-people.”

In June 2019, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that group people-to-people travel has also been prohibited , with one exception: “OFAC’s regulatory changes include a ‘grandfathering’ provision, which provides that certain group people-to-people educational travel that previously was authorized will continue to be authorized where the traveler had already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to June 5, 2019.”

U.S. travelers are forbidden from spending money on activities that benefit the business arm of the Cuban military, which runs many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You can view the list here .

President Trump has promised stricter enforcement of Cuba travel regulations, so American visitors should be careful to document their activities and be prepared for questioning upon returning to the U.S. Cuba travel records should be kept for at least five years after your trip and should include information on “meaningful interactions” with locals and more.

How Can I Fly to Cuba?

Regular commercial flights operate from various U.S. cities to Cuba. Airlines offering these flights include American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and Southwest. You can book these flights on airline websites and on Kayak.com. Travelers should keep an eye on the Treasury Department website for information and updates on the availability of commercial flights to Cuba.

Where Can I Stay in Cuba?

Many visitors choose to stay in casas particulares or private homes. The easiest way to find and book these is to check sites such as Airbnb.com , CubaBookingRoom.com , and MyCasaParticular.com . Keep in mind that the level of luxury can vary widely from one casa to another and that your host may not speak much English. For bigger groups of families or friends, it’s possible to rent out an entire colonial mansion.

However, there are plenty of new hotel openings happening in Havana and in beach areas like Trinidad. For example, Iberostar has 20 properties in Cuba and in 2019, there are more options than ever for those seeking higher-end properties and boutique accommodations. With this increased supply, nightly rates have flattened a little, according to Collin Laverty, President of Cuba Educational Travel.

If you are considering a hotel, don’t forget to check the list of Cuban government-run properties to avoid ; according to CREST, “the prohibition applies to ‘direct’ transactions. Therefore, payments through intermediaries such as tour operators are possible.”

Which Tour Companies Go to Cuba?

Group travel to Cuba under a general “people to people” license will no longer be permitted after June 5, 2019. “No new people-to-people group tours will be allowed, which is how the majority of Americans (who don’t have Cuban family) have been traveling to Cuba,” says Kendra Guild, Director of Product & Operations for smarTours , which ran numerous people-to-people group tours of Cuba during the time they were allowed. “Individuals will still be allowed to travel to Cuba, but they will have to be under a different category of travel, which can be more difficult to obtain. Other travel categories under the general license are more specific and limited in regards to who qualifies and what type of programming can be conducted.”

smarTours has one tour offering, Cuba Up Close , that involves homestays with local Cubans and is categorized under the “support for the Cuban people” clause instead of the people-to-people clause, and is therefore still open to American citizens despite the new restrictions.

Intrepid Travel offers Hola Cuba , a nine-day tour specifically designed for U.S. citizens that also falls under the “support for the Cuban people” category.

Do Any Cruise Ships Sail to Cuba?

Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas, Tauck, and more have all operated recent voyages to Cuba, but these trips were banned as of June 5, 2019. For more information, see SmarterTravel’s sister site, Cruise Critic .

In May 2015 the U.S. government approved the service of passenger ferries between Florida and Cuba, granting licenses to several companies, but no vessels have begun running as of yet. Stay up to date here and on the Treasury Department website .

What’s the Currency Situation in Cuba?

MasterCard and a Florida-based bank announced in November 2015 that their debit cards now work for purchases in Cuba , though ATM withdrawals are not yet possible. Most U.S. credit cards still won’t function in Cuba; many restaurants and stores don’t accept them, and ATMs won’t work here either, so it’s essential to travel with cash.

Cuba has two currencies, the peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC); tourists will receive the latter currency when they arrive and change money. Try to bring euros, pounds, or Canadian dollars rather than U.S. dollars if you can; there’s an additional 10 percent penalty for changing U.S. dollars. Money can be exchanged at airports, hotels, and exchange offices.

And if you’re wondering about tipping while traveling to Cuba, consider tipping five or 10 to 20 CUCs (or dollars) for good service.

What Is the Current Internet/Wi-Fi Situation?

Most major cell phone carriers now offer roaming in Cuba and many three- and four-star hotels have Wi-Fi. You’ll even find Wi-Fi in some public parks and areas. Download these two apps that have offline access in Cuba: AlaMesa, which is similar to Yelp ( iOS | Android ) and Maps.me ( iOS | Android ).

More from SmarterTravel:

What to Pack for the Caribbean: 35 Essentials
Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?
Cuba Travel Tips: What You Should Know Before You Go

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Amanda Geronikos Norcross, Ashley Rossi, and Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Where travel from the U.S. to Cuba stands

For Americans traveling to Cuba, the future looks less like jaunts to the Ernest Hemingway estate and cigar factories and more like visits to community youth programs and quality time with artisans who make cigar humidors. As a result of tighter restrictions on how Americans are allowed to spend their time in Cuba, meaningful, supportive interaction with locals is imperative.

After the Trump administration’s latest crackdown on travel to the island nation last month, tour companies are consulting lawyers, poring over scant federal guidance and tweaking their offerings to provide legal trips that can still appeal to a wide swath of U.S. citizens.

The new rules, announced June 4, eliminated the two most popular ways for Americans to get to Cuba since President Barack Obama eased restrictions in 2016: cruises and “people-to-people” group tours that merely required interaction with locals.

Americans can legally visit Cuba only under approved categories, and the bulk of those — including family visits, educational purposes, professional conferences and athletic competitions — come with detailed requirements. With people-to-people trips now off the table, that leaves one, all-purpose category: “support for the Cuban people.”

That leaves some big questions for travelers: What makes a trip supportive? What is off-limits? And what’s the best way to get there?

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“It’s been confusing, to say the least,” says Gus Maxwell, head of the Cuba practice at the law firm Akerman. “You have seen the elimination of a category overnight.”

The answers are tied up in a tangle of federal regulations that aren’t always clear, even to experts. And not every company is making the same changes as they adapt to the new category.

Commercial flights are still allowed, and people can either travel independently or with an organized group. But visitors must comply with the somewhat murky requirements set out by the Treasury Department, keep careful track of their activities and hold onto their records for five years.

Anyone who booked a people-to-people trip before the new changes went into effect can still travel under that category, though cruises ended immediately. Pure tourism (such as a beach vacation) is prohibited, as it has been for decades.

Staying at a private home and eating at privately owned restaurants go some (but not all) of the way to meeting the latest requirements, and in some cases, staying at a hotel would be allowed. No one is permitted to stay, shop or do business with companies on the government’s list of restricted entities — which includes many hotels — that are affiliated with the Cuban military. Tour companies are familiar with which hotels, restaurants and stores keep U.S. tourists within the guidelines.

According to federal authorities — specifically, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control — individuals and organizations can travel under the support-for-the-Cuban-people category. To stick to the rules, they must have a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with locals, support civil society in Cuba, result in meaningful interaction with residents or promote independence from Cuban authorities.

The department lays out some scenarios that would fall within the law: staying in a room at a private home while engaging with the host; eating at privately owned restaurants; shopping at private stores run by locals; and supporting entrepreneurs who are launching their own businesses.

Under another example, a group of people volunteering with a nongovernmental organization to build a school for local children would also be compliant. They would even be fine to rent bikes to explore and visit an art museum in their downtime.

The government also provided an example of what is not allowed: staying at a hotel and renting a bike to explore neighborhoods and beaches with brief exchanges with beach vendors. “None of these activities promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba,” the regulations say.

“It’s not really like it’s purely black-and-white; there’s a lot of gray,” says James Williams, president of the advocacy coalition Engage Cuba. “I think you have to err on the side of caution.”

What the new Cuba travel restrictions mean for tourists

Collin Laverty, founder of Cuba Educational Travel, said the category of “support” is similar to the old people-to-people one but goes further than just visiting and interacting with people on the ground.

“You have to kind of prove how you’re helping them and supporting them,” he says. “So there’s ... more of a ‘doing’ component and a little bit more of a deliverable.”

His company offered several categories of travel before the latest changes were announced but is now tweaking itineraries that fell under the people-to-people category to meet the new requirement.

He said that under a people-to-people trip, a group might have gone to a dance school and watched a performance and done a walking tour with an architect. Under the new requirements, they might bring donations for the dance school or artist, have conversations about how they could improve their operations and connect them with U.S. resources. Instead of just an architecture tour, visitors might go to private homes, hear from families about their living conditions and offer donations.

“Not everyone wants to go and do a volunteer vacation,” Laverty says. “It’s kind of like trying to figure out how to support people without making it overbearing — and having fun.”

Tom Popper, president of InsightCuba, said his company operated the bulk of its tours under the people-to-people category but has adjusted activities to comply with the updated rules. He said about 15 to 20 percent of the programming has been changed.

Instead of going to cigar factories, Popper said, the company will bring travelers to meet with craftspeople who make humidors. Rather than going to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana, groups will visit an artists’ studio cooperative that has a focus on promoting art by vulnerable social groups.

Although, Popper said, some tour operators might still find ways to include famous spots such as Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s house, InsightCuba will leave it off the schedule, along with the Che Guevara memorial and famous cemeteries. Instead, the company will facilitate private meetings with university students and young entrepreneurs, a visit to an organic farm and restaurant that provides programs for youths and time with a community ballet company.

“We took out anything that, under the new rules, might be questionable and just found a superior replacement,” he says.

Even some companies that didn’t have to change much of their programming are scrambling.

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“The biggest effect is in the minds of the U.S. traveler,” says David Lee, founder of Cultural Cuba, which provided custom trips under the “support for the Cuban people” category. “I read articles where ‘ban on travel to Cuba’ was the headline. Some people don’t even read past headlines. That sounds like ‘Well, Cuba’s done, can’t go to Cuba anymore.’”

What followed has been, as Lee put it, “a period of reeducation” — another one, after the Trump administration clamped down on travel in 2017.

The immediate ban of cruise ships last month has resulted in far fewer travelers on the ground in Cuba; according to Cruise Lines International Association , the sudden change hit nearly 800,000 bookings that were scheduled or underway at the time.

But business isn’t necessarily drying up for tour companies. After the administration warned in April that it was putting more travel restrictions into effect, some travelers were motivated to make plans right away.

“That was when people who had Cuba on their list were, like, ‘Oh, my God, I’ve got to book it right now, I’m grandfathered in,’” Lee says. “That created a really big rush."

Laverty said a number of cruise travelers who had signed up for private excursions with the company have now booked land vacations after their cruises had to lose the Cuba stop.

Popper believes that while the overall market for American travel to Cuba will shrink without cruises, tour operators will get some of the business from those who would have otherwise taken a cruise.

And, he says, there is still a silver lining: “Amidst all of these different changes and negative headlines really since June of 2017, the good news is, any American can still legally travel to Cuba, and it’s still easier than it was back in 2014.”

We’re in the age of the overtourist. You can avoid being one of them.

Trump administration ends group travel to Cuba by Americans

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This topic comes up regularly

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g147275-i99-k14705886-Advice_please_American_travelling_to_Cuba_for_first_time-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html

You can go as a tourist, it's just not called that. When you buy your visa and fill it out, you choose Support For The Cuban People. You might also "hear" you need an itinerary...you don't.

Ok thanks for the information

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GOBankingRates

7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Last updated: June 28, 2023

<p>Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/saving-money/travel/?utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss">Travel abroad</a> can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.</p> <p><strong><em>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/cities-plenty-jobs-cheap-housing/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing</a><br>Find: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/how-to-build-a-financial-plan-from-zero-1705027/?utm_source=msn.com&utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="">How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero</a></em></strong></p> <p>However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/spring-vacation-planning-most-affordable-countries-to-visit-travel-insurance-factors/?utm_term=incontent_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss" rel="">countries for Americans to visit</a> right now -- like these seven.</p>

Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. Travel abroad can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.

See: 10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing Find: How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero

However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable countries for Americans to visit right now -- like these seven.

<ul> <li><strong>Cost-of-living index:</strong> 36.39</li> <li><strong>Purchasing power index:</strong> 29.56</li> <li><strong>Grocery cost index:</strong> 28.39</li> <li><strong>Healthcare quality index:</strong> 53.05</li> <li><strong>Safety index:</strong> 60.48</li> <li><strong>Peacefulness index rank:</strong> 51</li> <li><strong>Average annual temperature:</strong> 59.0</li> </ul>

Charles Neville, with JayWay Travel , a specialist European custom tour provider, recommends Albania for food lovers.

He says, "Expect exceptional local produce and abundant fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, combined with hearty traditional meat dishes, and more-than-decent local wine. Hotels work out to less than half what you'd pay for an equivalent property in western Europe."

Alex Gillard, the founder of Nomad Nature Travel , also raves about Albania, calling it "a great, relatively undiscovered country to visit as an American tourist."

He adds, "Depending on the season, you can get a 500 to 600 dollar round-trip flight. I've spent months in Albania and it is very safe, the food is an affordable and incredible mix of Greek, Italian and local fare, and you can rent a car and get around their beautiful country for very cheap."

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<p>Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, <a href="http://wander-argentina.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wander Argentina</a> recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.</p> <p>"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.</p> <p>He calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." He recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.</p> <p>Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."</p>

Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, Wander Argentina recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.

"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.

She calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." She recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."

Andy Turlington, owner and travel advisor at Wildest Dreams Bookings in North Carolina, recommends Cuba, which is a short flight from Florida -- only about 100 miles from Key West.

"Cuba [has] interesting architecture, and the cars are a step back in time. Hotels in Havana start at about 50 U.S. dollars per night, but they have an Airbnb equivalent called 'Casa Particulars,' and many of them can be had for roughly 30 U.S. dollars per night."

<p>"Cuenca, Ecuador is a great, affordable, and interesting place to live, especially if you want to practice Spanish," said <a href="http://intentionaltravelers.com" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Chang</a>, an entrepreneur and travel blogger. "It's also not so exciting as to be distracting from getting work done."</p> <p>Living on a shoestring budget is easy in Cuenca. </p> <p>"Ecuador uses the US dollar, but the cost of living is less than half and so far, their inflation rate has remained below ours," Chang said.</p>

This South American country is also extremely affordable. Turlington says, "You can easily get by in this country on about 30 to 50 U.S. dollars a day."

He especially recommends the capital city of Quito, where meals can usually be had for less than five U.S. dollars. Additionally, a taxi will cost about two dollars "to pretty much anywhere," and the bus costs about 35 cents. "Hotels can easily be had for less than 35 U.S. dollars a night, and for the ultra-cheap, they have plenty of hostels as well for about 10 U.S. dollars."

<p>A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog <a href="https://www.halfhalftravel.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">HalfHalfTravel.com</a>. "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."</p> <p>Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."</p> <p>An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."</p>

A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog HalfHalfTravel.com . "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."

Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."

An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."

South Africa

Todd Sarouhan, owner of Go Visit San Diego and Go Visit Costa Rica, recommends Cape Town, South Africa for an affordable travel experience.

He says, "The most affordable countries are the ones where the exchange rate is in favor of the US Dollar. Cape Town is no stranger to being voted the best city in the world, the last time and for the seventh time running in 2019. Cape Town is a coastal gem, lying in the shadow of a cloud-hugged mountain where wine flows, penguins waddle and there's always something to do."

<p>While everyone has fantasies about retiring at age 40 or 50, the reality is that few people can afford this luxury, thanks in part to longer life expectancies. No matter how large your nest egg might be — or how frugal your lifestyle — retiring too early can ruin your well-laid financial plans and affect your quality of life down the line.</p>

Turkey is a great option for tourists wanting to go to Europe, Turlington says. "The lira has been greatly depreciated over the last 2 years or so, making Turkey a bargain hunter's paradise."

Istanbul offers some incredible cuisine, and plenty of historical locations and different architecture and religious sites. Istanbul has copious amounts of good hotels in the 50 US Dollar range as well. Armenia and Georgia are also lower cost options in this area of Europe.

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IMAGES

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? A Decoded Guide (2021 Edition)
US Travel To Cuba: Complete Guide (Plus Restrictions For 2020)
YES, Americans Can Travel to Cuba... Here's How!
Can Americans travel to Cuba? I did. Here's how. [2023 Update
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VIDEO

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Next Trip Begins

COMMENTS

Can Americans Travel To Cuba? [2024 Legal Travel Guide]
American Travel to Cuba. The short answer to the question "can Americans travel to Cuba" is YES, American citizens can travel to Cuba. Non-U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently (no need for a group trip or guided trip ...
Is it Legal for U.S. Citizens to Travel to Cuba?
U.S. law states that those who want to go to Cuba need to qualify for a "general license" based on one of 12 approved categories. The 12 categories currently authorized by U.S. government, for travel to Cuba are: Family visits. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations.
The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022
The 12 categories of travel licenses for US citizens. US law states that US citizens can only travel to Cuba on a 'general license' based on one of 12 different approved categories, which include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances and exhibitions, and the vague sounding 'support for the Cuban people.'Licenses are self-qualifying (there's no long ...
Yes, Americans Can Travel to Cuba … & You Absolutely Should
Here's a brief look at everything you need to know about traveling to Cuba as an American. An Official Reason (i.e. "Support for the Cuban People") There are 12 allowable reasons to travel to Cuba as an American, and "tourism" isn't one of them. Instead, use the catch-all "Support for the Cuban People."
Cuba International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Traveling to Cuba as a US Citizen: 2024 Guide
In short, yes, it is possible for Americans to visit Cuba. However, the country still remains off limits for tourist activities. This means U.S citizens currently cannot visit Cuba when the sole purpose of their trip is to sightsee, go to the beach, and explore. In 2024, Americans that wish to travel to Cuba must fall into one of the 12 ...
Thought you couldn't legally tour Cuba as an American? You can ...
Despite recent restrictions imposed by the US government, Americans can travel to Cuba if their trips falls into one of 12 categories, including "Support for the Cuban People."
Biden's new Cuba policy creates more options for U.S. travel
7 min. Americans who want to travel legally to Cuba will have more options after the Biden administration announced it was undoing some of the restrictions President Donald Trump imposed before ...
What Americans need to know about traveling to Cuba
Making sense of the new travel policies and rules. This year, Cuba ranked as the top trending destination in the 2023 Travelers' Choice awards, meaning Cuba-focused pages on Tripadvisor are seeing an increase in year-over-year activity. But having swung back and forth throughout the last three American presidencies, the rules about visiting ...
Entry to Cuba: Visas & Travel Requirements · Visit Cuba
For Latin American citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. You'll also need to obtain a tourist visa or tourist card for your trip. This can be processed at tourism agencies or airlines, which usually handle its issuance. The visa is generally issued for about 90 days and can then be extended.
How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American
Using the Havana Embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Havana reopened in August 2015, as full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States have been restored. Although the relationship is now strained thanks to the Trump administration, this embassy will still help American citizens in Cuba in a variety of different ways.
How Americans Can Finally Visit Cuba: A Step-by-Step Guide
Paid consular fee (bank transfer) Self-addressed, stamped envelope. You can also apply on the Consular Services website or by contacting the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. at this address or phone number: Embassy of the Republic of Cuba: 2630 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. Phone: (202) 797 8518 - Ext. 600.
Travel Advisory: U. S. Embassy Havana, Cuba
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for country-specific information related to COVID-19. Check with airlines, transportation providers, and destination countries for how COVID testing and vaccine requirements might impact travel. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Havana, Cuba 55 Calzada, La Habana, Cuba +(53) (7) 839-4100
Rules for visiting Cuba: Clearing up the confusion
All U.S. suppliers providing Cuba travel services, whether a travel agency or an online booking engine, currently require American travelers who fall within the 12 pre-authorized categories to ...
Beyond the Ban: A Guide to Americans Visiting Cuba in 2024.
The simple answer is yes. It's perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. Americans can't go to Cuba for tourism thanks to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of July 8, 1963, which imposed a trade embargo on the island.. However, you can travel legally to Cuba if you comply with certain Cuban and US government regulations.
The Complete Guide to Traveling to Cuba as an American
The Cuban Tourist Card. Traveling to Cuba as an American requires a Cuban Tourist Card (the equivalent of a visa). This can be ordered in advance and they do overnight shipping. Or you can get it right at the gate, with the "Cuba Ready" tourist card stand popping up an hour before boarding.
Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2024 Rules
US travelers to Cuba must declare a travel category before departure. There are twelve categories to choose from and Americans can visit Cuba independently with most of them. (You can find a full outline in our guide to Everything You Need to Know About Cuba Travel.). The bottom line is the travel category is self-declared. There's no application process or physical license that travelers ...
How To Fly To Cuba From The USA: 5 Top Tips
US citizens can travel to Cuba under 12 approved categories, excluding tourism. Keep up with political changes affecting US-Cuba relations for smooth travel planning. Respect Cuban customs, be aware of restrictions, and have necessary documentation. Americans cannot visit Cuba for tourism due to the trade embargo under the Cuban Assets Control ...
Cuba Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. January 5, 2024. Cuba - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. C. Reissued with updates to crime information. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime. Country Summary: Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.
Can Americans Travel to Cuba? It's Complicated
So can Americans travel to Cuba? The answer: Yes, but it's complicated. In April 2019, the Trump administration announced that it would be tightening restrictions on Cuba travel, and in June ...
Can Americans travel to Cuba? Yes, but it's complicated.
July 1, 2019 at 11:29 a.m. EDT. (Washington Post illustration; iStock; Unsplash) For Americans traveling to Cuba, the future looks less like jaunts to the Ernest Hemingway estate and cigar ...
Can Americans Travel to Cuba on a Cruise Ship?
Can Americans Buy Cuban Cigars And Rum Legally Now? According to the U.S. Treasury, which has published a regularly-updated FAQ: "Persons authorized to travel to Cuba may purchase alcohol and ...
What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba
Cuba is just 103 miles from the tip of Florida making it the ideal winter getaway for sun-seeking Americans. However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of ...
Cuba Forum
Reply to: Tourist travel to Cuba as an American. Your message. Read our community guidelines. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Preview. Cuba forums . Cuba forums . All forums . Get answers to your questions about Cuba . Ask a question Recent Conversations.
Tourist travel to Cuba as an American
Tourist travel to Cuba as an American 23:03; Train travel 22:06; Trip report - 12 days, Havana, Vinales, Trinidad, Playa Larg 19:51; How is this possible 19:26; Banco Central de Cuba - Tipo de Cambio 19:03; Pride events 16:18; Plaza Las Americas - Grocery Store Selection? 16:14; Looking for a taxi company to Trinidad on 27 Apr yesterday ...
10 Countries Where AMERICANS Are Not Welcome Right NOW
While relations between the US and Cuba have improved over the years, travel restrictions persist due to the US embargo against Cuba, known as El Bloqueo. Americans can visit under authorized ...
10 Countries Americans CAN'T Travel To Easily
Travel Advisory: 15 Countries Americans Should Not Travel To Exploring the world is an enriching experience, but not every country matches American travelers due to crime, civil unrest, or terrorism.
American Airlines Is Once Again Changing How Fliers Can Earn Rewards
American Airlines will soon reward travelers for booking trips only when they do so through American itself or its preferred channels. Starting in July, travelers will only receive Loyalty Points ...
7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist
Andy Turlington, owner and travel advisor at Wildest Dreams Bookings in North Carolina, recommends Cuba, which is a short flight from Florida -- only about 100 miles from Key West. "Cuba [has ...

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? [2024 Legal Cuba Travel Guide]

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