can american travel to cuba 2023

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

• Currency in Cuba: A Local’s Guide for Travelers
• How to Get Wifi in Cuba [Updated!]
• Is Cuba Safe? Updated Cuba Safety Guide
• Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide – A Local’s Advice for Travelers

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).

Read More: Accommodation Guides in Cuba

• What is a Casa Particular Guest House in Cuba?
• Where To Stay in Havana, Cuba
• 10+ Best Resorts in Cuba
• 16+ Best Hotels in Cuba

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.

Read More: Financial Restrictions in Cuba

• The Ultimate Guide to Currency in Cuba
• Budget Your Trip: How Much Money To Plan To Bring 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

Read More: Internet in Cuba

• Guide to Using the Internet + Getting Wifi in Cuba
• Best VPN For Cuba ( + How to Use a VPN in Cuba)

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.

Read More: Is Cuba Safe for Americans?

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.

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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 Cuba can be confusing, and it can be hard to keep them straight. Here’s what U.S. travelers need to know about planning a trip there now.

How has travel to Cuba changed in recent years?

American tourism on Cuba has been limited for decades, but in 2016, former President Barack Obama propped the door open, allowing everyday Americans to plan "people-to-people" trips—trips to visit with Cubans and learn about Cuban culture—on their own. (Previously, travelers could only visit with approved tour operators.) After decades of pause, cruises and commercial flights also resumed service to Cuba in 2016.

The following year, former President Donald Trump reversed that policy , eliminating the people-to-people option and organized group travel; banning cruises; and prohibiting U.S. airlines from flying into any other Cuban city besides Havana. Trump did, however, leave the door open for travel under the broad banner of "Support for the Cuban People," which, per The Washington Post , "required more direct aid to locals on the ground."

In 2022, President Joe Biden announced plans to resume people-to-people group travel in Cuba in a new capacity, though concrete details have yet to be released. (Individual travel is still restricted.) Biden also greenlit commercial flights to Cuban cities other than Havana to resume (though cruises are still banned).

What about now? Can Americans actually go to Cuba?

Yes. But not in typical tourist fashion, meaning you can’t fly to a beach resort and flop down the way you can in other Caribbean countries. But per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba for a dozen state-sanctioned purposes, including family visits, journalistic activity, educational or religious activities, humanitarian projects, and Support for the Cuban People. It’s precisely that last banner under which many Americans travel to Cuba, and those types of trips must have a full-time schedule of activities sponsored by human-rights organizations or other organizations that promote democracy and/or civil society in some way. The activities must "[e]nhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities," per the CFR . Again: no lazy days on the beach.

Rules put in place by the U.S. government prohibit Americans from interacting with businesses owned by or affiliated with the Cuban government; to do so would be a violation of a decades-old trade embargo. That makes many hotels—which, in Cuba, are largely government-owned or government-affiliated—off limits (you can find the list of banned hotels on OFAC's restricted entities list ).

Instead, Americans are required to stay in casa particulares , civilian-owned, guesthouse-like private residences, dine at privately owned restaurants ( paladares ), and shop at privately owned stores owned by non-state-affiliated proprietors ( cuentapropistas ).

Which visa or documents do I need to travel to Cuba?

Cuba requires that all visitors have a visa before arrival. If you're visiting under the "Support for the Cuban People" category, you will need a tourist visa—also known as a tourist card—which grants up to a 30-day stay. (The visa options are listed out on the Embassy of Cuba website .)

The most common way to acquire a tourist visa is through your airline; you can purchase visas (usually between $50 and $85) at the airport before the flight. Because policies vary, be sure to confirm the details before your trip. You can also purchase Cuban tourist visas online through third-party companies or in-person at some Cuban consulates (call ahead to find out whether the nearest consulate offers them). Keep in mind: You will need to prove, typically in the form of a return plane ticket, that you’re planning on exiting Cuba before the visa expires.

Cuba also requires travelers to purchase non-U.S. health insurance, which is typically provided by your airline and included in the airfare. Otherwise, you can purchase it at the airport upon arrival in Cuba. Because of the pandemic, you must also fill out a health declaration form .

All of these rules can change quickly—and sometimes without warning—so it’s important to confirm policy specifics with the Embassy of Cuba before your trip.

On the U.S. side of the equation, there is no paperwork and you don't need to apply for a special license if you plan to travel to Cuba under one of the 12 approved categories. But you must carry an itinerary with you at all times that proves the purpose of your visit. You must also retain documentation of every transaction you make in Cuba for five years after your visit, which you may have to provide to OFAC if requested. Because these rules can change at any point, confirm them with the U.S. Department of State and OFAC before your trip.

Which US airlines fly to Cuba?

In June 2022, Biden opened air travel to other Cuban cities besides Havana , including the beach-resort town of Varadero and historic city of Santiago de Cuba. Today, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all run flights to Cuba from the U.S. Gateway cities with nonstop flights include several Florida cities, including Miami, as well as Houston and New York City.

What about currency and connectivity in Cuba?

• There is Internet in Cuba, but it's widely known to be limited and slow. You will likely have to pay by the minute, and prices vary.
• Many U.S.–based cell phone providers offer roaming coverage in Cuba, but check with your specific provider.
• Credit and debit cards issued by American banks are not widely accepted in Cuba, and many businesses may not have an infrastructure to support international transactions, so you should bring cash and exchange it upon arrival at the airport, a bank, or a casa de cambio (CADECA) exchange house.
• The only currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP). The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) ended circulation in 2021. That said, many businesses accept euros.

What else about Cuba should travelers be aware of?

In July 2021, during an extreme economic crisis, Cubans staged public demonstrations, protesting their lack of access to essentials like food, medicine, and electricity, as well Covid-19 restrictions. The government retaliated by detaining hundreds of protestors, some 700 of which were still imprisoned a year later . Protests continue to flare up, even as recently as this fall .

According to Human Rights Watch , "The Cuban government continues to repress and punish virtually all forms of dissent and public criticism. At the same time, Cubans continue to endure a dire economic crisis, which impacts their social and economic rights."

Given these circumstances, Cuba is facing the largest migration crisis in the country's history. In 2022, some 250,000 Cubans —a full 2 percent of the country's total population—left the country for the U.S., marking the largest exodus since the 1959 Cuban Revolution. As of this month, the United States has restarted visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba and plans to issue 20,000 visas to Cubans a year. Follow updates from the Department of State to be aware of the latest travel advisories .

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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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.

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.

How Americans Can Finally Visit Cuba: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Author Debra Carpenter  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Debra Carpenter is a Nashville-based editor and content creator. Having written for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for writing about travel to the masses... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

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Wondering how Americans can travel to Cuba right now? Find out the 12 valid reasons for Cuban travel and see what documents you’ll need to go in this guide. 

Are Americans Allowed to Travel to Cuba?

• Americans are allowed to visit Cuba under certain licenses
• General tourism to Cuba is not allowed
• You still need a Cuban visa if you meet the license requirements

Are Americans allowed to go to Cuba right now? The short answer is yes, but only if you fall under certain criteria for your visit.

There are lots of rules and regulations that determine exactly who is allowed to visit Cuba and for what reasons. Not everyone will meet these criteria. 

If your trip does fall under one of the 12 approved categories, you’ll still need to obtain a Cuban visa in order to enter the country legally. 

General American tourism to Cuba is not allowed right now. You need to have a different reason to visit Cuba, like visiting family or humanitarian efforts. 

We’ll outline the 12 different reasons you may be allowed to travel to Cuba in more detail in the next section.

Here’s How Americans Can Travel to Cuba

YU_M/Shutterstock

Americans can travel to Cuba  – but only when they have a valid reason outlined by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for the trip and if they have a valid Cuban visa. 

While it might seem like visiting to tour the country is a good enough reason to go, the U.S. Department of State doesn’t authorize travel to Cuba for tourism right now. 

” Travel [to Cuba] for tourist activities is not permitted.” – U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control

There are currently 12 general licenses Americans can travel to Cuba under without needing to apply for any additional licenses or approvals. 

The 12 general license categories for American travel to Cuba are:

• Family visits
• Official government business
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research and meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public performances, competitions, and workshops
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian projects
• Private foundation or educational institute research
• Informational material imports, exports, or transmission
• Certain authorized export transactions

If your trip doesn’t fall under one or more of these general license categories, you won’t be eligible for the general licensing and will need to either apply for an additional license from OFAC or hit pause on your trip to Cuba. 

How to Get a Cuban Visa

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If your trip does fall under one of the 12 general licensing categories, you’ll also need to obtain a Cuban visa before you travel to Cuba.

A Cuban visa is sometimes called a tourist card. It approves a one-time entry and up to a 30-day stay (you can extend by 30 days once you reach your hotel if needed) in Cuba.

You won’t be allowed into the country without one. 

To get a Cuban visa, you’ll need the following documents directly from the consulate:

• Valid passport
• Plane ticket with arrival and return date
• Consular fee paid in full (cash or bank transfer)

To get a Cuban visa through the mail, you’ll need the following documents:

• Photocopy of your valid passport
• Photocopy of your flight ticket (showing date of entry and return)
• 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

You can’t apply for a Cuban visa through the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba or through the U.S. Department of State. 

12 Reasons Americans Can Travel to Cuba

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Let’s take a closer look at each one of these 12 general license categories to get a better idea of what’s included under each one. 

1. Family Visits

You can travel to Cuba if it’s for a family visit. Family is considered anyone who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption and is no more than 3 generations removed from you. 

You might travel to Cuba to visit a relative who is a Cuban citizen or resides in Cuba. You can also travel when accompanying another relative who lives in or is traveling to Cuba. 

2. Official Government Business

You can go to Cuba if the trip involves official business of the U.S. government, a foreign government, or certain intergovernmental organizations. 

Your government organization or office will be able to offer advice on any additional licensing you may need for your trip if it applies. 

3. Journalistic Activity

Full-time and freelance journalists, broadcasters, and supporting technical personnel may travel to Cuba as long as the work is considered full-time. 

The OFAC notes that excess recreation or free time is not allowed. If you’re part of a journalist or broadcasting team, everyone in the group must meet these full-time requirements. 

4. Professional Research and Meetings

Taking part in professional research or meetings related to your profession or area of expertise is a valid reason to travel to Cuba. 

You may also travel to Cuba to attend or organize a professional conference or meeting in Cuba since the OFAC amended their rules in June 2022. 

5. Educational Activities

You can travel to Cuba for educational activities, which can include U.S. school faculty, staff, and students who are engaging in educational activities in Cuba. 

Field trips, study abroad programs, and foreign exchange students may fall under this category. If the time spent in Cuba will be longer than 30-60 days, you may need a different visa. 

Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

6. Religious Activities

You may travel to Cuba for religious activities that occur in the country. You can travel as part of a religious organization as a member or staff member.

 This can include missionary work, attending or holding religious services in Cuba, and volunteering with a religious organization. The religious activities must be consistent with a full-time schedule. 

7. Public Performances, Competitions, and Workshops

There has been a general license in place for people holding, participating in, or marketing public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions (athletic and non-athletic), and exhibitions. 

However, the general authorization was removed in September 2020 and now requires specific licenses issued on a case-by-case basis for trips to Cuba for these purposes. 

8. Support for the Cuban People

You can travel to Cuba if the purpose of your trip is providing support for the Cuban people. This is a broad category, but there are certain activities that fall under it. 

Working with recognized human rights organizations, organizations whose purpose is promoting a peaceful shift to democracy in Cuba, and promoting independent activity meant to strengthen Cuba’s civil society or encourage the people’s independence from Cuban authorities are approved reasons to visit under this category. 

9. Humanitarian Projects

Taking part in humanitarian projects is an approved reason to travel to Cuba for Americans. The humanitarian projects need to fall under specific categories to be considered a valid reason for entry. 

Medical and health, construction, disaster preparation and response, historical preservation, environmental, community, agricultural, rural development, micro financing (except loans and credit), and basic human needs projects are valid reasons to visit Cuba. 

Offering educational training on business, journalism, advocacy, literacy for adults, and job skills are also permitted reasons to visit Cuba under this license category. 

Members of Caritas participates on the relief of Havana, Cuba after Hurricane Irma in 2017/Kako Escalona/Shutterstock

10. Private Foundation or Educational Institute Research 

Working with a private foundation or educational institute to research or collect information on Cuba and its citizens is one reason Americans can travel to Cuba. 

International relations must be the reason for the research, not commercial purposes (like collecting audience demographics and research for a company). 

11. Informational Material Imports, Exports, or Transmission

Americans may visit Cuba for the purposes of importing, exporting, or transmitting information. It’s another broad category, but there are limitations to consider. 

Professional media and art productions like filming or producing media programs (movies and TV shows), recording music, and creating artwork in Cuba is allowed as long as you have professional experience in the field. 

12. Certain Authorized Export Transactions

This category is pretty vague, and the OFAC doesn’t offer any additional information on what exactly the specific authorized export transactions may be. 

Export transactions are contracts for selling services, goods, or raw materials that are to be shipped to or provided in Cuba. You’ll want to contact the OFAC to see if your trip purpose may fall under this category if you plan to export products or services to Cuba. 

More Things to Consider

Oksana Rossi/Shutterstock

We’ve covered everything you need to know to see if you’re eligible to travel to Cuba, plus the documents and licenses you might need. 

What else should you keep in mind to help you trip to Cuba go as smoothly as possible?

• If you meet any of the 12 categories, you’re good to go. The Office of Foreign Assets Control says “no further permission from OFAC is required” if you meet all criteria for at least one general license to travel to Cuba. You won’t need to make a written request or apply for additional licenses if you meet the criteria for one of the 12 general licenses. 
• If you don’t qualify for a general license, you can apply for one. The OFAC allows you to apply for specific licenses if your travel doesn’t fall under one of the 12 approved general license categories. Note that tourism is not a valid reason for travel and there’s no license you can get to approve tourism travel.
• Don’t try to sneak tourism into the trip. Most general license categories require you to maintain a full-time schedule doing what your trip is centered around – visiting family, professional research, etc. Don’t think that you can do a day or two of work or intended activities and tour the country the rest of the trip – stick with your full-time schedule, but you can always try restaurants, swim, dance, drink, and shop in the evenings. 
• You can buy your tickets directly from a U.S. airline. As long as you’re authorized to travel under one of the general categories, you can buy your flight ticket from a U.S.-based airline. They’ll keep records of your Cuban flight purchase for 5 years, minimum.
• There’s no spending limit while you’re in Cuba. The U.S. government doesn’t set a dollar limit on how much you can spend while in Cuba, but it does want to ensure that your expenses are typical and only cover what’s required (like living expenses or purchase of goods for personal consumption while you’re there).
• You can’t bring home Cuban cigars. It’s been a trope in pop culture for years, but it’s worth mentioning that Cuban cigars (and alcohol) are illegal to bring back into the United States. If the products are of Cuban origin, use them while you’re in Cuba and don’t try to bring them into the states. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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A lot of questions surround how Americans can travel to Cuba. Take a look at the most frequently asked questions on the topic to learn more. 

Can Americans travel to Cuba in 2023?

Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba right now as long as the purpose of the trip falls under one of the 12 general licenses. Trips to Cuba for tourism are not currently allowed.

The 12 categories are listed above in this guide and range from educational and religious activities to visiting family or exporting goods and services.

What are the requirements for US citizens to enter Cuba?

U.S. citizens who want to enter Cuba must be visiting for one of 12 approved reasons and obtain a Cuban tourist visa that is valid for 30 days. A valid passport is required to obtain the visa.

U.S. citizens may not currently enter Cuba for tourism purposes. Instead, you must be there to participate full-time in one of the 12 approved trip categories.

Can Americans go to resorts in Cuba?

Right now, visiting all-inclusive beach resorts in Cuba is prohibited as it falls under general tourism. Americans can't stay in hotels or resorts owned by the Cuban government, either.

Americans must stay in private-owned hotels and resorts if their purpose for visiting Cuba meets the guidelines of one of the 12 general licenses.

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?

The short answer is that the U.S. government doesn't want American citizens supporting the Cuban government through tourism dollars. The only approved reasons to visit are for non-tourism purposes that won't directly support the Cuban government.

When could Americans start going to Cuba?

There's no definitive answer on when Americans could start going to Cuba without restrictions on the reason for travel. If relations between the two countries improved substantially, the travel restrictions could be lifted.

Until then, Americans can visit if their trip falls under one of the 12 general license categories for approved Cuban travel.

So, How Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Learning how Americans can travel to Cuba will ensure that you don’t plan a trip outside of the current laws and regulations on Cuban travel. 

While you can’t visit Cuba strictly as a tourist, there are 12 approved reasons to visit the country as an American. 

These categories include family visits, government business, journalism, professional research, educational and religious activities, performances and competitions (may need additional licensing).

Other reasons to visit Cuba are supporting the Cuban people, humanitarian projects, research for private foundations or educational institutions, informational material transmission or import/export, and some export transactions. 

As long as your trip falls under one or more of these general license categories, you will be able to visit Cuba for up to 30 days (with a possible 30-day extension after arriving). 

Just make sure to apply for and obtain a Cuban visa for tourists through the channels linked and listed above in our guide. Happy travels!

When to Go: Is Cuba Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Concerns The Best & Worst Times to Visit Cuba in 2024 (Expert Opinion) What It Costs: What a Trip to Cuba Costs in 2024 | Average Prices

Can Americans travel to Cuba? I did. Here’s how. [2023 Update]

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Can Americans travel to Cuba? They can, because I’m American and I’m here. I’m nervous in the waiting line at Cuban immigration, but I know I shouldn’t be. I did everything right.

Still, this is Cuba. I’m visiting Cuba as an American. Can Americans even visit Cuba? Yeah, we can. This country has been off-limits to us since 1959 — though that hasn’t stopped lots of Americans from visiting Cuba both legally and quasi-legally.

The agent calls me forward. I hand him my navy blue passport and half-smile, half-cringe. Yes, I’m here, and I’m American, and I’m sorry our country has cut you off, and I disagree with it — but hey, I’m here, and I want to get to know you. It’s an expression that will color my face for days, until a cooking class in central Havana sets me straight.

“Stamp?” he asks, holding up the stamp. Cuba is like Israel; they won’t stamp your passport if you don’t want them to.

Do I get a Cuba stamp? Will American immigration care? Will it get me hassled at the border for years to come? I only just got this new passport in April.

But I want it.

“Sí,” I tell him.

He brings the stamp down on my passport. “Welcome to Cuba.”

Want to know where to go? Check out my post on places to visit in Cuba !

This post was last updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Can Americans travel to Cuba?

Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba. Americans can easily get a Cuban travel visa, and you can even fly to Cuba from the United States. The process is a lot easier than you might think .

No, Americans cannot use credit cards or even ATMs in Cuba. Your bank will freeze your account if you attempt to do so. Here is how Americans are allowed to use money in Cuba.

There is internet in Cuba, but it’s very limited — most of the time, you need to buy a one-hour wifi card and visit an access point in order to use it. Find out how here.

Yes, there are nonstop flights to Havana from cities like Miami, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and more. In order to take these flights to Cuba, you must have a visa to Cuba .

Trump removed the “people-to-people” category for visas to Cuba, but you can get a similar visa under the “support for the Cuban people” category, and it’s still as easy to visit Cuba as it was when Obama was president. Biden has not made any major changes since taking office in January 2021.

Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba — there are multiple ways to do so. You can visit Cuba in a completely legal way, obtaining a visa in advance, or you can do what many Americans do — simply book a flight from another country, like Mexico.

Read on for the ways to visit Cuba legally when you hold a US passport.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2023? (COVID Entry Requirements)

COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, led to travel restrictions around the world, including Americans traveling to Cuba.

January 2023 update: Cuba announced their most recent COVID-related entry rules in April 2022.

A negative test is no longer a requirement for foreigners entering Cuba, and it’s no longer a requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID. There is no longer a quarantine requirement, either.

However: Cuba tests some newly arrived passengers, so be prepared for that. If found positive, you’ll need to isolate.

Face masks are required at all entry points to Cuba, in transportation hubs and on public transportation (airports, buses, bus stations, ferries, etc.). Hand sanitizer is in short supply in Cuba and it’s a good idea to bring your own.

You can find more specific information from the US State Department here .

Keep in mind that some people may be pulled aside for additional COVID screening upon arrival in Cuba.

Do NOT travel if were exposed to COVID-19, if you are sick, if you test positive for COVID-19, or if you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.

Keep in mind that upon returning to the US, all travelers must show a negative antigen test (PCR not required) taken no more than one day before their flight to the US. All people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) entering the US must be fully vaccinated before entering the US.

You can find up-to-date information for traveling to Cuba in 2022 and beyond on the US CDC website .

For more information on Cuba and why American citizens aren’t allowed to visit Cuba in most circumstances, and what changed, read on!

How to Get a Visa to Cuba as an American

If you want to visit Cuba as an American and do it legally, you will need to obtain a Cuban visa in advance. This is also called a “general license” and the Cuban government requires it to travel to Cuba. It can be a bit confusing, but calling it the general license is the way to go.

There are 12 categories for your general license, decided by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) :

1: Family visits

2: Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations

3. Journalistic activity

4: Professional research and professional meetings

5: Educational activities

6: Religious activities

7: Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

8: Support for the Cuban people

9: Humanitarian projects

10: Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

11: Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials

Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms.

There used to be a “People-to-People Activities” category, which was part of “Educational Activities” and one of the easiest categories to fulfill, but that category was removed during the Trump Administration.

Joining a tour group can be a fun way to visit Cuba — but keep in mind that many international tour operators that offer Cuba tours don’t allow American citizens to join them. There are other, specialized Cuba tour operators that provide the paperwork that allows Americans to visit (often trips that qualify as journalistic or religious activities).

And what about Cuba cruises? There used to be a handful of cruise lines traveling to Cuba, but not these days. Cruise ships are not docking in Cuba during COVID. Will this change in the future? We’ll see.

Best Way to Get a General License

If you are a regular person who wants to visit Cuba as a tourist, I recommend getting a general license under the “Support for the Cuban people” travel category. This is similar to acquiring one through a tour operator, and the easiest way to do so is to work with a company like ViaHero .

ViaHero builds custom itineraries for trips, and each itinerary is designed by locals . While ViaHero operates all over the world, they are particularly good for Cuba because a ViaHero itinerary will count as valid documentation for the “Support for the Cuban People” general license.

Best of all, ViaHero will book your transportation in Cuba — usually a huge headache on your own — and they’ll walk you through getting your Cuba visa. You can learn more here.

If you have a visa, you can fly direct to Cuba from the United States! Seriously. There are flights from Miami, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and more. Even on American Airlines. You can find cheap flights from the US to Cuba on Skyscanner. Some flight booking websites won’t show flights to Cuba, but Skyscanner does.

If you’re flying to Cuba from the United States, you’ll need to pick up the “pink tourist card” at the airport. You can get this at check-in or at the ticket office of your airline. (You can also buy it in advance , but this isn’t necessary. I wouldn’t waste your money on the $35 “processing fee.”)

Most travelers to Cuba get the regular or “green tourist card,” but if you’re arriving on a flight from America, you’ll need the pink tourist card.

If you have a visa but you’re flying to Cuba via Mexico or another country, you will need the green Cuban tourist card instead. More on that below.

Visiting Cuba as an American Without a Visa or General License

The other way to visit Cuba as an American is a bit of a legal gray area: flying into another country and booking a separate flight to Cuba from there. Cancún is a popular option, as it’s often cheap to fly there and flights from Cancún to Havana take just over an hour.

You can also fly to Havana from Mexico City, Mérida, and several other cities in Mexico. And of course, you can fly there from Canadian cities like Toronto.

For cheap flights to Cuba, I recommend using Skyscanner. Some flight booking websites won’t show flights to Cuba, but Skyscanner does.

If you choose to visit Cuba this way, you will not need to secure a visa in advance. The only thing you will need is the Cuban tourist card, sometimes called the “green tourist card.” You pick this up at the airport — you go to your airline’s ticket office.

In Cancún’s airport, Interjet sells the tourist cards where you get in line to check in for the Havana flight. The cost is 25 USD.

Cuban immigration doesn’t care if you show up without an American visa. It makes zero difference to them. The only thing they care about is the tourist card. And Cuba won’t stamp your passport if you don’t want them to.

What else do Americans need to know before visiting Cuba?

Travel insurance is required in order to visit Cuba. You may or may not be asked for proof of this (I wasn’t). I recommend printing it out so you’ll be able to show it.

Americans can’t spend any money at Cuban establishments on the restricted list. Many government-owned hotels are on the list, so you should double-check the list before booking your stay. You can see the full list here.

You should also keep your receipts. The US government is allowed to ask you for your receipts from a trip to Cuba for up to five years after you return.

Money in Cuba as an American

But visiting Cuba as an American is complicated. Americans cannot make financial transactions in Cuba. You can’t use ATMs, debit cards, or credit cards, even if you have a visa, which means that you need to arrive with all the cash you’d need for your full stay.

I have a bit of a cushion on my trip — I’m traveling to Cuba with my boyfriend Charlie and our friend Klara. Charlie is a British citizen with Czech permanent residency; Klara is a Czech-Canadian dual citizen. Both are able to use ATMs, debit cards, and credit cards in Cuba; if I run out of money, I can rely on them.

Soon, however, we learn that ATMs don’t always work in Cuba — even for non-Americans. Charlie arrived a day before me with some cash, planning to hit the ATM later to take out more, but ATMs in Havana aren’t working for him. At all. We keep trying ATM after ATM; none of them are working on any of his cards.

After a quick visit to the wifi zone outside the Hotel Ingleterra (more on that later) and sending a quick Facebook message to Klara reading, “BRING 400 EUROS, NONE OF THE ATMS ARE WORKING!!” — we try another ATM a few blocks away and finally, blessedly, it works.

It turns out that ATMs in Cuba don’t always like MasterCard. This is a good reason to have a lot of backup cash in Cuba, no matter what your nationality is.

So how do American travelers handle money in Cuba? You’ll be in good shape if you bring US dollars or Euros and exchange them on the ground.

(In the past, US dollars got you a worse rate, but as of early 2023, US dollars and Euros both get you a good rate.) I expected to see exchange shops everywhere in Havana and was shocked when I didn’t see any.

People exchange money at the banks in Cuba, and there are always long lines. You’re best off exchanging money at your accommodation. You can also exchange money at the airport, but you’ll pay a much worse exchange rate.

If I had been traveling solo in Cuba, or only traveling with Americans, I would have kept enough US dollars for transportation to Havana Airport and a flight to Cancún in my underwear at all times. Seriously. I have never done that on my travels, but I would in Cuba. There is no financial safety net here.

And because you’re traveling with large amounts of cash, it’s imperative to keep it stowed safely. I highly recommend using a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf , which has a hidden pocket the perfect size for a wad of bills and comes in a variety of light fabrics that won’t make you sweat in Cuba. I even designed my own.

You’ll want to bring a portable safe, too. I use a Pacsafe Travelsafe and consider it the most important thing I pack.

Hide cash in secret places in your luggage, too. One of my favorite spots is in a maxi pad or tampon applicator. One of the few nice things about toxic masculinity is that some uptight men will refuse to touch menstrual products — and that makes them great hiding places.

Beyond that, Cuba has two currencies — Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and Cuban National Peso (CUP). Most of the time, travelers will use CUC, and it’s valued to the US dollar. CUP are valued at 24 to the CUC and are primarily used by locals.

The easy way to tell them apart? CUC has monuments on it, while CUP has faces on it.

Get rid of your Cuban currency before returning to the US, as you won’t be able to exchange it at US banks and currency conversion places.

Where to Stay in Cuba

Hotels definitely exist in Cuba — they tend to be large properties and beach resorts. But if you want to stay somewhere more local and special, and put money into the pockets of Cuban citizens who need it, I recommend staying in casas particulares.

Casas particulares are rooms or entire apartments in private homes that Cubans rent out to visitors. They are often quite cheap, usually around $25 per room, and that’s what I paid ($25 for my one-bedroom in Viñales and $50 for my two-bedroom in Havana).

I loved both of the places where I stayed. In Havana I stayed at  this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment  on the edge of Old Havana for $50 per night. It was large and spacious, and felt like an oasis, though it was very loud with the buses rumbling by on the street downstairs. It was fine with earplugs.

In Viñales I stayed at  this one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite  in a casa particular in town. It was large and spacious with two rocking chairs on the porch out front — peaceful in the countryside!

You can find casas particulares through Airbnb. I recommend using Airbnb to check out what’s available — see cases particulares in Havana here .

The wonderful thing about casas particulares is that they’ll hook you up with the rest of your stay! Looking to head to Trinidad or Cienfuegos next? Tell your casa host, and they’ll call someone they know there and get a room reserved for you at the next place. They’ll even get you a ride if you need one.

My casas particulares also organized onward transportation, tours, currency exchange, and provided drinking water.

This is one of the things I enjoyed most about Cuba — the networks that people have. It’s a throwback in the best possible way.

What’s Havana like?

What do people picture when they think about Cuba? Classic cars lining the streets, crumbling colonial buildings, high-rise hotels, salsa bands, beaches lining the edges of the city? Kind of.

Here are my Cuban observations:

Cubans come in every color of the rainbow. I remember in the movie Moonlight when Juan, played by Mahershela Ali, says, “I’ve been here a long time. I’m from Cuba. Lot of black folks in Cuba. You wouldn’t know that from being here, though.”

You’ll see Cubans that look African, Italian, Ecuadorian, Scandinavian, and there’s a sizable Chinese community in Cuba, too. There is no one way to look Cuban, at least physically.

The classic cars really are a thing in Cuba. Everyone knows about Cuba’s classic cars, and it’s entertaining to see what drives down the street. You see a lot of Russian cars like Ladas. The nicest, shiniest classic cars are used for expensive taxi rides and city tours for tourists.

Roughly one third of the cars in and around Old Havana were classic cars; there were also plenty of grungy 80s hatchbacks and early 2000s taxis. Unfortunately the old cars have terrible exhaust.

Cubans have an interesting accent. It’s unlike any other Spanish accent I’ve heard, and the letter s gets dropped often. Viñales becomes “bin-yallih” and even más becomes “ma.”

Cubans really love their Havana Club rum. When I first got to Florence for my semester abroad, my roommates and I were so excited that you could drink Cuban rum in Italy! Here, it’s just normal. You can do a tour of the Museo del Ron , or just sit back with a cocktail.

My recommendation: try a Havana Special cocktail with rum, maraschino, and pineapple juice. The tastiest one was at Chacon 162 ; another standouts was the creamy piña colada on the rooftop of El Louvre Bazar . [2023 update: sadly, Más Habana has closed.]

Throughout Havana you see vegetable carts pushed through the street. These carts are almost always laden with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Occasionally you might see sweet potatoes, bitter oranges, or garlic, but there’s very little variety.

Cubans love their NBA jerseys. Most of them were Michael Jordan jerseys; LeBron jerseys and Celtics merchandise were popular choices as well. I’m fairly certain I didn’t see merchandise from any other sport. A bit surprising — I expected Cubans to be more fans of baseball than basketball.

Grocery stores are sparse. It looks like the bread aisle in Massachusetts after a Nor’easter is on the way — shelves are mostly empty. And in other stores, you’ll see rows and rows of identical items, rather than several different brands. And it goes without saying that you see zero American brands in Cuban grocery stores.

Many Cubans are rough with their dogs. I grimaced at the number of Cubans whom I saw yank the leash on their dog’s neck, hard.

It feels like every Cuban is a talented singer, dancer, or musician. I loved almost all of the Cubans I met, and it seems like Cubans really take the time to savor and enjoy life. One of the ways is by sharing music. Just a casual band playing in a bar at 2:00 PM could be one of the best bands you’ve ever heard.

And that’s what I observed on the surface level. But to gain a greater understanding of Cuba, you need to talk to Cubans directly.

Cuban Conversations

A hot pink Corvette drops us off at a brightly painted building in Central Havana. We’ve signed up for a seafood cooking class — one of the most highly rated Airbnb Experiences we saw, filled with rave reviews.

Odalys has been waiting with plates of prepped vegetables. She shows off the three lobsters — not quite North Atlantic lobsters, but large and juicy. We’re going to be making lobster enchiladas today, but they’re not the kind of enchiladas you might expect — there are no tortillas in sight. This is lobster stewed in sauce.

Her friend Ivan serves as translator. “You can each cut the vegetables. Cut them small.”

We each take our place — me with peppers, Charlie with garlic, Klara with onions, dicing them up tiny. When we’re finished, Odalys shows us how to make the proper breaks on the lobster tail, locate its intestine, and pull it out, long and spaghetti-like.

As a native New Englander, I know my way around a whole lobster, but damn, I’ve never disemboweled one before! (Is, um, is this something we’re always supposed to do?)

Odalys shows us how to cut the lobster tail, still in its shell, and we stew it in the onions, peppers, and garlic. Odalys opens a bottle of crushed tomatoes and adds it to the sauce with lots of cayenne pepper.

Onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Same as the ingredients in ropa vieja , the only Cuban dish I’ve attempted to cook before. Same as the ingredients in the Cuban shrimp dish we had the night before.

And then it hits me.

Onions, peppers, and tomatoes, again and again. These were the only vegetables I saw on the carts. Maybe these vegetables are the ingredients of so many Cuban dishes because these are the only vegetables Cubans can access on a regular basis .

That moment knocks me over. Imagine if you only had access to a few vegetables.

As the lobster cooks, we squish plantains for tostones, chop up tomatoes, and add lime juice to our glasses filled with Havana Club rum.

Ivan leans in periodically to translate Odalys’s instructions, and he’s casually browsing the internet on his phone the whole time — an unexpected image. Most people in Cuba make the most out of their limited internet and focus intently, signing out the moment they are finished to save the minutes for next time.

Ivan was one of the first Cubans to get a 4G package for locals, which began rolling out in late 2019.

We compliment Ivan on his English — he even gets idioms. “I get the weekly package,” he replies. “I watch Kimmel, I watch Trevor Noah.”

The weekly package, El Paquete Semanal, is something truly unique to Cuba — it’s a terabyte of data worth of TV shows, movies, apps, and classified ads. It gets collected by anonymous Cubans and distributed via networks across Havana and the whole island. They come to your house and copy the hard drive onto your computer.

The cost? $1. The BBC did a feature on it here.

It’s internet without internet — an amazing way that Cubans use their networks to connect with the world.

Soon, it’s time to eat, and the lobster enchiladas are sublime — fresh lobster bathed in tomato sauce with just the right amount of spiciness. Tostones, rice, and sliced tomatoes fill out the rest of the meal. It’s the best thing I eat in Cuba.

During the meal, the rum is flowing and I get up the nerve to ask Ivan the question I’ve been wondering for years.

“How do you feel about US citizens?” I ask Ivan. “Do Cubans like Americans?”

“Of course,” he replies, and my body relaxes. “We’ve always loved Americans. We just don’t like your president.”

“Well, that makes two of us,” I say. “Were you happy when Obama came to Cuba?”

“Obama was more of the same,” he replies.

I pause. “More of the same? He did more to open Cuba than any other president.”

“It made no difference to us,” he says. Point taken.

Airbnb in Cuba, and Economic Opportunity

In 2023, the average monthly salary in Cuba is projected to be $1050 CUP , which is just $44 per month. That’s incredibly low. That’s why tourism is so critical here, especially when you buy from people directly — it has potential to change their lives for the better.

I was so impressed with Odalys’s operation. She doesn’t just teach the cooking class — she and her husband rent rooms out to travelers. They have an Instagram-friendly mural on the outside of the building. They partner with local drivers to bring people there. Everything is a hustle, and it pays off.

I noticed that at our apartment rental in Havana, too. Gladys, the owner, had several other possible income streams for her guests. She was happy to provide drinking water, for a fee, and to change money, at a rate that would earn her money.

Odalys charges $39 per guest for her cooking class. After Airbnb fees and food expenses, that’s probably at least $20 profit per person. Can you imagine how much that adds up over the course of a month?

I talk a lot about how Airbnb has made life worse for many people — especially cities where it’s massively reduced housing availability for locals, like Barcelona and Lisbon, and cities where Airbnb refuses to follow the law, like New York and New Orleans. And I think that we as travelers have a responsibility to use Airbnb responsibly.

But in Cuba, where locals are limited in their earning power, Airbnb is providing incredible economic opportunity.

I just hope the Cubans that rely so much on tourism are able to keep their incomes afloat in 2023 and beyond.

How to Use Internet in Cuba

You see “free wifi” signs everywhere around the world — but in Cuba, it has a different meaning. Normally, “free wifi” means you can hop on the internet with no issues. In places like Belarus and Turkey, it usually means free wifi if you have a local phone number.

But in Cuba, “free wifi” usually means that there’s a wifi network nearby that you can use — but with the wifi cards you already paid for.

Don’t have any wifi cards? You’ll need to buy some. You can get them at the local Etecsa store; some hotels sell them, too. They cost $1 per hour, and some people on the street sell them for more, saving you the wait in line.

You can easily tell a wifi hotspot in Cuba because you’ll see people clustered around and absorbed in their phones. One popular spot in Old Havana is outside the Hotel Ingleterra; you can also find hotspots at Etecsa stores and in some parks.

Occasionally you’ll find a place where you can hop on the wifi without entering your card info. These places are rare, but they do exist.

I was shocked that my American AT&T phone plan actually worked in Cuba — though not for data. Rates were extremely high at $3 per minute, $0.50 per text, and $1.30 per photo or video sent.

Do not touch any banking sites or apps while you’re in Cuba, including sites like Paypal and Venmo. I had to fight the urge to check my balance. If you access any banking sites or apps while in Cuba, your account will be frozen.

And that’s a huge pain in the ass to deal with when you get home and can’t use an ATM or call an Uber. Or worse — if your phone plan is attached to your frozen bank account and you miss a payment, you might not even have working data when you get back to America!

Karaoke in Cuba

Karaoke isn’t much of a thing in Cuba — but if anyone can track a karaoke spot down, it’s my friend Harvey (a.k.a. H-Bomb). He has sung karaoke in all 50 states and countries as far-flung as North Korea. He’s in Havana at the same time as us, and he’s found a bar — La Esencia in Vedado has karaoke starting at 9:00 PM on Wednesdays. We go to cheer him on.

Harvey introduces himself in Google-translated Spanish, announcing that Cuba is his 65th country where he’s sung karaoke, and launches into “La Bamba.” And the locals are loving it, cheering him on and taking photos of this gringo singing in perfect Spanish.

The rest of us sing a bit here and there — Rihanna and Madonna have their moments. But the funniest thing by far is that the English songbook has the songs and artists out of order, making the most hilarious pairings. We read through the book and CRY with laughter! Some of our favorites:

• Bob Marley — “Man! I Feel Like a Woman”
• Tom Jones — “Oops, I Did It Again”
• Janis Joplin — “YMCA”
• Barbra Streisand — “You Shook Me All Night Long”
• Coolio — “Genie in a Bottle”
• Ray Charles — “I Like to Move It Move It”
• Whitney Houston — “Just a Gigolo”
• John Denver — “Another Brick in the Wall”
• Tony Bennett — “Like a Virgin”
• And finally, Shania Twain — “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

Admit it — you can hear ALL OF THOSE perfectly.

Cuba is a Hard Place to Travel

I have to be truthful with you guys. While I had some wonderful experiences in Havana, after the first five days, I didn’t like Cuba much. And it pains me to write that because I really wanted to like it and I try to find the good in everywhere I visit.

Every day that we went out in Havana, especially Old Havana, I felt stressed. Walking down the street, people constantly asked if I wanted a taxi. If I was on my own, it was nonstop catcalls. The streets and sidewalks were so broken that you had to constantly watch your step.

It was noisy, hot, and unpleasant smells permeated the air. And as nice as those classic cars are, they produce a disgusting amount of exhaust that fills the air and clings to the buildings.

Unfortunately, it was very difficult to find decent food in Havana. The best food in Cuba tends to be in the countryside, not the cities. My friend Ayngelina wrote a guide to the best restaurants in Havana , which was very helpful, but aside from places on that list, we ate a lot of disappointing food.

And the one time we found a somewhat decent breakfast place — a restaurant called El Cafe with a hummus and roasted pepper sandwich — of course it was mysteriously closed for the rest of our trip. Not the biggest deal, but in a city where the food isn’t that great, you yearn to revisit the places that are good.

And it seems like everything was just such a hassle. Klara bought a ticket for 9:00 AM bus — then showed up and was told it was sold out, even though she had bought a ticket online, and they had decided to book her on the 4:00 PM bus without telling her.

I felt the need to escape the madness each day — to go back to my apartment in the afternoon and just rest or read.

Even after leaving Havana, I hated feeling vulnerable as an American in Cuba — that if there were an emergency, I had no way to access money. Getting stranded with no money was a constant worry as I traveled the country.

It’s not that I disliked Cuba because it was hard — I’ve traveled to lots of challenging places. Lebanon had very little travel infrastructure , and Albania was super frustrating at times , but I had a great time in both countries.

And it wasn’t because of the lack of internet. I was eager for a digital detox. Twelve days without internet in Antarctica was blissful. The Rupununi region of Guyana was remote, unconnected, and mice pooped on my head from the rafters in the bathroom, but I fell in love with the nature and loved being off the grid.

Why didn’t I like Cuba as much as other challenging destinations? I found that the things I loved about Cuba the most — the people and the music — weren’t quite enough to make up for everything else. Since this trip, I’ve talked to many of my well-traveled friends and several of them feel similarly about Cuba.

My trip to Cuba was in danger of being a bust — but then we got to Viñales, and it saved the trip. This bright green region was like a balm for my soul.

If you’re looking to travel from city to city in Cuba, you’ll need to book a bus or take a colectivo, a shared private vehicle. Buses to Viñales have been sold out for a long time, so we ask a taxi driver for a colectivo. He drops us off on a garbage-strewn road outside the bus station.

After asking locals, and being told to wait, and sitting on cement and smelling the garbage for 45 minutes, the man in charge beckons us over to a red classic car filled with travelers.

I’m jammed up in the middle seat in the front row between Charlie and the driver. Our driver charges down the highway, jovially honking at the other drivers he sees.

Soon the highway turns into curvy mountain roads, and then we’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful verdant scenery I’ve ever seen. The mountains here look like the limestone karats of southern Thailand, and it’s all surrounded by the bright green fields of tobacco.

Viñales is a small town. It’s laid out with casas particulares, restaurants, and bars. Super touristy? You bet. But after Havana, it feels nice to be somewhere that feels easier. Especially with bars like 3 Jotas [2023 Update: it’s been renamed Bar Tapas 3J ] that let you pour your own rum into your piña colada. (Oh, and less is definitely more when it comes to rum in piña coladas.)

The next morning, we head out on a tour of the surrounding area with Osniel, an English teacher and local guide from our casa, and two French guys. Many people who come to Viñales choose to explore on horseback; I’ve heard that not all horses are treated well here, so I’m happy to walk.

After an hour’s walk along bright orange dirt paths, we come across a farm. Tobacco is the primary crop in this part of Cuba. The land was given to farmers after the revolution in 1959, and in exchange, the government takes 90% of what they produce, compensating them very little.

Enter tourism. We’re the first group to arrive at the farm and we order juices. Soon, others join us and we’re on a rotating circuit of learning how coffee is made, how rum is made, and of course you can buy any of these products to take home. (We grab cigars.) Tourism has made a big impact in this part of rural Cuba.

And though it might sound too touristy — it’s not. Everyone is wonderful. We have free time and decide to lounge around, drink in the atmosphere.

A pregnant dog snuggles up to us, her belly suggesting that she doesn’t have long to go, and a tiny black kitten screeches at the top of his lungs, sounding more like a goat than anything feline. Charlie picks up the kitten and names him Montecristo.

From the farm we hike past more gorgeous mountains to a cave and one of the French guys dares to take a dip in the ice-cold darkness. After another stroll, we head back to the farm for lunch, then take the hourlong walk back.

At night we feast on ropa vieja for the first time in Cuba, much better than the version I made in my Instant Pot in New York, the beef cooked slowly with onions, peppers, and tomatoes.

Viñales was a joy. I’m so glad we went.

Traveling to Cuba: The Takeaway

Osniel books us a ride back — a classic car, natch — and we return to Havana Airport. Looking at the departure screen, I shake my head at the list of cities — Miami. New York. Atlanta. Half of the international departures are to the United States and people have no idea that this is possible .

There is absolutely no reason for the ban on travel to Cuba today. It is a ridiculous grudge that our government has held for more than 60 years. I’ve traveled to more than 80 countries around the world and I’ve seen that the US has close relationships with countries who do far worse than Cuba.

Cuba is not a threat. This embargo serves nobody.

If the United States were serious about retaliating against the countries who have caused harm to the United States, they’re better off starting with Russia, for the war in Ukraine and hacking the 2016 US election, and Saudi Arabia, for sanctioning 9/11 and killing Saudi journalists living in the United States.

Hell, China and Myanmar are actively carrying out genocides at the time of writing, and it’s a lot easier to travel to them than Cuba.

I hope that President Biden continues the baby steps Obama made and allows our countries to reconnect once again.

As far as travel to Cuba goes, however, I would recommend doing things a bit differently. Five days was way too long for Havana; I think you’re better off with two full days. I’d even recommend staying in a posh neighborhood like Vedado, away from the chaos of Old Havana.

Would I return? I’m not sure. Klara traveled longer in Cuba, both with her dad and on her own, and while she loved Viñales and enjoyed the beach by Trinidad, she found the rest of the country to be an enormous hassle. I have the feeling I’d feel the same way.

Our plane touches down in Mexico City and I sigh with relief. Sure, I’m excited for tacos and internet. But more importantly, I have access to money in case of an emergency. The uneasiness has left my body.

Don’t Mention Cuba to Your Bank

A few days later in Mexico, I reimburse Charlie for travel expenses. And I write “CubaMerida” in the memo. THAT was a mistake.

Normally my financial transactions go through in moments, but I get an email from the bank saying that this transaction is going to take a little longer on their end, and it won’t take more than a few days.

Soon I have another email from the bank in my inbox, asking why I put “Cuba” in the memo of a transaction. Was I spending money in Cuba?

I email them back saying that I was reimbursing Charlie for photography. (And true, he did take all of the photos of me on this page.)

The bank emails me back, pointing out that a month earlier, I sent a payment to Charlie with the memo “flights.” “Did you also pay Charles for flights to Cuba?”

ARGH. For the record, I didn’t. Those were different flights.

I angrily forward them the confirmation of my flights from Prague to Boston and back, the actual flights I had reimbursed him for a month earlier.

I post about this ridiculousness on Facebook and am flooded with tales from friends who went through the same thing. Turns out you can’t say Cuba anywhere. One friend even had his Venmo account frozen for reimbursing his friend for a Cuban sandwich!

Lesson learned — Americans can travel to Cuba, but be careful how you talk about it afterward.

More on Cuba:

• 18 Stunning Places to Visit in Cuba

More on the Caribbean:

• Puerto Rico Has it All
• Why You’ll Love Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda
• A Guide to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
• What It’s Really Like to Travel to Guyana

Essential Info

If you’re an American, I highly recommend getting a visa to Cuba through ViaHero — they will give you a customized itinerary, handle tough bookings like transportation, and this will count as the “Support for the Cuban People” category for your general license/visa. Learn more here.

In Havana I stayed at this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the edge of Old Havana for $50 per night. This was a great apartment; it served as an oasis and the owner was lovely. It is, however, located right on a bus route and extremely loud buses rumble by all night. I recommend bringing earplugs. Check out more places to stay in Havana here.

My cooking class with Odalys in Havana was booked here through Airbnb Experiences . I highly recommend doing this on one of your days in Havana. This was the best meal I had in Cuba and I appreciated learning about Cuban life with Ivan. $39 per person.

It’s tough to find good food in Havana, but Ayngelina has a guide to Havana restaurants here . I enjoyed Paladar Omar, one of her suggestions, and we had a great New Year’s Eve dinner at Genesis.

In Viñales I stayed at this one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite in a Casa Particular in town. $25 per night plus $5 each for breakfast. This was an excellent place to stay with a friendly family hosting and I loved staying here. Check out more places to stay in Viñales here.

We booked our Viñales tour through Osniel, one of the sons at the casa particular. He hopes to be listed on Airbnb Experiences someday. Osniel and his brother Orlando organized our onward journey back to the airport.

Cuba requires travel insurance, and they may ask for proof at immigration. Be sure to double-check that your insurance is valid in Cuba. (2023 update: In the past, I recommended World Nomads for travel insurance, an Australian company, but they have stopped providing coverage in Cuba.)

Have you been to Cuba? How did you like it? Share away!

41 thoughts on “Can Americans travel to Cuba? I did. Here’s how. [2023 Update]”

Thank you so much for this thoughtful and informative post! I work in a university study abroad office and, with one of our programs being to Cuba, spent a ton of time the last six months visiting the country and organizing the logistics. It was definitely high up on my list of professional challenges for the reasons you lay out – so many things are just hassles or you have to go just with it (so many times we’d just get a shrug and “it’s Cuba!”). The students had such an eye-opening experience though – especially with the digital detox. A few things I wanted to comment on in your article: – Technically the 12 categories you reference aren’t to obtain a visa – they’re to obtain a license (which is what the US requires). The visa portion is just that tourist card, which is what Cuba requires – I’m only picky about this because I had to explain the difference between a visa (for Cuba) and a license (required by the US govt) to my students so many times! I’m sure that companies helping independent travelers get to Cuba just call it a visa for simplicity’s sake, though.

– Changing money: Every hotel has an exchange station in the lobby, which makes it very easy to change cash (with short lines) – although you may need to be a guest

-El Paquete was something I learned about there, too, and it blew my mind. My Cuban colleagues are convinced someone deep in the government is behind it.

– I bet the reason for your favorite breakfast restaurant being closed was due to inability to get ingredients – I was fascinated to learn restaurants have to use paper menus or whiteboards (instead of printing on a more permanent surface) because the products they can get every day vary so much.

My biggest takeaway was realizing how much I take for granted. When I visited in the summer, there was no ice cream on the island – because a part in the factory was broken and they couldn’t easily get a new one. It took three stores to get a bottle of water, because it’s so hard for things to get down there. It’s easiest for people to just fly to Miami to get supplies and fly back. It was such a fascinating place.

This is awesome information — thank you. And I laughed when you mentioned that they think the Cuban government is behind El Paquete!

One thing I forgot to mention — as I was checking in for my flight, there was a woman at the front of the line unpacking and repacking her bag. It was full of box hair dye — something like 15 boxes. One of the many items that are hard to find in Cuba.

Great article. Too bad you didn’t have the same experience in Havana as my wife and I. When we got away from touristy stuff we found great places to eat. If the menu was in Spanish only it was authentic. I loved every trip I have taken to Cuba. 5 times.

Authentic is a weird word. I try to avoid using it on my site. It’s often a euphemism used for gatekeeping and dividing people — but it can also be used to mark something good, which isn’t always the case. You could argue that authentic Bruneian food includes sugar-free candy, as the country has a sky-high diabetes rate and sugar-free candy is on display everywhere.

I’ve had the cuba thing happen to me on venmo before too! I sent someone money for drinks at a restaurant called cuba libre, and venmo shut down my account for a few days.

That’s ridiculous and hilarious. But must have been inconvenient.

I haven’t been to Cuba but had the same problems banking wise in Iran. My bank went crazy that I was there. And I ran out of money – even though I was on a tour and everything was paid for – two days early. Always tricky.

I am not surprised your bank freaked out in Iran! Good to know for future travelers.

Fantastic post! Thanks Kate

If I used my Canadian passport to travel to Cuba from a country other than the US would that information be shared with the US government? Or are our passports all so interconnected that it doesn’t matter which one I use?

I have always wanted to visit Cuba, but I have been hesitant. I am a naturalized American citizen ( dual US-Canadian). I am supposed to have the same rights as a native born American, but I have discovered that I really don’t. In a worst case scenario, any disgruntled TSA or Customs and Immigration agent could refuse me re-entry to America for any reason, including visiting Cuba. I always travel with my Canadian passport as well, just in case something weird happens.

I doubt it, but I can’t tell you for certain. Usually I wouldn’t worry about it, but considering that the Trump administration is rolling back rights when it comes to immigration and entry to the US, I think caution is warranted.

I remember tales from my grandparents’ friends about visiting Cuba – back in the USSR days that was one of the very few ‘far-abroad’ places where they were allowed to go on a holiday. Back in those days they were really excited to see Russian goods on the store shelves. I just had a friend come back from two weeks in Cuba, this Dec-Jan. Cant wait for her to read the article and see whether her experience compares, though, obviously, being a Russian, she didnt have to deal with any of the money and logistical worries that you did.

I did a solo Cuba trip a month after Trump’s inauguration because I was worried about Americans losing access. I’m so glad I went, but I feel zero desire to return for many of the same reasons you expressed, Kate. The street harassment was some of the worst I’ve experienced, and while I understand in Cuba everyone needs a hustle I felt like I had a target on my back for touts the whole time I was in Havana. Viñales was my favorite part of my trip too, though I also loved being forced to practice my Spanish to understand my casa hosts — their stories of life under Fidel Castro were fascinating.

I feel like we felt the same way! Cuban people were amazing — my favorite moments were getting to know them.

I still think Nicaragua has the worst street harassment of anywhere I’ve been. 🙁

Kate, I so admire you for writing such detailed, informational and honest guides to the places you visit. Always reminds me I need to pick up the slack too!

I found the old city of Havana a bit exhausting initially, but it sure grew on me. My highlight in Cuba though, was volunteering at a coral reef restoration project on a forgotten little island!

Shivya, that means a lot coming from you! And that sounds like an amazing project to work on.

Very informative post! Thanks, Kate. Also validating that you had such a similar takeaway. It seems everyone I’ve met LOVED Cuba, while I also found it to be a hassle and wondered if I was too pessimistic about it. (As I wrote on an earlier comment, my boyfriend had severe food poisoning on the second day and that was beyond terrifying with such little access to any infrastructure.) It was also the place I’ve encountered the most scammers, but given the poverty situation, I can’t say that I blame them. I was more than ready to come home when we finally did.

I’m so glad to hear that, Laryssa — it made me feel like I’m not crazy after all. And I understand how getting so sick in Cuba could leave you freaked out! (Though Cuba has EXCELLENT healthcare — I learned on my trip that doctors are one of Cuba’s top exports.)

I feel kind of bad saying this, but I have zero interest in traveling to Cuba. It sounds like you went hoping to meet and connect with locals, Kate, which is good. Most people I know say that they are dying to go to Cuba because it’s a “time capsule,” which just icks me out…your Instagram-worthy time capsule is their jarring poverty and inconvenience. The old cars aren’t charming, they’re a sign of how cut off and deprived the people are. This weird trend of people just wanting to see it because it’s so different, without thinking about WHY it’s so different, has turned me off from the thought of visiting.

I agree. It can get a bit uncomfortable when people try to see a destination for its looks without understanding the people there.

Right now I’m working on a piece about Puglia, Italy, a region that I love, talking about the context of how it was an extremely poor region of Italy, which shaped so much of how it is today, and mass tourism is a recent phenomenon, and to be sensitive to people when talking about that.

Hi Kate! I was so excited to see you were in Cuba because I knew you’d make an excellent guide for American’s traveling there! I had already booked my flight to Cuba when I saw your facebook posts about going there and I was excitedly waiting to read your advice. There is so much misinformation about traveling to Cuba and I always appreciate your thoughtful posts to give me some guidance when I travel.

Two things about this post.. First, I tried your World Nomads link for the insurance to Cuba and they state that they do not provide insurance to Cuba. You might want to change that suggestion. Second, the “Support for the Cuban People” and other categories you mentioned are travel licenses from the US government not “visas”. Visas are given out by the country you are visiting not your home country. Like I said, there is a lot of misinformation out there. I will say your post confused me for a bit as I had read about the travel licenses and obtaining the tourist cards at the airport and was not aware I would also needed a “visa”.

Thanks for doing what you do! It’s help immensely!

Thanks for the post. One thing I see missing here is any info on beaches? Did you do any beach time, and if so was it by keeping your base in old Town? From checking online it seems the good beaches are outside town so I’m wondering if I should book an overnight near the beaches or it’s just easier to do it without changing too many places to stay.

I didn’t go to any beaches on my trip, but a colleague I’m working with visits Havana frequently and she recommended Playa Santa Maria, about 30 minutes from central Havana.

Most Cubans don’t go to the beach in the winter months — they wait for the scaldingly hot summer.

As a Canadian with a few logistical advantages, this might seem smug but I really think you draw the wrong conclusion about Cuba. Evaluating it based on a few days in Havana is like hanging out on 42nd Street and concluding that America “…just isn’t worth it.”

I met so many happy Americans down there in the 15 times I’ve visited. Just get OUT of Havana! The farther the better. It’s that simple. Take a ViAzul Bus or walk to any bus station and arrange your own really cool ride by whatever sort of cab appeals. Or better yet, bike. Your friend mentioned how much she enjoyed the area around Trinidad. And that’s exactly the area I’d visit. See a few mid-sized towns. Trini..Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara for eg. You’ll change your mind I promise!

Thanks for your comment, but did you read the whole post or just the first part? I spent time in Viñales, outside Havana, and enjoyed it there much more.

This was a really informative and honest post. I often think about going to Cuba but have hesitated because of these challenges. Do you think the experience might be better if one were to go with a small group tour like Intrepid of FTLO? I’m wondering if a tour company arranging transportation, restaurants, etc. might ease some of the burden, and if you though the benefits would be worth the cost of these tours vs self-guiding? -Thanks

Yes — I think going with a tour would ease a lot of these challenges, particularly transportation and the threat of being left without money. Then again, I wouldn’t join a tour if you’re not a tour person specifically.

I went to Cuba 10 years ago, had a magnificent time. Went with a friend who speaks Spanish. Very important as almost no one speaks English. Gave up on Restaurants right away (they were just nasty) But we were fed wonderful food by the people at the casas particulare we stayed at for $5 a day, 3 meals! We were not hassled on the streets much because my friend who speaks Spanish, told everyone he was our “guide”. Even though his Salvadorian accent made them wonder. We were all gay and the hookers left us alone after they saw us talking with the gay boys on the streets. There were some of the most beautiful men I have ever seen on the streets, but they had zero attitude, almost like they did not know they were beautiful. It’s pretty safe as there are police and cameras everywhere. I travel all over the world and honestly the nicest immigration officers I ever met were the Cuban ones. They actually asked if we had a good time! No other ones on this planet have ever cared.

People in Cuba hustle a lot, because that’s the only way to make a living. Its an unfortunate side-effect of the poor circumstances. Try not to judge the establishments too harshly. Businesses (and people) are very limited. Think of what you saw in the stores. They don’t have steady access to a lot of ingredients or supplies. If you want good Cuban food, go to the Miami area. Specifically Hialeah. Because the Cubans there have all the flare AND the resources. I recommend going to any small restaurant or Cuban bakery, they’re on every block.

Great info! Thanks!! FYI…can no longer get insurance through World Nomads as get this message when try: “Sorry, we’re currently unable to provide cover for Cuba. Please remove it from your quote.”

Thanks for letting me know, Scott! This is a new development and I’ll update the post to reflect it.

Thank very much for this informative, thoughtful post. Do you speak Spanish, or do you have thoughts on how much Spanish is needed for traveling to Cuba (can you get by without it, or with very basic Spanish, or do you need some proficiency, especially for travel outside Havana?)

I speak limited Spanish, and basic Spanish helps enormously in Cuba.

Looks of good info! I speak conversational Spanish and my mom is fluent trying to plan a trip for when I can take time off. I would love to go very much… Just kinda scared, being a US citizen, what the American government may think.

Great info! American here who traveled to Cuba in March 2023… Venmo – my account got flagged for using the word Cuba when paying back a friend, Travel insurance – some airlines (I flew Southwest) include travel insurance in the ticket price…it’s not something to select, it is simply included, Visa – purchased at the gate before boarding (no need for advanced purchase), Food – I have some dietary issues but you’ve gotta just roll with what they (and you) have access to. Bring things with you if you have concerns. Food again – I have had sublime Cuban food in Florida and what I had access to in Cuba (and I traveled all over the country) was not the same, Viñales – indeed a breath of fresh air and loveliness, Money – take more than what you need, the stress of “what if i spend/lose my money” is real, Returning to the US – I got a little hassled when returning to the US (Tampa). “Why was I in Cuba?”,”How did I support the people?”,”I’ll let you in this time…”, I entered thru Global Entry and was the only one in line so who knows? I had traveled with friends and they returned to different airports – they had no problem. Guilt – I speak Spanish well enough and was so happy to connect with the locals thru language (and dance) but seeing people in lines for food and fuel is awful. And knowing the US is part of that has its own stress. I completely agree with you on the needlessness of the embargo. Return – I already have plans to return.

Hey Kate – I was in Cuba in 2020. It was a great trip! It was short though, only 5 days. We went to Havana and Trinidad. I’m soon taking my first international trip since. I’m worried about the Cuba stamp. Have you ever gotten hassled about the stamp when returning to the US from another country? Thanks!

Nope, nobody has said anything. Keep in mind that Americans CAN legally visit Cuba. Just seeing the stamp isn’t a red flag.

Hi there. Thanks so much for the blog!

So I’m an American living in Mexico and planning on visiting Cuba flying from here and back to here in January. I’m wondering if you have a copy of the itinerary you used because I still want to follow the rules in case US ever asks me when I fly back there. But I can’t find an example or sample itinerary anywhere – eg format etc. I understand the restriction is I have to stay at casas particulares basically, do 6 hours of cultural activities per day and not spend money at any prohibited establishment and bring back receipts for my activities? They really won’t ask for this itinerary in Cuba? Are they okay with a word document with bullet points explaining what I’ll do each day? Also why use CUC if everyone uses CUP? That is how do I pay people in street etc if they use CUP and I have CUC?

Hi Mark — You get that itinerary from ViaHero, linked in the post. They can answer your specific questions.

This information was great!

I am an American and will travel to Cuba soon. If my trip is March 18th, how soon would I need to apply for the OFAC license?

Also, I seen this on google, “To the extent that your proposed travel falls within the scope of an existing general license, you may proceed without applying for a specific license from OFAC.”

My reason is Support for the Cuban people (general license). I’m not sure what to do.

Talk to ViaHero. I don’t supply visas directly and thus can’t advise on timelines, but they do.

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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. 

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.

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

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

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

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?

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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.

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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!

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U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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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 .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have six months validity at the time of entry.

Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps.

Yes. Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. See 31 C.F.R 515.560 and OFAC's Frequently Asked Questions .

None. See CDC for recommendations.

U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. You should bring U.S. dollars or Euros to Cuba and exchange them for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at authorized banks, CADECA offices, airports or hotels. Travelers should confirm alternative payment options before traveling, as policies concerning the use of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

When departing Cuba, we advise U.S. travelers to spend or exchange CUP to a foreign currency well before reaching airport security checkpoints. Currency exchange houses in the departure area at airports are currently closed and Cuban pesos are not internationally convertible outside of Cuba.. International airlines flying to the United States include departure fees and taxes in the price of airline tickets. U.S. dollars are not accepted for payment of any additional products purchased at the airport. Under Cuban law, travelers may export up to the equivalent of 5,000 USD out of the country. Anyone wishing to depart Cuba with more than this amount of cash must demonstrate evidence that the currency was acquired legitimately from a Cuban bank.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba Telephone:  + (53) (7) 839-4100 (Monday- Friday 0830-1630, except holidays) Emergency after-hours telephone:  + (53) (7) 839-4100 and dial 1 to speak with the emergency operator Fax:  + (53) (7) 839-4247 Website:  https:cu.usembassy.gov

Email:   [email protected] (for concerns with U.S. citizens)

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Travel to Cuba from or transiting through the United States by persons under U.S. jurisdiction (defined as [BE1] U.S. citizens located anywhere, and anyone located in the United States regardless of citizenship and nationality) , is regulated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  All travelers falling under U.S. jurisdiction must comply with these regulations.  Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered under the 12 travel categories authorized by a general OFAC license.  If travel is not covered by a general license, you must seek OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license .  Travelers who fail to comply with regulations may face penalties and criminal prosecution.  For travel-specific questions, please see  31 C.F.R. 515.560  and  OFAC’s Frequently Asked Questions .

Visit the  Embassy of Cuba  website for the most current visa information.

Cuba requires visitors to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States. If you do not have insurance, it can be purchased upon arrival to Cuba at an airport kiosk.  Asistur Medical Insurance is the official company that airlines contract.  Please confirm your coverage with your airline prior to arrival in Cuba and seek additional medical insurance if needed.

Cuba does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain residency status in Cuba.  The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain their residency status in Cuba will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to Cuban restrictions and legal obligations.  

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Cuba.  Foreign students on scholarships are required to test for HIV/AIDS.  Please verify this information with the  Embassy of Cuba  before you travel.

Information about  dual nationality , the  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  can be found on our websites. 

Cuban Requirements for Authorized Travelers:   Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are prohibited.  Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters, or airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest.  Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four to thirty years. 

Temporary Sojourn License:  Most aircraft and maritime vessels on temporary sojourn to Cuba are no longer eligible for an Aircraft, Vessels, and Spacecraft (AVS) License Exception.  See 15 C.F.R. § 740.15.  If you are planning to enter Cuba with a U.S. or foreign-registered aircraft or maritime vessel on temporary sojourn, you must meet the criteria set forth in 15 C.F.R. § 740.15. Please see the U.S. Department of Commerce’s  Bureau of Industry and Security website  for additional information. 

In addition, a vessel of the United States, as defined in 33 C.F.R. §107.200, may not enter Cuban territorial waters without advance permission from the U.S. Coast Guard.  The U.S. Coast Guard provides permission information at (305) 415-6920. 

Safety and Security

The security environment in Cuba is relatively stable and characterized by a strong military and police presence.  Demonstrations are infrequent but can draw violent responses from government forces.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without warning.  Avoid demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Demonstration Alerts are posted on the  Embassy’s website .  Review the  Cuba Travel Advisory .

The Cuban government has detained U.S. citizens suspected of engaging in activities perceived to undermine state security.  The Cuban government may detain individuals for activities that would not be considered criminal or offensive in the United States.

Crime:   With the recent influx of travelers, there has been an increase in the number of property crimes. Crimes of opportunity, such as pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins, are on the rise. Exercise vigilance everywhere . Do not display large amounts of cash.  Do not leave your valuables unattended.  Carry money in your front pockets, hold your purse and cellular phone securely and be mindful of purses or bags when dining out. 

• Do not leave a beverage unattended or accept beverages from persons unknown to you. 
• Locations such as Habana Vieja, Playas del Este, Varadero, and other attractions tend to have a higher incidence of property crime than other parts of Cuba. 
• Be wary of misdirection schemes where someone attempts to gain your attention while another comes from behind to steal your purse, wallet, or other valuable items. 
• If confronted by criminals, do not resist, try to remain calm, clearly display your hands and do not make any sudden moves that could be interpreted as resistance. 
• Carry a cell phone with Cuban cellular service for emergency communications and travel in groups if possible. 
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when traveling in an unfamiliar area. 
• While in your car, place valuables out of sight or in a locked trunk.  When unattended, avoid leaving items in the car, especially on the seat or in plain view.
• Only use marked taxis. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and secure the original. 
• Beware of scam artists, who may speak English and appear friendly. 
• When exchanging currency, use the state-run offices known as CADECAs or official banks.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. 

Victims of Crime:   We strongly urge U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 106 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +53 7839-4100.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• help you find medical care 
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• provide a list of local attorneys 
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, even basic medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens should maintain health insurance in Cuba.  If stays exceed 30 days, [CM1] U.S. citizens should purchase medical insurance when they process their visa extensions. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Cuban penalties for the following are particularly severe: 

• Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs. 
• Suspicion of assisting Cubans to leave the country illegally. 
• Drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death, regardless of fault. 
• Importing weapons or ammunition. 
• Photographing military or police installations or personnel, or harbor, rail, or airport facilities. 
• Crimes against minors.

The Government of Cuba does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of Cuban-born U.S. citizens who maintain residency in Cuba and may not allow U.S. consular access to Cuban-American prisoners. 

Telecommunications:  Many U.S. mobile service carriers provide roaming services in Cuba.  Your U.S. mobile phone will work in Cuba if your mobile phone is capable of roaming in Cuba and your mobile service provider has an international roaming agreement with ETECSA, Cuba's state-owned telecommunications provider.  Currently AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile have roaming agreements with ETECSA. Wi-Fi is often slow and unreliable. Be sure to confirm your carrier’s coverage before traveling.

SIM cards with a data plan can be purchased at Havana-José Martí International Airport (HAV) and local ETESCA telecommunications offices. To ensure family and friends can reach you in Cuba, check with your mobile provider about roaming options and cost or purchase a Cuban SIM card. See the  FCC Travel FAQs  for more information. 

Cuba-related Travel Transactions:  Only persons whose travel falls into the 12 OFAC approved travel categories or who have received a specific license from OFAC are authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to travel to, from, or within Cuba.  Direct financial transactions with certain entities and sub-entities under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services are also generally prohibited. For more information see the Department of State’s ﷟ Cuba Restricted List .  Additionally, lodging, paying for lodging, or making reservations on behalf of others to lodge, at certain accommodations in Cuba are prohibited; for a full list of such accommodations, see the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .   For more information about licenses, visit OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website .   Additionally, lodging, paying for lodging, or making reservations on behalf of others to lodge, at certain accommodations in Cuba are prohibited; for a full list of such accommodations, see the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .   For more information about licenses, visit OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website . 

Licenses for Remittances:   In June 2022, OFAC published updated Cuba-related regulations .  The new regulations eliminated a cap on remittances to family members in Cuba, and authorized remittances to non-family recipients as well.  Certain Prohibited Officials of the Government of Cuba , Prohibited Members of the Cuban Communist Party , and the close relatives of these two groups, are not eligible to receive remittances.  For information on remittance authorizations, see OFAC’s  Cuba Sanctions website .

What May Be Brought Back From Cuba:  Importation of Cuban merchandise for commercial purposes is restricted, with very limited exceptions.  Certain imports of goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs are authorized, as set forth on the Department of State’s  Section 515.582 List  (see 31 C.F.R 515.582).  There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials.  For more information related to imports, including merchandise entering the United States for personal use as accompanied baggage, please see the  CBP Public Notice .

Cuban law requires foreigners to obtain authorization to remove souvenir paintings and sculptures out of Cuba. Most authorized points of sale, such as galleries and art studios, should be familiar with this process and should provide the proper documentation at the time of purchase.  You can also apply for an export permit via the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets. Travelers without a valid export permit may have their items confiscated at the port of departure. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist in these cases.  For more information, please contact the embassy of Cuba . 

Travelers may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption in Cuba, but may not enter the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba. Persons subject to United States jurisdiction may purchase or acquire Cuban-origin merchandise for personal consumption, including alcohol and tobacco products, while in a third country, but may not import such products into the United States.  For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see  31 CFR § 515.585(c) and (d).

Storm Season:  Tropical storms and hurricanes between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. See our  page on disaster and crisis preparedness for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Cuba, and on September 26, 2022 Cubans passed the referendum legalizing same sex marriage.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance .  Individuals with mobility issues are likely to find accessibility difficult .   Few facilities or services are available, and information is limited. Most roads and sidewalks are poorly maintained.

Students:   See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Currency Restrictions:  Be advised that policies concerning the use and convertibility of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change.  Obtaining U.S. dollar cash is nearly impossible through official channels.  The Cuban Central Bank prohibits certain U.S. dollar cash transactions, including conversion of U.S. dollars to Cuban pesos, the use of U.S. dollars for cash payments, including in government-run establishments such as hotels and restaurants, and the purchase of pre-paid debit cards.. U.S.-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba.  Travelers should bring sufficient cash for the duration of their trip, and consider bringing multiple currencies, such as Euros.

For emergency services in Cuba, dial: 

• 104 for an ambulance or contact the nearest  hospital  directly
• 105 for fire 
• 106 for police 

Ambulance services are

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Hospitals and doctors in Cuba do not accept U.S. health insurance.  Most hospitals require payment up front before services are rendered.

Medical Insurance:   Ensure your airline ticket includes health insurance.  Cuba requires all U.S. airlines departing the United States to pay for health insurance for each passenger.  The health insurance from airlines is valid for 30 days upon your arrival in Cuba.  If you are planning to stay in Cuba for more than 30 days, you will need to extend your coverage before you can extend your visa.   It is important to keep a record of your arrival into Cuba, such as your airline ticket, so that the Asistur agency can coordinate with the hospital on payment MEDEVAC flights from Cuba are difficult to arrange, with costs starting at $15,000 U.S. dollars.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Ensure you have all medicine you require for your time in Cuba.  Medicine (prescription and over the counter) is not readily available in Cuba.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the embassy of Cuba to ensure the medication is legal in Cuba.  Note: This site is in Spanish only.

Diarrheal illness is common among travelers, even in luxury accommodations.  Travelers should wash their hands, drink bottled water, and avoid street and undercooked food.

The following diseases are prevalent: 

• Dengue Fever 
• Hepatitis-A 
• Traveler’s diarrhea 
• Chikungunya 
• Typhoid 
• Rabies 
• Zika Virus 

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific medical issues in  Cuba . 

Vaccinations:  Be up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals  here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Pharmaceuticals:  Even the most common over the counter medications are unavailable in Cuba. Other medication, medical equipment or supplies are also unavailable on the island.  If you are able to find medicine, exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Counterfeit medication may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality:  Tap water is not potable.  Bottled water is often unavailable for purchase and you should be aware that some restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

General Health Issues

• There are severe shortages of food, potable water, medicine, medical supplies, etc.  throughout Cuba.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Cuba.

Air Quality:  Air pollution is a problem in several major cities in Cuba. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road accidents, many involving pedestrians and bicyclists, are Cuba’s leading cause of death.  Cuban authorities may prohibit drivers from leaving the country until claims associated with an accident are settled.  Drivers found responsible for accidents resulting in serious injury or death may receive long prison sentences.  U.S. citizen drivers are often found at fault for accidents they are involved in. 

Drive with extreme care.  Major streets are generally well-maintained, but secondary streets are not.  Major potholes and obstacles are common on all roads.  After heavy rains in 2022, several bridges collapsed.  Damaged bridges may not be well marked.  

Outside of major cities, avoid driving at night as many roads are unlit. Emergency lights or signals are rare, making it virtually impossible to detect hazards after dark.  Street signage is insufficient and confusing. Many Cuban cars are old, in poor condition, and lack reliable safety equipment.  Heed caution throughout the country as there are rolling blackouts which may leave streets dark and without traffic lights, even in major cities.

The principal Cuban east-west highway is in good condition but extends only part of the way from Havana to the eastern end of the island.  Hazards – including unfenced livestock and farm vehicles – are common. 

When traveling by road, you should carry a printed map of the area, as electronic (smartphone) maps frequently fail due to connectivity issues.

Traffic Laws:   Speed limits are sometimes posted and passengers in automobiles are required to wear seatbelts, if available.  All motorcyclists are required to wear helmets.  Traffic from major roads generally does not stop when entering roundabouts.  Use care at intersections: stop signs are often hard to see. 

Public Transportation: 

Buses designated for tourist travel, both between and within cities, generally meet international standards.  

The public bus and rail system in Cuba is under-resourced and in poor condition.  Public buses used by Cubans, known as "guaguas," are crowded, unreliable, and are sometimes preyed upon by petty criminals. There is a heightened threat of pickpocketing on crowded buses and trains. Embassy personnel are advised not to use public transportation.

Avoid using informal taxis or hailing private vehicles for rides as they are unregulated, the vehicles are often in disrepair, and usually do not have normal vehicle safety equipment such as seat belts and air bags.  “Cocos,” smaller, yellow ball-shaped “tuk-tuk” style vehicles, are not safe, and the Embassy advises its personnel not to use them.

Rental car agencies provide roadside assistance to their clients as a condition of rental contracts.  Travelers should not permit unauthorized persons to drive their rental vehicles.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cuba, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cuba’s Civil Aviation Authority under its International Aviation Safety Assessment program (IASA) for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s IASA website.  The U.S. Embassy in Havana prohibits U.S. government personnel from using any commercial airline for domestic flights within Cuba due to safety concerns.  The Embassy does not authorize government personnel to travel via Cubana Airlines.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Cuba should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warn ings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• 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 .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Cuba .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see  the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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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? 

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

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

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.

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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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64 comments.

Assuming we meet all the other qualifications, is there no way for an American to go a beach in Cuba?

Hi Kat, Unfortunately, Americans are not allowed to simply go to the beach. I also don’t see going to the beach as an activity covered by any of the 12 travel categories. Honestly, if you go to the beach, it is unlikely that you will be fined since it’s hard for an US official to know that you did. However, it is not permitted.

Hola, queria saber si mi novia con ciudadania estadounidense y salvadoreña tiene que pedir algun tipo de visado especial ? Yo soy cubano con pasaporte cubano aun vigente.

Hi we booked our tour package from Canada, flight plus stay at the resort. I understand that my husband (Canadian citizenship) won’t have any problems, but for me (US Citizenship, Canadian resident) do I need to book separately a casa particulares to get into the country? And when i get in there, can I stay with my husband at the resort?

Hi juju, According to the regulations, you shouldn’t. First, you need to make sure that the resort is not on the restricted list . Secondly, keep in mind that Americans are not allowed to go to Cuba only for tourism purposes. Therefore, you should have an schedule of activities that fall under any of the 12 general licenses to travel to Cuba, as explained in the article.

The question: “Do you need a password to Cuba?” Should be: Do you need a PASSPORT to Cuba?

Fixed. Thanks a lot!

Thank you for the great information , very helpful . As an European flying from Miami to Havana with a valid ESTA visa could I enter back the USA with on the same Esta visa . Not easy to get as answer on the official us pages . Thanks .

It appears that you will need to apply for a visa to re-enter the United States. Read more here .

I tried to buy the pink visa on easy tourist but almost at the end my country is not on the list. Puerto Rico is part of USA but can’t complete the order. They wrote me but do not get the problem of the country. Where else can I buy online?

Hi, I’m Italian and I would like to travel to Cuba via Miami, but it seems the nationality doesn’t matter because we need to declare a specific category. But what if I just need to go to Cuba from USA with a one-way flight and I will come back home directly from Cuba to Europe?

How did it go? Where you able to do the trip as mentioned?

I am an adult I was born in the US. Lived here my whole life.

My mom and dad were born in cuba, came to America in the 90s, and got their citizenship over 8 years ago.

I believe for my parents to travel to cuba they may need a Cuban passport because I read that cuba does not recognize them as American, just Cuban.

However, I also read that because both of my parents were born there, I am the daughter and I too am a Cuban citizenship under Cuban law

I’ve read that a few times in a few pages and I wanted to know if it was true. And if I would need to get a Cuban passport myself

Please let me know! Thanks .,

Hi Aileen, If you were born in the US, you don’t need a Cuban passport to enter the country.

In your article, when quoting OFAC, the text “during his or her four-day trip” was included. Are visits to Cuba limited to four days?

I am a professional orchestral and choral conductor and composer, and my associate is a full-time jazz pianist and composer. We want to visit Havana to listen to Cuban salsa, jazz, etc, and to engage in one to one conversations with Cuban musicians—and maybe even join in playing, if invited! Six to eight hours per day would hardly be enough for us: we’d start at 17:00 and leave when everybody goes home—and that’s just the evening. Which category would you recommend for us? EXCELLENT website! Thanks so much!

kayak wont quote flights to me as of today siting regulatory issues…. has something changed?

Hi Danial, That’s correct. It appears that Kayak is not quoting flights to Cuba currently. I suggest you use Skyscanner instead.

So to be clear. We still can’t bring back any alcohol or tobacco from Cuba back into the US? I read in this article that there Is now no value restrictions like there used to be.. Can you advise please?

Hi Mark, No, legally, you cannot bring Cuban tobacco or alcohol to the US.

Ummmm damn I guess I’m the only one with this problem. Can felons go? Not on parole and the case is over and done but I know some counties trip and some don’t. So what’s cubas stance on it?

Hi Mike, According to Felony Record Hub , felons can enter Cuba as long as they don’t have an outstanding felony warrant or are not on a no-fly TSA list. Hope it helps!

Hey great information!! Thank you

When you say you have to declare your license(which mine would fall under the 12) during booking, what does that mean? How do you declare it?

Hi Orlando, Usually, travel providers will provide you with a form where you have to select the license you are using traveling to Cuba. You don’t have to get an “actual” license. That’s it 🙂 The only licenses that do require a physical license from OFAC are: – Professional research and professional meetings. – Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.

Hello! This is a great article. I am a US citizen considering sailing my boat from the Dominican Republic to Cuba and then on to Belize. Some of our crew (US citizens as well) may fly directly back to the US from Cuba. Is this plan legal and possible? Will the Cuban authorities have a problem with this plan? Will the US authorities have a problem with it once we return?

Hi Christopher,

Did you ever find out if you can go to Cuba by private boat?

Thanks, Sarah

My fiancée from Ukraine suggested we take a winter trip to Cuba. Since she is booking through a Ukrainian travel agency our stay and flight – is it okay to stay as her guest at a prohibited resort and when would I declare my travel intent/licensing? We would otherwise try to use up 6-8 hours per day supporting the local economy.

Hi Gerald, Usually, travel service providers (airlines, travel agencies, booking sites, etc.) ask you to declare your travel category while booking the trip, not after. I’m not sure at what point the Ukrainian travel agency would ask you about it or if they will do it at all. Unfortunately, if you are a US citizen, you shouldn’t stay at a prohibited accommodation in Cuba, regardless of where you are flying from.

my concern is nobody writes how long does it take to get permit to travel there, on one of our government pages it says up to 6 months ??

Hi there, You don’t need to apply for an actual license unless you are traveling under any of these two categories: – Professional research and professional meetings – Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.

I just found this concerning my question on banks in Cuba from US government site. Wonder what the alternative/s is to have funds in Cuba?

U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. The Cuban Central Bank announced new restrictions on the use or conversion of U.S. dollars beginning June 21, 2021. U.S. dollars in cash cannot be converted to local currency, may not be accepted for payment, and cannot be used to pay fees or taxes at the airport. Travelers should confirm alternative payment options before traveling, as policies concerning the use of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

Great article, but severely lacking in one area, at least for me. You have nothing on banking inside Cuba. I don’t like to carry large sums of money. Do the banks there work for US banks for ATM’s? Are they few (only in banks) or difficult to receive money from such as small limits for withdrawals?? With limited internet there, I’m assuming if someone changes around to different home casa’s then cash is the only way to purchase rooms? ATM again. Thx!

We actually wrote a whole guide to using money in Cuba as a tourist. Check it out here – https://www.tourepublic.com/blog/cuban-currency/

But I think you figured out the answer to your questions: U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba.

Are you currently operating tours given the political climate in Cuba? Today is November 15, 2021 and there were planned protests etc.

Thank you, Ash

Hi Ashley, At the moment, we are not operating tours in Cuba.

Are the covid restrictions still in place?

Hi MZ, They are, but most will be lifted on November 15th, 2021 (next week!). We will update the article accordingly.

Hey MZ. Just wanted to give you the heads up that we updated our guide to the latest Cuba travel restrictions . Check it out!

I want to travel to Holguin Cuba to visit friends I have dual citizenship USA-Uruguayan. If I leave from Uruguay do I need to do all of these activities? What happens if I don’t book tours i visiting friends what do you recommend

Hi Alicia, Unfortunately, the current US travel restrictions to Cuba apply to all persons subject to US jurisdiction, regardless of where that person is residing. Therefore, if you are a US citizen, you will need to follow the US regulations to travel to Cuba, even if you use an Uruguayan passport. Follow the steps and advice outlined in the article and you should be fine. I believe that Support for the Cuban People is the right category for you -unless you have family in Cuba- but then again, we can’t offer legal advice.

I am a retired dentist and would like to visit hospitals and dental clinics in Cuba. I would like to professional Oral surgery to people of Cuba. Can I get any information?

Hi Peter, I think you should contact the US embassy in Cuba for more information – https://cu.usembassy.gov/ Thanks,

Why don’t you give advise for foreign tourists who fly to miami then onto Cuba. What can we do and what can’t we do as non Americans. I plan to visit Cuba in febuary/march 2022 via miami/fort laudedale.

Hi, I have the same problem as you. I’m Italian and I would like to travel to Cuba via Miami, but it seems your nationality doesn’t matter, we need to declare a specific category. But, if we choose the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category, when we have to declare all the activity that we have done? And I didn’t understand if they will check every day’s activities or we just need to show them some of the activities done in the week.

Hi Alessia, You won’t need to declare all the activities you will do in Cuba. You only need to choose the Support for the Cuban People category, and that’s it. In Cuba, no one will monitor what you will be doing. Hope it helps.

So essentially it’s the U.S. government enforcing these restrictions and calling it “Support for the Cuban People” when it really means interacting mostly with civilians likely to oppose the Revolution and tell a one-sided narrative about what it’s like to live in Cuba. U.S. travelers are being carefully kept away from actually supporting Cuba as a sovereign nation whose government has made remarkable progress in health and education, putting the U.S. to shame. This explains why the few friends who went to Cuba come back with a story about happening to run into a Puerto Rican who disses the Cuban government. It’s all a set up, and extremely lame on the part of the U.S. Get over it–Fidel defeated your and overthrew your puppet dictator. Stop this ridiculous embargo and these stupid sanctions.

you’re 100% right, Ann. it’s embarrassing

The U.S. will do anything to make Cuba look bad and undo the revolution. I was looking to travel there to actually learn from and support the Cuban people, not support the counter-revolutionaries

Grow up Ann. Stop trying to aggrandize La Revolución. Many of us who actually lived in Cuba under the regime know the truth.

The problem with fanboys and fangirls (like you and Anthony) is the same as the problem with haters: instead of objectively evaluating things, they just say what feels “truthy” to them.

For instance, a “hater” will say that the Cuban government has not accomplished anything in education or healthcare. But a fan has the opposite problem: they oversell it. So to them—to you—Cuba’s 14.4 average years of education and life expectancy of 73 or so “put to shame” the 77 year of life expectancy and 16 or so years of education of the United States. Someone looking at the situation might give the government some credit by pointing out that this is notably better than the average for the Caribbean or Latin America, without feeling the need to exalt the government with incorrect statements.

I might also mention your assumption, and that of Anthony, that staying at someone’s house means interacting with someone who does not support the Cuban government.

I’m noticing Kayak and Expedia aren’t showing any flights from Boston to Cuba – do you have any info on this? Any other suggestions on how to find flights from Boston to Cuba

Hi Michaela, Sadly, I don’t have much information on this. Did you try Google Flights? I played a little with dates for BOS-HAV flights and found one-stop flights with JetBlue in May, but nothing else 🙁

Hello, I understand that we are able to stay at hotels that are not on the restricted list. Except for the first two days (48 hours) of quarantine required after arrival till receiving PCR test results, if we participate in local guides, local shopping visits, local business services during day activities, hire cuban local to spend time with beach activities, but without staying at Casa Particular, do these qualify for Support for Cuban People license?

Hi there, I am a dual national British and American. I have a UK passport and an American passport. I live in the UK, and my partner (British) and I want to go to Cuba in May 2020. We will be using airmiles from British Airways/American Airlines to get there. There is no availability from Cancun…we tried. As I will be going from the US to Cuba, can I still use my British passport and avoid all of the legal hoopla – and restrictions, or do I need to go on my American passport (since we will be leaving from the US) and comply fully. Don’t want to get turned away at the airport after planning/booking the trip.

Hi John, According to the UK’s government advice on traveling to Cuba , it seems that you will have to comply with the US law if you are traveling to Cuba from the US, regardless of the passport you use. It means that you will have to declare a travel “license” and cannot be for tourism purposes.

This might seem like a dumb question but can I pack my smokes & take them w/me?

I’m wondering if participating and supporting (both economically and artistically) a starting art project would be considered in the “Support for the Cuban people” category. Thank you.

It could be considered as such as long as you have a daily full-time schedule of activities (6-8 hours) to support the private art project. Also, document everything you do while in Cuba. For more specific legal advice, I would suggest you talk to a legal specialist.

I was born in Cuba and would like to take a cruise there. I came to the states in 1961 at the age of 5. I am an American Citizen and was told I need to get a form H-11 from the Cuban Embassy in the U.S. in order to travel to Cuba. I have tried to contact them via email and phone several times, but I’ve not heard from them. Do you have any suggestions?

Best to use an agency rather than try to communicate directly with the Cuban consulate – especially after the US government expelled most of those who work in the visa section.

World Nomads is no longer providing (ar least Canadians) insurance for Cuba. Please suggest another all encompassing insurance provider? Thank you

Hi Dylan, Thanks for the heads up! They for Americans, but haven’t confirmed if their plans are also available for Canadians. Another popular travel insurance provider for Cuba is RoamRight . UPDATE: It seems that they don’t offer insurance for Canadians either. We will do some research and get back with some alternatives. Thank you again!

Can we book a family and friends group to Cuba, intending to do all the required activities?

Yes! You can do it Bee, as long as those activities are covered by the travel license that you declare.

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The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022

May 20, 2022 • 5 min read

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.

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.’

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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Cuba Travel Guide for U.S. Citizens: What to Know Before You Go (Updated 2023)

Feb 3, 2023 | Caribbean , Destinations | 0 comments

Planning this trip to Cuba was the most challenging thing I’ve done to date in the name of travel. Out of all 26 countries, thousands of miles, from 5 years of traveling the world.

Once we landed in Havana, I knew that this place was unlike any I’d visited before.

Had I allowed the logistical challenge of traveling to Cuba as a US citizen deter me from visiting this country, it would have been my greatest mistake.

This Cuba travel guide for US citizens is up to date as of early 2023, based on my experience traveling to Cuba in December 2022.

In this post, I will cover Cuba travel FAQ and share how to visit Cuba legally as a US citizen or from a US airport.

Before you read, please note that there are sanctions from the U.S. government that restrict travel to Cuba.

It is the responsibility of each visitor to follow all laws and regulations, at home and abroad.

This website has a limitation of liability policy that applies to all posts, which you can read here .

This post contains affiliate links. See more in the disclaimer .

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Yes. And you can even do so independently.

The key is to visit legally, within the confines of OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) regulations due to the embargo and sanctions.

IMPORTANT: These regulations also apply to non-US citizens that are departing from a US airport.

How to Travel to Cuba Legally

There are 12 categories of legal travel to Cuba under OFAC:

• 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
• Athletic competitions by amateur or semi-professional athletes or athletic teams
• 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 authorized export transactions

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury

The most common is Support for the Cuban People, which requires the following:

§ 515.574 Support for the Cuban People. (a) General license. The travel-related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people are authorized, provided that: (1) The activities are of: (i) Recognized human rights organizations; (ii) Independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; or (iii) Individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba; and (2) Each traveler engages in a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) Enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (ii) Result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba. (3) The traveler’s schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule. Source: Code of Federal Regulations

It will not be a vacation where you go to the beach and prop your feet up, buy things wherever you want, and stay wherever you want.

You must have a full-time schedule of activities that result in meaningful engagement with Cubans.

For us, that looked like many, many art tours and private gallery visits where we connected with local artists and had countless meaningful, deep conversations.

No topic was off-limits.

Everyone opened up (including us) and shared our passions, life experiences, opinions, and learned about one another. And yes, we talked about politics.

We were on the go, all day, every day.

And we didn’t really spend time with other foreigners. We crossed paths with foreigners a couple times, but everyone else we spoke to and spent time with was Cuban.

Casas particulares and paladares

Aside from your full-time schedule, you should also stay in casas particulares and eat at paladares.

A casa particular is a room in someone’s house. It’s been a normal way to travel in Cuba for years. There’s an infrastructure around it. You can find them on Airbnb.

We highly recommend this casa particular in Havana and this casa particular in Viñales.

Paladares are privately-owned small restaurants. Download A La Mesa for a list of restaurants all over the country. Each listing shows if it’s privately-owned.

The app also works offline, which will make your life much easier in Cuba.

Pro tip: If you’re also a vegetarian, make sure you try Camino al Sol ! It’s an all-vegetarian paladar in Havana.

What you are banned from doing in Cuba

You cannot spend money in OR interact with any of the places on this list from the US Treasury Department.

Many are hotels, so pay attention!

I copied and pasted these into a list to have on my phone, then accessed it offline while in Cuba to ensure there wouldn’t be any issues.

Is Cuba safe to visit?

Absolutely.

As a young woman who visited 25 countries before going to Cuba, I’ve been in a few…sticky situations. Cuba was amazing.

I never worried about being robbed and just felt at ease the entire time I was there. I tend to be a more anxious person, so that’s new for me.

This is my personal experience and I was not in Cuba as a solo female traveler, so yours could be different.

Is Cuba open for travel right now?

As of late 2022, visitors no longer need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or testing before entering Cuba. We brought our vaccine cards just in case, but no one asked to see them.

Please refer to this government site for updated information before your visit.

On our way back to the United States, we did have to share contact tracing information with our airlines using a form before we could check in. It was quick and easy.

Although many online sources claim masks are mandatory in certain settings, we did not see any places where masks were required in December 2022.

Accessing Money in Cuba: 2023 Updates

Everything you need to spend in Cuba must be in cash.

Because of the sanctions, your credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba.

If you try to use them, your bank will probably lock your account and it will take a lot of effort to get it unlocked.

In prior years, you would need to convert money to Cuban pesos before using it. Euros were the best to have because CADECA (the government exchange houses) charged a higher fee on USD exchanges.

As of late 2022, everywhere we went accepted U.S. dollars as payment. This was highly unexpected and deviated from every piece of advice I read online before leaving for Cuba.

However, it is still good to have some pesos for a fairer exchange rate. Some menu exchange rates were awful.

When we were in Cuba, we typically got 150 CUP for 1 USD. The CADECA rate was 110.40 CUP for 1 USD.

We exchanged money at our first casa particular and spent USD on activities, private taxis, and one of our casas. We usually spent pesos on art, food, and coffee.

Make sure you get cash in plenty of small bills. Twenties, tens, fives, and ones were useful. Anything larger than that will be annoying to deal with.

If your bank will only give you large bills, go to Publix and ask the customer service to break them when they’re not busy. Works like a charm!

Is it safe to exchange money on the street in Cuba?

You will be offered money exchange on the street wherever you go in Cuba. Just say “No, gracias,” and move on.

As a general rule of thumb, it is not safe or advised to exchange money on the street. This goes for wherever you are in the world.

The main reason it’s unwise to do this is forged currency. If it came from some random person, it may be counterfeit.

A local friend taught us how to know your Cuban pesos are real. Hold the bill up to the sun, and check the watermark.

The watermark will have a number on it, and that number must match the value of the bill.

If it’s a 100-peso bill, the number in the watermark should say 100.

Again, I do not recommend exchanging money in the street. We didn’t on this trip because we were able to get pesos from the front desk of our casa particular.

If you’re ever concerned about any bills you were given as change, use the tip from our friend for some peace of mind.

I also want to make it clear that we were never given counterfeit bills as change while in Cuba, but these things can happen anywhere.

You’re more vulnerable as a foreigner, because you don’t know exactly how the money is supposed to look.

Getting WiFi in Cuba

If a travel guide says there are only one-hour WiFi cards, it is outdated.

Now, you can access WiFi on a one-hour or a five-hour card.

WiFi is now cheaper in Cuba—it was $5 USD per hour; now, it’s $1 USD per hour.

We only needed one 5-hour card per person for the whole week.

Instead of waiting in the ETECSA line, we bought them from our first casa particular .

Overall, our Cuba WiFi experience was much easier than what we expected.

Don’t expect to be online all the time, but WiFi access is not as difficult as prior years.

Pro tip: The two main apps I highly recommend to download BEFORE you leave for Cuba are A La Mesa and Maps.me . Both work well offline and will save you such a headache.

On Maps.me specifically, also download the maps of each city/town you will visit in Cuba. In our case, I downloaded the maps for Havana and Viñales. When you have Internet access, put your casa particular addresses in a Note on your phone, so you copy and paste them into Maps.me whenever you need to. Same goes for any attractions you know you want to see.

If you want (and if your phone is unlocked), you could get a Cuba sim card, which comes with data. I don’t see the point for a one-week trip, but to each their own.

You can reserve those online in advance from Suena and pick them up at the José Martí airport (in Havana). If you go this route, you want the Tourist SIM Card from the top menu.

Can you drink the water in Cuba?

In short, no.

There was bottled water for sale everywhere on our trip in December 2022, but I read online before leaving that you can’t bank on that.

Instead, I bought this LifeStraw to have filtered water and it was the best travel purchase I’ve made. Ever.

Our Viñales casa particular hostess took one look at that bottle and pointed me to her giant drinking water spigot for us to have freely.

She was already familiar with the water situation for foreigners and told me it was smart to bring a reusable filtered bottle.

Highly recommend one of these !

Can you check in online for flights to Cuba?

There are too many documents the airlines must verify before they can issue a boarding pass.

You will also need a paper boarding pass for your Cuban health insurance, often included in your departure airfare.

Do you need to speak Spanish to visit Cuba?

Out of all Spanish-speaking countries I’ve visited, Cuba is the main one you need at least some language skills to visit.

There are people who speak English, especially young people, but it is not the norm.

If you don’t speak Spanish and you’re not traveling with a friend who does, download Google Translate for offline use before you arrive.

It won’t be ideal, but it will work when you need language help.

The best advice I can give is to travel with someone who speaks Spanish fluently. My best friend said many times while we were in Cuba that she would be toast without my language skills.

Can I bring Cuban cigars and rum back into the USA as souvenirs?

The answer used to be yes, as long as you purchased them from a private shop instead of a stated-owned one.

That answer is no longer the case, as of late 2022.

Now, you cannot bring any rum or cigars into the USA from Cuba, no matter how small the amount is or where they were purchased within Cuba.

When you arrive back into the USA, Customs and Border Patrol will ask if you have any rum or cigars. If you do, assume they will be confiscated.

What to Pack for Your Cuba Trip

I pack carry-on only and found Cuba to be one of the easier countries to pack for. The climate in December was perfect, with 80s in the day and 60s-70s at night.

Here is a short packing list of the things you need before going to Cuba:

• Mosquito repellent, because the insects in Cuba will eat you alive (I use these .)
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• Cardigan or light sweatshirt
• Flowy/comfortable clothes (You can see one of the outfits I packed below.)
• One active wear outfit for hiking/horseback or bike riding (if you’re going to Viñales)

I hope this Cuba travel FAQ was helpful for you. I know how stressful it can be to figure out what to do when planning. If you have any questions, comment below and I’ll do what I can to help!

Read more Cuba travel guides:

• Cuba Pre-Departure Checklist
• What to See and Do in Cuba (Havana and Viñales)
• At Dusk in Havana, I Fell in Love
• Havana, the Art Sanctuary
• When It Destroys, It Starts with Us
• The Elephant in the Room: Socialism in Cuba

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? Here’s What You Need to Know

Cuba is a colorful, vibrant country that has long been on the bucket list of many American travelers. However, due to the complex political history between the US and Cuba, many people are unsure about whether or not they can legally travel to this Caribbean island. In this blog post, we will delve into all you need to know about American travel to Cuba.

From understanding the legality of traveling there to navigating visa and general license requirements, we’ve got you covered. We will also cover essential information on financial considerations, finding accommodations, packing lists, and how safe it is for Americans in Cuba.

So whether you’re planning your dream vacation or just curious about what it takes to travel to Cuba from America, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Legality of American Travel to Cuba

Legal requirements for Americans traveling to Cuba can be quite complex and are subject to constant change. The historically tense relations between the United States and Cuba have had a direct impact on travel regulations.

To ensure compliance, Americans must stay informed about the current travel restrictions and guidelines in place. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the governing body responsible for overseeing Cuba travel regulations.

It is crucial for American travelers to familiarize themselves with the visa requirements and general license categories applicable to their specific travel purpose. This includes understanding the different categories that permit travel to Cuba, such as religious activities, professional meetings, and support for the Cuban people. It’s important to note that while certain travel categories may require a specific license, others may only necessitate adherence to general license guidelines.

By staying updated on the latest regulations and visa requirements , American travelers can ensure a smooth and compliant journey to Cuba.

Whether it’s obtaining a Cuban visa, booking an airline ticket, or planning activities within the authorized travel categories, being well-informed is key. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult reliable sources such as the OFAC website or seek advice from travel agencies specializing in Cuba travel.

Historical Context of US-Cuba Relations

US-Cuba relations have had a turbulent history since the Cuban Revolution. Beginning in 1960, the Cuban embargo has had a significant impact on travel between the two countries. However, there have been periods of relaxation in travel restrictions under different administrations. For example, during Obama’s presidency, some travel restrictions were eased. Unfortunately, under the Trump administration, travel regulations became more restrictive once again.

As for the current administration, the Biden administration, they are still in the process of reviewing and potentially modifying travel policies related to Cuba. These ongoing changes in travel regulations highlight the ever-evolving nature of US-Cuba relations and the impact they have on American travel to Cuba.

Current Status of American Travel to Cuba in 2023

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on travel to Cuba and worldwide. Travelers should stay informed about the latest travel advisories and restrictions before planning their trip. In response to the pandemic, Cuba has implemented protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of visitors and locals.

It is important to note that travel restrictions may vary based on vaccination status and local conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information on travel to Cuba in 2023.

Be aware that certain activities, such as religious activities or professional meetings, may have specific requirements or limitations.

If you are an American traveler, it’s worth noting that the United States has certain restrictions on travel to Cuba. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and general license categories set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). While there are legal ways for Americans to visit Cuba, it is essential to understand the guidelines and comply with them.

Keep in mind that Cuba offers a rich cultural experience, including opportunities to interact with Cuban citizens, explore historical sites, and indulge in local delicacies like cigars and rum. Whether you plan to travel from Miami or arrange your flight from Canada or Mexico , it’s vital to have all the necessary documents, including a valid Cuban visa and health insurance.

In conclusion, the current status of American travel to Cuba in 2023 requires careful planning, staying updated on travel advisories, and adhering to the regulations set by both the United States and Cuba. By consulting official sources, understanding the travel restrictions, and following the necessary procedures, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this vibrant destination.

Impact of COVID-19 on Cuba Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international travel, including travel to Cuba. Health and safety measures have been implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus, and these measures may include testing and quarantine requirements for travelers. Additionally, flights and accommodations in Cuba may have limited availability or increased prices due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

It is crucial for travelers to stay informed about travel restrictions, entry requirements, and local guidelines when planning a trip to Cuba.

By following the recommendations of the CDC and WHO, individuals can protect themselves and others during their travels. It is also important to note that the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest information is essential.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there are still opportunities for Americans to travel to Cuba. However, it is important to be aware of the current conditions and to plan accordingly. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, travelers can still enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience in Cuba.

Visa and General License Requirements for Americans

When traveling to Cuba, Americans must fulfill certain visa and general license requirements. To begin with, having a valid passport is essential. Additionally, Americans need to obtain a visa, and the application process is determined by the Cuban government. It’s important to note that specific travel categories fall under general licenses, which allow authorized travel to Cuba.

To navigate through the visa and license requirements, consulting with the US Embassy or travel agencies is highly recommended. They can provide the necessary information and guidance regarding the application process. Moreover, it’s crucial to familiarize oneself with the regulations set forth by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This will ensure compliance with the legal requirements and restrictions associated with travel to Cuba. By adhering to these guidelines, American travelers can have a smoother experience when visiting this vibrant Caribbean island .

Procedure for Obtaining a Cuba Visa

To obtain a Cuba visa, there are a few steps you need to follow. Firstly, you can apply for a Cuba visa through the Cuban Embassy or consulate. The process can be done in person, by mail, or online. Make sure to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your planned travel dates. Visa application requirements may include submitting passport copies and providing a travel itinerary.

It is important to consult official sources to get the most accurate and up-to-date visa information. The Cuban government determines the visa application process, so it is crucial to follow their guidelines. This way, you can ensure a smooth visa application process and avoid any potential issues during your travel to Cuba.

Remember to gather all the necessary documents, such as your passport and travel itinerary, and submit them following the correct procedure.

By preparing everything in advance and staying informed, you can obtain a Cuba visa hassle-free and embark on your journey to explore this beautiful country.

How to Get a General License for Cuba Travel

To obtain a general license for Cuba travel, the first step is to determine the specific travel category that qualifies. These categories include activities such as religious activities, professional meetings, support for the Cuban people, or humanitarian projects. The great thing about general licenses is that they do not require prior approval from the US government.

Once you have identified the appropriate category, it’s important to ensure compliance with all the requirements and restrictions associated with that category. Keep in mind that documentation and records are crucial to providing proof of authorized travel. This can include emails, itineraries, or any other relevant documentation.

If you’re unsure about how to navigate the process of obtaining a general license, it’s always a good idea to consult legal experts or travel agencies specializing in Cuba travel. They can provide guidance and assistance to ensure you complete all the necessary steps.

Remember, while the process of obtaining a general license may seem daunting, it is a necessary requirement for Americans traveling to Cuba. By following these steps and seeking the right guidance, you can ensure a smooth and legal travel experience.

Travel Categories Permitting American Visit to Cuba

Americans have the opportunity to legally visit Cuba through specific travel categories. One such category is the “Support for the Cuban People,” which encourages interactions with locals and enables visitors to contribute to the economic development of the country.

Additionally, Americans can visit Cuba for family visits, professional research, and humanitarian projects. Each category has its own set of requirements and restrictions, so it’s important to understand the purpose and limitations of each before planning your trip. By adhering to the guidelines of the chosen category, American travelers can explore the unique culture, history, and landscapes of Cuba.

Whether it’s engaging in religious activities, connecting with the local community, or conducting professional meetings, Americans can experience the richness of Cuba while complying with the regulations. So, make sure to research and familiarize yourself with the travel categories that permit American visits to Cuba before embarking on your journey.

Exploring the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ Category

The “Support for the Cuban People” category promotes engagement with local communities in Cuba. It encourages activities that contribute to the welfare of the Cuban people.

For example, staying at casa particulares – privately owned guesthouses – and dining at local restaurants are excellent ways to support the local economy. Additionally, visiting cultural attractions and attending public performances also qualify under this category.

It is essential to maintain records of your activities to demonstrate compliance with the “Support for the Cuban People” category. By doing so, you can show that your engagement genuinely benefits the Cuban community. These records might include receipts from local businesses or documentation of your visits to cultural sites.

Exploring the “Support for the Cuban People” category allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and contribute to the Cuban people’s well-being. By engaging with the community, you can have a more meaningful and impactful travel experience in Cuba. So, make sure to prioritize activities that align with this category during your visit.

Financial Considerations for Americans in Cuba

Understanding the financial aspects of traveling to Cuba as an American is crucial. It’s important to note that US debit and credit cards are generally not accepted in Cuba, so it’s advisable to carry cash for transactions.

Euros or Canadian dollars are preferred currencies as they can be easily exchanged in Cuba. Familiarizing yourself with the Cuban government’s currency exchange policies is also essential to avoid any issues. Additionally, considering travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations is highly recommended.

Remember that when traveling to Cuba, it’s necessary to plan your finances accordingly. Being aware of these financial considerations will ensure a smoother experience during your trip.

Dealing with Money in Cuba – Tips and Tricks

Familiarizing yourself with the currency exchange rates in Cuba is essential before your trip. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your expenses. When it comes to transactions, using debit cards or dollars can make things easier in Cuba. However, keep in mind that access to ATMs may be limited, so it’s a good idea to be prepared with enough cash to cover your expenses during your stay.

Keeping track of your expenses is another important tip to ensure you stay within your budget. By monitoring what you spend, you can make adjustments and avoid overspending. Additionally, it’s worth considering bringing cash in Euros or Canadian dollars as they are often more readily accepted in Cuba.

As an American traveler, it’s crucial to be aware of the financial considerations when visiting Cuba. Knowing the Cuban currency exchange rates, using debit cards or dollars, being prepared for limited ATMs, bringing enough cash, and keeping track of your expenses are all tips and tricks that can help you navigate the financial aspects of your trip.

Where and How to Find Accommodations in Cuba?

When traveling to Cuba, finding accommodations is made easy with options like casas particulares, private homes available for rent. Consider platforms like Airbnb or casa particular websites to book accommodations.

You can also contact local tour operators or travel agencies for assistance and look for accommodations in popular tourist areas. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

An Overview of Havana – The Capital City

When exploring Havana – the capital city of Cuba, you’ll be immersed in a rich cultural heritage that can be found throughout its historic Old Havana neighborhood. This area is steeped in history, with its cobblestone streets and colorful architecture.

One of the must-visit landmarks in Havana is the Malecon, a seawall promenade that stretches along the coast. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the ocean and a glimpse into the daily life of Havana’s residents.

Another iconic landmark in Havana is Revolution Square, where you’ll find the famous memorial to Che Guevara and the towering José Martí Memorial. This square is a symbol of Cuba’s revolutionary past and serves as a gathering place for political rallies and events. And then there’s the Capitol Building, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. It’s a stunning example of Havana’s eclectic architecture.

But Havana is not just about history and landmarks. It’s also a city that comes alive at night with its vibrant music and dance scenes. From traditional Cuban music to salsa and jazz, you’ll find a variety of genres being performed in the city’s clubs, bars, and live music venues. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the infectious rhythms of Havana’s nightlife.

And of course, no visit to Havana would be complete without sampling the delicious traditional Cuban cuisine. Whether you’re dining at a local restaurant or sipping a cup of strong Cuban coffee in one of the charming cafes, you’ll find a variety of mouthwatering dishes that blend Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. From classic dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) to delectable desserts like flan, your taste buds will be in for a treat.

To truly appreciate the history and architecture of Havana, consider taking a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the city’s streets, sharing fascinating stories and insights into Havana’s past.

You’ll learn about the city’s role in the Cuban revolution, its architectural styles, and the influence of foreign governments on its development.

That wraps up our overview of Havana – the capital city of Cuba. From its historic neighborhoods to its iconic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine, Havana offers a truly unique and memorable experience for those who visit. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the charms of this captivating city!

Essential Packing List for Travelers to Cuba

When preparing for your trip to Cuba, it’s essential to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of essentials to consider when packing for your travels in Cuba.

For the tropical climate, pack lightweight and breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. Opt for cotton or linen materials that allow for good airflow. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Since exploring the various attractions in Cuba often involves a lot of walking, it’s important to have comfortable walking shoes. Choose a pair that provides support and cushioning for long walks and sightseeing.

It’s also wise to pack necessary medications and a basic first aid kit. While medical services are available in Cuba, it’s always convenient to have your own supplies readily accessible.

Cuba has different electrical outlets, so be sure to bring an adapter/convertor for your electronic devices. This will allow you to charge your gadgets without any issues.

By following this essential packing list , you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure in Cuba, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Is Independent Travel to Cuba Possible for Americans?

Understanding the limitations set by the US government, can Americans travel to Cuba independently?

Yes, it is possible. By adhering to approved travel categories and meeting documentation requirements, Americans can plan and enjoy their visit to Cuba. Stay informed about any policy changes to ensure a smooth and legal travel experience.

Guidelines for Independent Travel

When traveling independently to Cuba, it’s important to plan your trip in advance and make all necessary arrangements. Start by obtaining a tourist card or visa for entry into the country. Additionally, it’s crucial to purchase travel insurance that covers any potential medical emergencies that may arise during your journey.

Don’t forget to carry a valid passport and keep it secure throughout your trip. Respecting the local customs, culture, and regulations is also essential when traveling independently in Cuba. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the customs and regulations before your trip to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.

In terms of NLP terms, it’s worth mentioning that American travelers to Cuba have multiple options when it comes to flights. Many choose to fly from Miami , while others may opt for routes through Canada or Mexico. It’s also worth noting that Cuba is famous for its cigars and rum, which are often sought-after souvenirs for visitors.

By following these guidelines and respecting the local culture, independent travel in Cuba can be an enriching and memorable experience.

How Safe is Cuba for American Travelers?

When traveling to Cuba, it’s important for American travelers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Safeguarding personal belongings and staying informed about the current safety situation in Cuba is crucial.

Following local authorities’ guidance and avoiding risky situations is advised. Trust your instincts and stay safe while exploring this beautiful country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current travel restrictions for American citizens traveling to Cuba?

American citizens can travel to Cuba under specific categories, such as family visits or humanitarian projects. However, they need to obtain a visa or travel authorization from the Cuban government and adhere to guidelines. It’s crucial to research prohibited transactions with certain Cuban entities to avoid legal issues. Consulting a travel agent or legal expert is advisable for Americans planning a trip to Cuba.

Are there any exemptions or special circumstances in which Americans can legally travel to Cuba?

Yes, Americans can legally travel to Cuba under certain exemptions and special circumstances. These include family visits, journalism, professional research, educational activities, and humanitarian projects. However, specific requirements and licenses or authorizations are still necessary. It’s important to stay updated by consulting official government websites for the latest information on travel to Cuba.

What documentation do I need to provide when traveling to Cuba as an American citizen?

As an American citizen, there are certain documents you need to provide when traveling to Cuba. These include a valid passport, a tourist visa, and health insurance coverage. It’s also important to keep in mind any additional requirements or restrictions imposed by both the US and Cuban governments. Make sure to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your trip.

What are some popular tourist destinations in Cuba that Americans can visit?

Cuba offers a plethora of popular tourist destinations for Americans to explore. From the vibrant capital city of Havana with its colonial architecture and vintage cars, to the stunning beaches of Varadero and Cayo Coco, there is something for everyone. Other must-visit places include the historic city of Trinidad, the picturesque Viñales Valley, and the charming town of Cienfuegos. These destinations offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will make your trip to Cuba unforgettable.

When it comes to traveling to Cuba as an American, understanding the legality and requirements is crucial. While the historical context of US-Cuba relations has played a significant role, the current status of American travel to Cuba in 2023 has seen some changes due to the impact of COVID-19.

To visit Cuba, Americans need to fulfill visa and general license requirements. Exploring the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category allows for a fulfilling experience. It’s important to consider financial aspects and know how to deal with money in Cuba. Finding accommodations, especially in Havana, requires careful planning.

A well-prepared packing list is essential. Independent travel to Cuba is possible for Americans, but guidelines must be followed to ensure a smooth trip. Lastly, while Cuba is generally safe for American travelers, it’s advised to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Read Also: 

20 Cheapest Places to Travel When You’re Young and Broke

What Not to Forget When Traveling Internationally

15 Best Christmas Vacation Destinations For Couples To Visit This Year

Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2023?

• November 20, 2023
• Uncategorized

Cuba is a fascinating destination that many Americans dream of visiting. But can Americans travel to Cuba in 2023? The answer is yes, but not as tourists. In this post, we will explain the current rules and regulations for American travel to Cuba, and how you can plan a legal and memorable trip to the island.

What are the rules for American travel to Cuba?

The U.S. government has imposed a trade embargo on Cuba since 1963, which restricts American tourism on the island. However, in 2016, former President Barack Obama eased some of the travel restrictions, allowing Americans to visit Cuba under 12 approved categories of travel, such as family visits, journalistic activity, educational or religious activities, humanitarian projects, and support for the Cuban people .

In 2017, former President Donald Trump reversed some of Obama’s policies, eliminating the people-to-people option and organized group travel, banning cruises, and prohibiting U.S. airlines from flying into any other Cuban city besides Havana . Trump also added more than 200 hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to a list of prohibited entities that Americans are not allowed to patronize.

In 2022, President Joe Biden announced plans to resume people-to-people group travel in Cuba in a new capacity, though concrete details have yet to be released. Biden also greenlit commercial flights to Cuban cities other than Havana to resume, but cruises are still banned.

So, as of 2023, Americans can still travel to Cuba, but they must fall into one of the 12 approved categories of travel, and they must avoid any transactions with the prohibited entities. The most common category that Americans use to travel to Cuba is support for the Cuban people, which requires a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities .

How can you plan a trip to Cuba under the support for the Cuban people category?

If you want to travel to Cuba under the support for the Cuban people category, you need to do some research and planning ahead of time. Here are some steps you can follow to make sure your trip is legal and enjoyable:

• Book a flight to Cuba from the U.S. or a third country. You can use online platforms like Skyscanner or Kayak to compare prices and schedules. Make sure you fly into Havana or one of the other Cuban cities that have resumed commercial flights from the U.S.
• Book a casa particular (a private homestay) or an Airbnb that is not owned by the Cuban government or a prohibited entity. You can use online platforms like Airbnb or Cuba Junky to find and book accommodation. Make sure you check the reviews and ratings of the hosts and the properties.
• Visiting museums, art galleries, and cultural centers that showcase Cuban history and culture.
• Taking classes or workshops on Cuban music, dance, cuisine, or language.
• Volunteering for a local organization or project that helps the Cuban community.
• Donating to a local charity or cause that supports the Cuban people.
• Shopping at local markets, craft stalls, and private businesses that sell Cuban products.
• Eating at paladares (private restaurants) that serve Cuban food.
• Interacting with local Cubans and learning about their lives and perspectives.
• Keep a record of your travel documents and receipts. You need to have a valid passport, a Cuban tourist card (also known as a visa), and a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses in Cuba. You can obtain the tourist card from your airline, a travel agency, or the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country. You can purchase the travel insurance from your airline, a travel agency, or an online provider like [World Nomads] or [Allianz]. You also need to keep receipts of your accommodation, transportation, and activities in Cuba, as well as a copy of your itinerary and a statement of the purpose of your trip. You may need to show these documents to the U.S. or Cuban authorities if they ask you to prove that your trip was legal.

What are the benefits of traveling to Cuba under the support for the Cuban people category?

Traveling to Cuba under the support for the Cuban people category is not only legal, but also rewarding. By choosing this category, you can:

• Experience the authentic and diverse Cuba that is often hidden from mass tourism.
• Learn about the rich and complex history and culture of Cuba and its people.
• Support the local economy and the private sector that is struggling under the U.S. embargo and the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Make meaningful connections and friendships with Cubans who share their stories and insights with you.
• Have a memorable and unique trip that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Traveling to Cuba as an American in 2023 is possible, but not as a tourist. You need to follow the rules and regulations set by the U.S. government, and choose one of the 12 approved categories of travel. The most popular category is support for the Cuban people, which allows you to have a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities. By traveling to Cuba under this category, you can have a legal and enjoyable trip that benefits both you and the Cuban people.

Cristian Abel

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• December 19, 2023

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• December 3, 2023

What is Cuban Cuisine and Why You Should Try It

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? A Decoded Guide

One of the hottest questions in travel is can Americans travel to Cuba? The answer is yes, but it’s a long one and it’s complicated. But don’t fret just yet, we’re here to walk you through the process.

From the day we first decided to go and announced our trip, people have been asking us how it is possible for Americans to visit Cuba.

Many people also seemed confused about travel to Cuba from the US and whether Cuba is even open for Americans right now or not.

There also seems to be mass confusion on what the recent change in the General License process really means for Americans trying to visit Cuba independent of a licensed tour.

It is our hope that this article will answer some of your questions and provide some clarity about the current situation of Americans traveling to Cuba and whether or not you are able to if you are considering a trip for yourself.

2022 UPDATE:  As of November 2017, President Trump  announced changes  in travel rules for Cuba. You can no longer travel under the  People To People  category as an individual. You are also prohibited from spending money at military-owned businesses. However, traveling independently under  Support For The Cuban People  is still allowed.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Table of Contents

The short answer here is no . It is still illegal for Americans to vacation in Cuba. However , there are two ways for Americans to travel to Cuba legally .

If you qualify or book a trip to Cuba in one of these two ways, then you will be traveling to Cuba legally as an American.

Support for the People Tour: This is the most popular way for Americans to visit Cuba. There are many agencies in the United States that are now licensed by the US Government to run culturally orientated tours for American citizens to Cuba.

You can search for these online and book them just like you would any other group tour package. These usually allow you to fly via a charter from Miami or New York and give you a great option for seeing the real side of Cuba during your visit.

Not sure what agency to use for your Support of the People tour?  If you’re looking for an experience unlike any other in Cuba, we can highly recommend booking a tour sold by or operated by the lovely folks at Your Cuba Travel .

They run the government-approved trips to Cuba for Americans and do a stellar job.

General License Travel: The other way to see Cuba is through the new General License. If you qualify under one of the 12 sections of the US government-issued General License, then you may purchase tickets and travel to Cuba independently.

This is still not a free for all to sit on a beach and sip mojitos, but it does offer some flexibility in designing your own itinerary and being able to see things away from the group tour.

Foreign Gateways to Cuba: In addition to traveling legally, we wanted to note that Americans have been traveling to Cuba illegally for years.

While we do not endorse this nor promote it, a simple Google search can typically give you all the information you could possibly want on how to do this.

Thousands of Americans visit Cuba through a foreign gateway annually without any issues, just know that it is illegal.

This means if you get caught or questioned and have spent time in Cuba, you could be facing some serious fines and/or revocation of your passport upon your return to the USA.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? We booked our flights to Cuba with CheapAir and can recommend it.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? How the General License Works

There has been a huge relaxation in the issuing of Cuba licenses to American citizens to travel to Cuba.

The categories are still the same, however, it used to be that you had to apply in advance for a US government-issued Cuba License before you would be allowed to legally travel to Cuba.

Without this license in hand, your travel was considered illegal.

When the Obama administration relaxed the qualifications on the Cuba license, they created a new General License that has made it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba.

Now, instead of having to apply and be approved for a Cuba License, you just have to sign an affidavit that you qualify under a category of the General License, provide support documentation if asked and you can travel to Cuba legally.

This is a big change in the process and our government’s way of allowing more people into Cuba.

However, it is not free for all and people need to remember that the embargo has not been lifted and it is still not legal to vacation in Cuba.

If you qualify under one of these General license categories, I urge you to consider a trip to Cuba soon as the change is on the horizon for this island nation.

The new structure of the General License gives you an opportunity to visit Cuba independent of a group tour, giving you more opportunities to work within your license category.

Before your visit, you should plan an itinerary that pertains to the license you are claiming and be able to justify your travels through Cuba if questioned.

Generally, any American traveling to Cuba under a General License should plan on keeping detailed records of their time in Cuba and how it pertained to the license you claimed.

In short, don’t claim that you are visiting for religious reasons and then book in a week at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero.

Travel to Cuba from the US – Do You Qualify?

In order to travel independently to Cuba as an American, you must qualify under one of the 12 General License categories. The categories are as follows:

• 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.

You can visit this US Government FAQ sheet to get detailed information on each one of the General License categories and what is required of you if you choose to claim that license for independent travel to Cuba.

Again, if you sign up for the US-approved Support of the People tour of Cuba, you don’t need to worry about anything . The company has already obtained the necessary license for you to travel to Cuba.

You just need to show up and enjoy your tour. We can highly recommend booking a tour sold by or operated by the lovely folks at Your Cuba Travel .

Can Americans go to Cuba? We booked our flights to Cuba with CheapAir and can recommend it.

How Did We Visit Cuba Legally?

Thanks to this blog and a number of publications that we do freelance work for, we qualified under the Journalistic Activity category of the General License for our travel to Cuba from the USA in 2016.

Being able to travel independently of a group gave us the opportunity to dig a little deeper into the life of Cuba, photograph the many aspects and find unique stories to share with our readers and other publications.

Additionally, in 2017 we revisited Cuba on a Support for the People tour operated by Your Cuba Travel. Both of our visits were legal.

Flights to Cuba from the USA: We booked tickets from Miami to Havana via Panama City online with our US credit card through CheapAir.com .

While we had the option of booking a direct charter from Miami to Havana, it was $160 cheaper to travel with a connection than fly direct on the charter flight.

When we checked in with Copa Airlines in Miami, they confirmed with us that our final destination was Havana.

There was no problem with this but before they would issue our tickets we were required to complete and return a General License affidavit stating which section of the General License we qualified under.

While I already had these printed and on us for re-entry into the USA from Cuba, the airline had us fill out another one for their records.

Our second visit: In 2017 we led a photography tour to Cuba in partnership with a government-approved Cuba tour operator. It was a completely different style of trip than our first visit in 2016.

Traveling on a group Support of the People license, we dove even deeper into the culture of Cuba, met some amazing people, and learned so much about the countries history.

For this visit, our group flew directly from Miami to Havana on American Airlines.

We got our passports stamped and when we returned to the states, flying Santa Clara to Miami again on American Airlines, we had no issues with immigration.

Be sure to check out all of our Cuba Articles: Cuba Travel Guide

Visa & Itinerary

How to Get a Cuba Visa for Americans: Another reason we decided to fly with a connection was the visa cost.

Had we decided to fly on the direct charter from Miami to Havana, we would have had to obtain a Cuban Visa from a US-based Cuban travel agency to the tune of $85 per person.

By traveling through a foreign gateway city, we were able to purchase our Cuban Tourist Visa from the gate counter before boarding our flight to Havana.

The cost was $20USD per person, significant savings from trying to obtain a visa in the USA.

Cuba Itinerary: While in Cuba we maintained an active itinerary that was on point to the way we travel when producing content and photography for this blog and other publications.

We planned that schedule around the various destinations we wanted to visit. We traveled independently by using the local bus system and staying in Casa Particular home stays throughout Cuba.

Check out our Two Week Cuba Itinerary

Returning to the USA: This part was surprisingly easy. Despite being prepared with our signed affidavits and having bright pink Cuba stamps in our passports, we were never questioned about our travels in Cuba.

Had we been, we were prepared with the necessary documentation to prove our qualifications under the General License we selected.

So there you have it, there are legal ways for Americans to travel to Cuba. We highly recommend that you check the country out sooner than later.

The Cuban people are looking forward to a progressive new future and things might be changing in the months to come.

More on Cuba:

• Survival Tips for Independent Travel in Cuba
• Havana Tours by Classic Car – Intimate Exploration in Cuba
• 29 Cuba Photos Reveal Vibrant Diversity
• Horseback Riding & Tobacco Farms in Viñales Cuba
• How to Travel by Viazul Bus in Cuba
• Hiking in Cuba – Top 5 Places to Hike
• The Perfect Cuba Itinerary: Two Weeks in Cuba
• Cuba Drone Rules – Can I Bring a Drone to Cuba?
• Ultimate Trinidad Cuba Guide

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024? Yes!

Let's be clear: despite the new restrictions introduced by President Trump in June 2019, it is still 100% legal for Americans to  travel to Cuba . For more information on the recent changes, see this Cuba travel policy update . Otherwise, keep reading to learn all the ways Americans can travel to Cuba! And as you read, keep in mind that ViaHero can easily help you design a legal trip that adheres to all the legal regulations. Find out how .

Want to explore Cuba differently?   Have a local plan your trip .

Table of Contents

How can americans travel to cuba, what documents do i need, how can i get a tourist card, can americans travel to cuba independently, can americans travel to cuba with a group tour or on a cruise.

While it is true Americans can’t travel to Cuba solely to chill out by the hotel pool (technically speaking), it doesn’t mean you can’t go to Cuba for your vacation. If you want to go on food tours of Havana, spend afternoons at the beach, and dance the night away , it’s all possible. You just have to know how.

Americans can travel to Cuba in numerous ways. All that matters is that your trip fits into one of 11 (formerly 12) categories of legal travel defined by the US government. All eleven categories are listed below. However, most trips qualify under the Support for the Cuban People category . Categories are self-declared and regulated on the honor system; travelers only need an itinerary that shows a full-time schedule of qualifying activities (a ViaHero trip planner can help with that).

The 12 Travel Categories of Legal Travel for Americans:

• Family visits
• Official business for the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Professional Research
• Religious activities
• Support for the Cuban people
• Educational activities and people-to-people travel
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
• Certain export transactions

As you can see, the People to People category was eliminated in June 2019. This category was mainly used by cruise ships and guided trip packages from the US.

After you’ve chosen your category, just keep it in mind as you’ll need to declare it when booking flights, etc. If you are traveling to Cuba on an independent vacation (not booking a group tour), the only appropriate category is Support for the Cuban People.

The only other items you are required to have are your passport and a Cuban Tourist Card (sometimes called a Cuban Visa), which you can purchase before your trip .

The Cuban Tourist Card is a Cuban government requirement and has nothing to do with the US government’s 11 Categories of Legal Travel. It’s a pink or green card (depending on your last airport before Cuba) that costs between $25–$100 depending on where and how you get it.

If you’re traveling to Cuba directly from the US (even if you don’t have a US passport), your card is pink. These cards cost more because of Cuba’s complicated relationship with the US. If you’re traveling to Cuba directly from outside the US (even if you do have a US passport), your card is green. These cards are generally much cheaper.

Your airline can give you instructions on where to buy your Tourist Card (usually at the airport). To avoid the hassle and make sure you have all of your documents before you leave, though, you can also buy your Tourist Card online in advance. Cuba Visa Services offers the best rates for pink Tourist Cards; if you need a green Tourist Card, you can get it through Easy Tourist Card.

Americans often travel to Cuba independently these days. As mentioned above, most travelers visit under the Support for the Cuban People category, a broad travel category that asks travelers to be mindful of where they are spending their time and money. Under Support for the Cuban People, Travelers must maintain a full-time schedule of activities that qualify as “supporting the Cuban people”. Luckily, most activities that qualify are fun ways to get to know Cuban people and their culture.

Activities that fall under the Support for the Cuban People category include:

• Cooking classes
• Guided tours of Havana in classic American cars
• Salsa dancing lessons
• Staying in casas particulares (b&bs) and spending time with your hosts

ViaHero travel experts can put together an itinerary that fulfills the Support for the Cuban People travel category requirements and includes your dream Cuba vacation activities!

While m any companies have been leading group educational tours to Cuba for decades, as of June 5, 2019, the People to People category has been eliminated and this is no longer allowed.

For those who wanted a little taste of Cuba as part of a longer vacation, many cruise lines used to stop in Cuba. However, as part of the June 2019 Cuba travel ban, American cruise ships are no longer allowed to dock in Cuba. That said, you can still stop in Cuba via airplane for a quick shore excursion ;  a ViaHero travel expert can create it custom just for you.

Have more questions about travel to Cuba? Here is a list of our local Cuban travel experts who can help you or you can contact us with any questions you have. And before your trip, make sure to check out:

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
• You Can Still Travel to Cuba: 2024 Update
• New Cuba Travel Policy Updates
• Is Cuba Safe?
• Cuban Tourist Cards and Visas
• Money in Cuba: What You Need to Know

Looking for more info?

Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2023? (Yes & Here’s How)

Can Americans travel to Cuba? Short Answer: Yes! For the longer answer, here’s nearly 3,000 words on why and how:

You know, it’s kind of funny because I was always under the assumption that the answer to “Can Americans travel to Cuba?” was a resounding, “No.” I’d only vaguely heard of people going from Mexico and just asking immigration not to stamp their passports, but I don’t know that I’d ever want to risk getting in trouble with the American government – mostly because the sheer amount of bureaucracy and paperwork would drive me insane.

I do remember the brief, halcyon period when it seemed like travel was doable and that was when Obama was normalizing relations. Back then, every U.S. travel and fashion blogger I knew planned a trip. Of course, I was living in Korea, and it seemed highly impractical to use my vacation days on a trip to the Caribbean, so any desire I had to visit was shelved.

Of course, all this normalization ended pretty quickly around the same time I returned home (*cough*). Then the pandemic hit, and I was in Vietnam for the foreseeable future. Truly, the only time I considered visiting Cuba was when I read a book set there.

Around a year ago, though, I received a message from a company called Cuban Adventures inviting me on their 8 Day Original Tour for Women . I was immediately curious how this would be possible. That’s when I realized visiting Cuba as an American is both entirely legal and much easier than I would have expected.

Yes, there are a few hoops to jump, but it’s nothing crazy or out of the ordinary for anyone who travels. In fact, if you’re reading this from one of the countries that doesn’t have our passport privilege, you’re going to roll your eyes hard at this whole post.

Anyway, now that I’ve visited and come back in one piece with no awkward airport question, here’s what to expect if you’re an American who wants to visit Cuba!

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? (YES)

Before I dive into the steps to follow, I want to make one thing clear. The reason there are Cuba travel restrictions for Americans is not because of the Cuban government but the American one. This goes all the way back to the 1960s and is a whole 20th century history lesson I won’t go into.

This is an important distinction because it’s not like Cubans don’t want visitors and tourists; it’s just that a bunch of politicking and whatnot that have added all these extra steps.

1. Figure out HOW you’re going to visit

Unfortunately, you can’t just hop on a plane spontaneously and set off for a vacation in Cuba. My Canadian friends are probably laughing at this because they absolutely see vacationing here like we see vacationing in Hawaii, Cancun, or Florida.

For Americans, you need to have one of the following reasons:

• Family visits
• Official government business
• Journalistic activities
• Professional research or professional meetings
• Educational academic activities
• People-to-people exchanges (newly reinstated option)
• Religious activities
• Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or 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
• Travel related to certain authorized export transactions

As you might guess, “going to an all-inclusive resort and sunbathing for a week” does not fall under any of these categories. However, the two big ones that the normal American can use is “People to People (P2P)” and “Support for the Cuban People (SCP).”

P2P was actually banned for a bit by the last administration but brought back in 2022. My tour has a good breakdown of the differences and recommended I list SCP.

Frankly, if this is your first time visiting, go with a tour company. I know, I know I also bristle at multi-day group tours, but I think if you find a good one that gives you enough flexibility, it takes out the stress of figuring out the details. Proper tours also ensure you’re not breaking any U.S. rules unwittingly!

My Tour with Cuban Adventures

Please note my tour was gifted, but all over expenses were out of pocket

Cuban Adventures created their 8-Day Original Tour for Women to allow for flexibility and focus on women empowerment and female entrepreneurs in Cuba. (Believe it or not, this is something that has a long way to go, and even my customs agent was surprised when I told him about our tour!)

They handle the stress of transportation, food, and accommodation while providing a guide to, well, guide you through the country. Our leader, Yummet, gave us historical context as well as arranged our meals and provided itinerary recommendations. Honestly, if you book this tour, request her – she’s the best! As people who normally don’t like organized multi-day tours, both my friend, Millette , and I had a seriously amazing time.

2. Book your flight

There are a few airlines that fly to Cuba, and I opted for American Airlines because I have points with them, and they fly out of Philly. I believe you can really only book Cuba flights directly on airline sites but don’t take my word for it. I had a short layover in Miami both ways.

3. Figure out accommodation

So because I was on a tour, Cuban Adventures took care of this. But if you’re doing this on your own, know that you cannot just book whatever accommodation you want. We’re only allowed to stay in what’s known as casas particulares , or privately-run guesthouses.

It more or less feels like you’re staying with a family but in your own private room. Because casas have to meet certain regulations, you’re guaranteed a nice experience regardless of the stay! If you click on that link above, it goes into what standards they have to meet.

Booking wise, you can try contacting places directly but otherwise I’ve only seem some listed on Airbnb and Hotels.com . This is partly why I recommend doing a tour for at least your first visit – they’ll have vetted the casas for quality and will obviously know if you’re in the clear to stay.

The U.S. government has an entire list of prohibited accommodations if you want to read through them. For a bit of a laugh, I was looking at my friend, Alyshia’s Cuba stories as she’s one of the aforementioned Canadians who vacation here frequently. Every single place she’s stayed is on this list for me. Crazy, huh?

4. Get your Cuban visa travel card

Another thing you’ll need is a Cuban visa travel card (República de Cuba Visa – Tarjeta del Turista). This will cost around $100 USD and can be done beforehand or at the airport right before you go (so for me it would’ve been in Miami, not Philly). My layover was only like 40 minutes, so I got mine ahead of time just, and it came in a matter of days. If you fly American Airlines, this is the link for their travel card specifically.

If you do get your card in the airport, just know that the Cuba Travel Ready Desk is located RIGHT at your gate. I imagine it takes minutes as long as there’s no line, so if you haven’t gotten your card ahead of time, don’t stress.

5. Fill out an affidavit

This is basically you promising the U.S. government that you’re going to support the Cuban people. I think it’s also called an OFAC license. This was something Cuban Adventures sent me to sign, but if you’re not with a group, I think this is the page you want.

6. Make sure you have proof of travel and medical insurance

This is for any American not flying from a U.S. destination. Make sure you have some sort of robust travel insurance that you can show on arrival or Cuba will have you buy theirs.

**Anyone flying from a U.S. airport will already have this included in their ticket so no need to worry.

7. Money, money, money

Know that you cannot use American debit or credit cards in Cuba, so you should bring all the cash you need. I’ll go into this in my Cuba travel tips post, but in general I recommend bringing around $100/day for however long you’ll be here.

This will ensure you’re on the safe side, have more than enough for meals and souvenir shopping, and allow you to tip generously, which you’ll feel more than inclined to do. Keep the bills between $5, $10, and $20 and no coins. If you can easily get euros, have maybe 100-200 EUR too but I found most people preferred dollars anyway and it was a 1 EUR = 1 USD rate.

Don’t exchange all your money into pesos (CUP) and don’t exchange any at the airport. Just wait until you get to your casa and exchange maybe $100-$200 USD. When I was there, the exchange was $1 USD = 120 CUP at the official money exchange centers (Cadeca) but was $1 USD = 150-165 CUP at casas, businesses, and restaurants.

8. Within 48 hours of your flight, fill out a D’Viajeros form

D’viajeros is something required by the Cuban government and reminds me a bit of the K-ESTA program Korea introduced post-COVID. It’s to just help facilitate getting through the airport in Cuba and is basically a QR-code you show.

Be sure to screenshot your QR code in case they don’t email you for whatever reason.

9. To stay connected (optional)

WiFi in Cuba is pretty tricky and nonexistent. You essentially have to buy wifi-cards that last an hour and find public wifi spots to connect to (you’ll know you have one when WIFI-ETECSA pops up as on the wifi list).

However, the SIM card situation is actually pretty good considering it’s a fairly new thing here. There’s a tourist SIM card called CubacelTur with ETECSA, Cuba’s only cell service. It’ll give you 6GB of data good for 30 days.

Order it online ahead of time. If you wait to get it in Cuba, chances are ETECSA locations will be sold out. On top of that, you’ll probably have to wait in a long line outside to even get to that point. However, if you book online ahead of time, you can reserve yourself a SIM card to pick up at the airport. Once you get it activated, it should begin the next day at noon (though you might get it to work sporadically beforehand).

P.S. 6GB isn’t much, so make sure you turn off all your apps! Millette accidentally had her iPhotos switched onto back-up to her iCloud and it ate up all her data in like a day.

P.P.S. If you have an iPhone, sometimes they have issues working with the SIM.

10. Getting from the airport to Cuba

Ok, I’m going to walk you through what to expect at the airport just to help alleviate any concerns. Again, just making a note that my whole experience is with American Airlines and going from Philly – Miami – Havana and back.

U.S. Airport

For check-in, know that you cannot check-in online like other flights. You have to go to the desk in person. There they’ll check you in, ask why you’re going to Cuba (always – support Cuban people), and make sure your D’Viajeros form is filled in. I believe the computer makes them input a number or something that’s on the form.

From there it’s all normal check-in and TSA things until you fly out. I will say if you’re in the Miami airport or wherever your last airport before Cuba is, make sure you download everything you want downloaded and grab that last Starbucks chai latte. My flight was delayed 2 1/2 hours after we boarded, and I was wishing I’d just stopped off to get my last iced chai latte fix.

Jose Martí Airport

Once you land in Cuba, it’s pretty normal. You’ll disembark and then follow the signs to go through customs, have your things scanned, and then proceed to the baggage claim area. Before you actually see someone at the customs desk, you’ll present your QR code to someone sitting at another desk who will scan it. Customs will stamp your visa travel card, and then you’re through. I believe everyone gets free 30-minutes of wifi in the airport. However, I was so ready to be out and in my casa that I just sped through.

If you’re with a tour, they should absolutely have a driver set-up for you and, of course, a bunch of things to do in case you don’t. Otherwise, taxis should be around $30 USD to get into Havana and take about ~30 minutes. For those that do the taxi route, have a map ready to show them where to drop you off. No one is plugging in an address into Google Maps.

11. During your trip

There’s not too much to worry about on your trip. If you want to be extra cautious, just tell people you’re Canadian. Heck, if you’re in a silly, goofy mood just spit out any random country. I kept telling people I was Mexican because that’s the closest Spanish accent I have. Weirdly, no one was skeptical?

Otherwise the main things to remember are:

• Don’t check your bank accounts – they might block you.
• None of your ATM or credit cards will work, so bring everything you need in cash (Like I said – $100/day is a safe bet)
• If you send any payments ahead of time via Paypal, etc, never put Cuba or Havana in the name to avoid it getting flagged and blocked. My friend had hers blocked for like 10 days!
• Don’t spend money at government-owned shops, businesses, or hotels. It’s easy to figure out what those are (aka anything that takes credit card), but a guide will always know if you’re unsure.

12. Keep record of your trip

One thing to note is that you want to keep record of your trip. Just a small notebook or something to keep an itinerary of where you ate, where you stayed, and who you interacted with. Basically something to prove that you were supporting Cuban people and not just laying on the beach and getting cocktails from a resort bar the whole time. If you want to get a little fancy, I brought my travel journal from Promptly to use.

13. Coming home and bringing back souvenirs

This was the part I was the most unsure about because we’d just heard so many clashing accounts on what to expect. It was surprisingly a million times easier than I could have anticipated, and I even managed to squeeze in my Global Entry interview before we boarded our Miami – Philly flight.

Getting through the airport in Cuba is normal. We were in Terminal 3, which is supposed to be the newer one. The money thing differs based on who you talk to but when we went to get coffee at one of the restaurants, they didn’t take pesos but did take USD. If you have to use the bathroom, remember to have some pesos or USD to give to the bathroom attendant, and know that there’s no toilet seat, so you’ll have to squat and hover.

WiFi-wise, you get 30 minutes but I couldn’t get it to recognize my passport number. They do have normal WIFI-ETECSA available if you have any leftover wifi cards, though.

Miami Airport

Once you land in the U.S. (in our case Miami), you’ll disembark and go through customs. Obviously, customs depends on who your border agent is. Luckily, ours was pretty friendly. Here’s what he asked, and what we answered:

• Him : Where are you coming from?
• Him : Why were you in Cuba?
• Us : To support the Cuban people.
• Him : How did you support the Cuban people?
• Us : We stayed at privately owned casas particulares, only ate at privately-owned restaurants, and visited privately-owned businesses. We also donated where we could. (At this point we went off to discuss how our tour was particularly geared towards women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and I told him about how our Viñales guide was one of two women with the job.)
• Him : Are you bringing back anything?
• Us : Yes, we shopped . We brought back some dresses (he was also surprised at this lol) and coffee, and cigars. Now, I just want to make it clear we know we can’t just buy any cigars but these cigars are artisanal and we brought them directly from the farmer. They’re not any of the government brands.
• Him : Cool, alright, welcome back to the U.S.

Bada boom! I was ready to put up an argument over the cigars but there was no need. Just know that you cannot bring back rum or cigars from the government-owned companies (i.e. Havana Club or any of the famous brands). If you bring back art, the artist should give you a little receipt that you can show customs too. (Smaller ones from street artists don’t require the receipt).

FAQ for Travel to Cuba

They can go! They just can’t go as easily as other countries and it requires some paperwork. Nothing too crazy though.

They can legally go under one of the approved categories of travel. Most go under People to People or Support for Cuban People.

Not at all!! It’s actually one of the safer countries I’ve been to.

In Conclusion

I think that pretty much answers everything I can think of related to “Can Americans travel to Cuba?” My last bit of advice is to look and read blog posts that are as current as possible. Things have changed and reversed and changed again drastically in the last 5-7 years, and now that I’ve been, I can say anything written in 2016/17 is insanely out of date!

I’ll do my best to keep these posts updated, but it’s always better to hear from someone who’s just been. Cuban Adventures has a Facebook group if you’re going on one of their tours, so I read through those replies before I went. If you have any questions, let me know!!

For more on Cuba travel, read these next:

• An Essential Guide to Viñales, Cuba
• A Colorful Travel Guide to Trinidad, Cuba

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This is helpful, thanks so much! I’m planning to go to Cuba soon. Which month did you go in? I was wondering how you found out about being able to bring cigars back if they’re purchased directly from a farmer? Are there any websites you can share? Also, did the farmer provide any “receipt” or note for you?

Hi! I went in February. We were originally supposed to go in October, but there was major damage from a hurricane I believe, so they recommended changing dates. Our tour guide mentioned the artisan cigars tip, so I thought I’d try since I thought they’d be cool souvenirs for my brother and future brother in law. The whole thing with the US is that they want you supporting Cuban people directly NOT the government, so by that logic buying cigars directly from a tobacco farmer is like buying art from an artist or a dress from a dressmaker. I didn’t have any receipts but if they’d ask to to see the cigars, they’d see they’re wrapped up and very homemade looking vs being in fancy packaging. I was ready to ask questions about why these wouldn’t count as supporting Cuban people if the gate agent said no, but he agreed with that reasoning!

Planning a trip to Cuba in December, and of all the “how to visit Cuba” articles I’ve read so far (and believe me, there have been many) this was the FAR AND AWAY the most informative, up to date, and helpful. Thanks!!!

I’m glad it was helpful!!! I feel like the situation in Cuba changes so often for American travelers, it really needs to be kept up yearly! Before we went all the top blog posts were at least a few years old, and so much was different!

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Going to the US after Cuba: Can Americans travel to Cuba?

• 1. What visa do I need to travel to the US?
• 2. What is an ESTA travel authorization?
• 3. Can Americans travel to Cuba?
• 4. What happens if I have been in Cuba and I want to travel to the US?
• 5. Is the passport always stamped when entering and leaving Cuba?
• 6. More required documents to travel to the US

Is the United States of America your next holiday destination? The places to visit in USA include wonderful attractions like Denali National Park, Florida Keys, Las Vegas and more. It's definitely a country worth visiting!

Before you go to the Land of freedom, you must learn about what happens if you’ve visited Cuba before. Can Americans visit Cuba? Find out here.

What visa do I need to travel to the US?

All European countries and countries like Australia are allowed to apply online for the ESTA visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You can easily get your travel permit for the US online, avoiding going to embassies or consulates.

What is an ESTA travel authorization?

There are 40 countries that can apply for an ESTA USA because they are part of the United States’ Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Among those nationalities, there are all European countries and other countries.

The ESTA travel document for the US will be valid for two years and will allow you to visit the US for tourist and business reasons multiple times, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. 

You can get your ESTA travel document with Visagov.com . Our experts will process your travel authorisation and send it directly to your email . For more information on the ESTA visa and other visas, you can read this article .

Can Americans travel to Cuba?

Due to the difficult relationship between the two countries, you might wonder: "Can Americans visit Cuba?". The answer is  yes, they can .

However, even though it’s possible for Americans to travel to Cuba, they can’t do it with the same visa needed when traveling from every other country. 

For Americans to travel to Cuba, they would need to apply for the Cuba visa for US citizens (Specific Tourist Card ), a type of Cuban tourist visa created exclusively for those entering the country through the US .

What happens if I have been in Cuba and I want to travel to the US?

If you want to travel to the US and you have been to Cuba, you won’t be allowed to get an ESTA document . You will need to go to your nearest embassy or consulate form the United States and apply for a B2 Visa.

To get the B2 Visa you will need to fill out the DS-160 form for individuals aged 13 to 79 and conduct an interview at the US consulate in your country. Here you can find all the information regarding the process to obtain a B2 tourist visa for the US.

The U.S. Government considers Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST). This means that if you have travelled to Cuba from the 12 of January of 2021 you will need a visa . The only real change is that you will need to plan your trip to the US with more time than when you apply for the ESTA. The processing time is longer if you must go to the embassy to sit for an interview.

You must consider that if you have a valid ESTA and have travelled to Cuba after January 12, 2021, the ESTA will not be cancelled. However, it cannot be renewed upon expiration, and the holder must apply for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate. 

This also happens if you have traveled to Iran, Irak, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since the 1st of March 2011.

Is the passport always stamped when entering and leaving Cuba?

In some cases, the Cuban authorities won't stamp the passport upon entry into the country. Instead, they place the entry and exit stamps directly on the tourist card .

More required documents to travel to the US

In addition to the visa, you will need to meet other US travel requirements . Here we talk about three important documents you need to take into account before travelling to the US: 

You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of your trip.

Travel insurance

Getting travel insurance is almost a must-have to travel to the US . You must know that, even though the US has access to a good healthcare system, it is private and extremely expensive. Travel and health insurance will avoid having to pay a large amount of money if you have any mishap.

Since the 12th of May, foreign nationals entering the United States by plane are not required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or present a test confirming they are virus-free. 

Although there are no mandatory vaccines to travel to the United States, the National Travel Health Network and WHO recommend being vaccinated for rabies and tetanus, hepatitis A, and B.

Catherine Carey

Can Americans Travel to Cuba on a Cruise? And More Questions Answered

One of the biggest questions raised frequently in the US travel industry is this: Can Americans travel to Cuba? That's because the past decade saw the more-than-sixty-year travel embargo to Cuba eased just long enough for some lucky Americans to have enjoyed cruises to Cuba, both on specialty cruise lines and even on mainstream lines.

However, the short window of opportunity closed on June 5, 2019, when U.S. policy changes again blocked tourist travel to Cuba.

Travel to Cuba from, or transiting through the United States by any person considered to be under U.S. jurisdiction (which includes U.S. citizens located anywhere, as well as anyone located in the U.S., regardless of citizenship) must abide by the regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), under the Department of Treasury.

As of June of 2022, those regulations allow twelve types of general travel authorizations, but retain the restriction on travel strictly for tourist activities.

Here are some things Americans should know about the status of sailing to this long off-limits country.

Is There Still an Embargo on Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens?

Yes, the embargo is still in place, but travel to Cuba is allowed for certain types of trips. But even on the trips that are allowed, travelers to Cuba may not use U.S. credit and debit cards during their travels (this was briefly allowed in 2016 and early 2017).

What Kind of Travel to Cuba Is Allowed for U.S. Citizens?

The major allowances for Cuba travel fall under work-related reasons. Journalists can enter Cuba, for example, as can performers and athletes, or people attending performances or sporting events. Meetings and conferences are also now allowed.

What Still Needs to Happen for the Travel Embargo to Be Lifted?

Only Congress can completely lift the embargo, which was first imposed in 1960 as a ban on trade during Dwight Eisenhower's administration. At the time, communist rebels led by Fidel Castro had recently come into power and were nationalizing American oil refineries and other private businesses, without compensation.

President John F. Kennedy extended the embargo to travel in 1963, after the Cuban Missile Crisis . Current regulations are enforced through a number of congressional acts.

Will Congress Take Action and Lift the Travel Embargo to Cuba?

It's unlikely that will happen anytime soon. Although many Americans want to visit Cuba and the Obama administration worked steadily to improve relations with the country, President Trump undid much of his predecessor’s work to normalize relations.

There is also a strong block of Cuban-American lawmakers, as well as Republican political leadership, who oppose normalization.

Has President Biden Changed Anything in Regards to Cruise Travel to Cuba?

In 2022, the Biden administration reversed the Trump ban on air travel to destinations beyond Havana . It is now possible to fly to far more destinations within the country. There has been no change in restrictions on cruise passengers, however.

Can Cruise Ships Go to Cuba?

Yes, cruise ships owned by non-American companies have been traveling to Cuba for years. The only cruise line currently calling at Cuban ports is Marella Cruises, a U.K.-owned company, formerly owned by Thomson, and sailing under the TUI brand.

As recently as January 2023, four cruise lines -- Carnival , Norwegian , Royal Caribbean and MSC -- were ordered by a Federal District Judge in Florida to pay millions in fines in a complicated legal battle.

The Federal District Judge cited that the cruise lines committed “trafficking acts” by conveying U.S. citizens to Cuba to engage in “prohibited tourism” between the years of 2015 and 2019. It remains to be seen whether that ruling will withstand the anticipated appeals and how it might impact the future of cruising to Cuba by American-owned companies.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba on a Cruise Ship?

The short answer is "not yet." Your trip would still have to fall under certain guidelines and your schedule can't include free time. In other words, you can't just be a tourist, which is what mainstream cruise passengers are considered.

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba via Cruise Ship from Another Country?

US citizens also cannot simply fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica , where Marella sails from and take that cruise because the regulations apply to U.S. citizens wherever they are.

What Are Some Things to Do in Cuba?

Cuba has a distinct culture, with food, music and architecture that are celebrated around the world. It also has pristine beaches, wonderful diving and snorkeling spots , beautiful natural landscapes, a wonderful colonial architectural legacy and an extraordinary history. That being said, there are nearly endless things to do in Cuba .

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 tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption in Cuba. Please note that effective September 24, 2020, authorized travelers may no longer return to the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba as accompanied baggage for personal use.”

The same applies to alcohol and cigars purchased in third countries. They may be consumed in third countries, but may not be imported into the U.S.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

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Places Americans don’t visit—but definitely should

Posted: May 11, 2023 | Last updated: July 13, 2023

Places Americans don’t visit but definitely should

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The nation is an ancient land of great spirituality, tradition, and natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Darvaza gas crater (pictured), also known as the "Door to Hell" or ''Gates of Hell." This natural gas field collapsed into an underground cavern when geologists set it on fire. It alone is worth the trip.

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