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Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2024 Rules

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

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

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

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

Overview: Traveling to Cuba With a US Passport

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

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

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

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

A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Your Passport

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

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

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

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

#1: Declare a Valid Travel Category

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

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

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

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#2: get a tourist card.

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

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

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

How to Get Your JetBlue Cuba Visa at the Airport

Get an American Airlines Cuban Visa Before Your Trip

Here’s the Deal with the Delta Cuba Visa Process

Snag a Southwest Cuban Visa Before Your Trip to Cuba

#3: Get Valid Health Insurance

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

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

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

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

#4: Prepare an itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6: Keep Your Receipts and Other Records

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

#7: Check The Latest COVID-19 News

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

A health declaration form is required. 

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

Masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare settings.

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

#8: Bring Cash

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

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

#9: Enjoy Your Trip

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

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

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

Looking for more info?

And for more about travel to cuba: .

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

Update April 12, 2024

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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 .

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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.
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• 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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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.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

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.

• Travel Advice
• General Information

Traveling to Cuba as a US Citizen: 2024 Complete Guide

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 January 3, 2024

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

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? 

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

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

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

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

Cuba Travel Restrictions & Requirements

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

Cuba Entry Requirements 

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

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

Cuba Travel Insurance Requirements 

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

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

Visiting Cuba From the U.S.

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

What Airports Fly to Cuba From the U.S?

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

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

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

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All about the US ESTA and CUBA [ESTA After Visiting Cuba]

Many visitors to the USA travel there on the ESTA Visa Waiver program.  However, a change by the US Government on 12 th January 2021 means that if you have visited Cuba since then you may no longer use the ESTA Visa Waiver Scheme.  This article goes through the details of the changes, relevant dates, and what you’ll need to do if you (as an ESTA user) want to visit the United States.  I’ll also cover the most frequently asked questions about the US ESTA and Cuba.  Here’s our guide to the USA ESTA after visiting Cuba.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

There’s a lot of detail in this article, and I’ve answered a lot of questions in it, so it’s best to read it in its entirety and then if you have questions afterward, either send an email or ask in the comments.  It can seem complex at first glance, but the rules are pretty simple now.

Why is the USA ESTA Visa Waiver Scheme relevant to visiting Cuba?

Citizens of 41 countries around the world can use the United States ESTA Visa Waiver scheme to visit the US for business or pleasure.   It involves completing an online form, paying a fee, and (if granted) removing the need to apply (in person) for a US Visa at an embassy or consulate.

However, on 12 th January 2021, The United States Government added Cuba as a country to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorisms.  That meant that visitors to Cuba were no longer able to visit the USA using the ESTA Visa Waiver Scheme.  It does NOT mean that you cannot visit the USA.  It simply means that to visit the USA after a trip to Cuba you’ll need to apply for a regular visa, at an embassy or consulate of the United States.

The enforcement of this policy came in October 2022, and since then if you plan to visit the United States after visiting Cuba, then, even if you have an existing ESTA it will be invalidated. You are not eligible for an ESTA if you’ve been to Cuba.

The ESTA Application was updated on 6 July 2023 to include specific questions about travel to Cuba.  Previously it had simply referenced “the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism”.  The other countries on this list are Iran, North Korea and Syria.

Why the US ESTA cancellation is an issue for long-haul visitors to Cuba

Aside from the issue that you now need a visa to enter the United States, there’s another issue with ESTAs being canceled upon your visit to Cuba.

If you’re visiting Cuba from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, then it’s highly likely that you may be flying via the United States.   That means you likely want to fly home via the United States.

There’s no “in transit” in the United States

The United States does NOT have the concept of “in transit” for connecting flights.  You must, even if you’re just getting off one plane and getting onto another, go through immigration and “enter” the United States, before then leaving again to get on your next flight. There’s more from the DHS here.

And if you’re relying on an ESTA to get you through this immigration process then you CANNOT.  If you’ve flown into Cuba via the United States, then it’s likely that you’ll be stopped in the USA and told that your ESTA will be canceled if you continue with your onward trip to Cuba and that you will not be allowed to fly back via the United States.

If you want to visit the USA again after Cuba, you’ll need a full visa

If you plan to visit the USA after your trip to Cuba (or indeed if you’ve been there since 12 January 2021), then you will need to go through the full visa application process.  This generally means getting an appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate and obtaining a full US visitor’s visa (B1/B2), which is both expensive and time-consuming.

Am I trying to put you off visiting Cuba?

I just want to clear up, with this article, a lot of misinformation and ensure that you do not get stuck, or book flights via the USA that you will be unable to take.

Does visiting Cuba mean that I won’t be able to get a visa for the United States?

Not at all.  If you’re ineligible for an ESTA, then the US Department of Homeland Security states that it does NOT mean that you’re ineligible for a regular visa.

Practical Steps to Take on Visiting Cuba

Here are several practical steps to take that can help you with regard to the ESTA after visiting the United States.

Make sure you don’t try and fly home via the United States

You’ll want to start by making sure that your return flight is NOT via anywhere in the United States unless you already have a regular B1 /B2 Visa for the United States.

The Cuban Government, since October 2022, is NOT stamping passports, unless you specifically ask them to, so there will be nothing in your passport to state that you’ve been to Cuba.  However, lying to the American Government – aka making a false declaration to US Immigration Services can have serious consequences for your future travel, and not just to the United States.  It’s just not worth it.

Apply for a US Visitors Visa

If you plan to visit the United States for business or pleasure, or if you’re a regular visitor, then you can apply for a 10-year visa.  You can get a B1 Visa (which is mainly for business) or a B2 Visa which covers you for both business and pleasure.  These are generally valid for 10 years.  The time taken to process these visas will differ depending on your embassy, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time.

Investigate a USA Transit Visa If you Want to Fly Long Haul home via the USA

Thanks to Alan Crocker of Australian Travel Agency PleaseYourselfTravel who contacted us at Cuba’s Best and made us aware of the US Transit Visa. Also known as a “C” visa, it can be used for transiting the USA. Wait times at US embassies tend to be shorter for this type of visa, compared to the B1 or B2 visa.

Now what I don’t know is if this visa can be used to transit the USA after visiting Cuba. I’d recommend that you ask your local US embassy. And let us know what you hear, it could help other long-haul visitors to Cuba.

Keep your fingers crossed for change from the US Government

I’m a big believer in the phrase “Hope is not a strategy”, but perhaps a little hope would help here.  The current US administration recently announced that visa processing will resume in the Havana Embassy “soon”, which is a good sign that there is always hope that Cuba could be removed from the State Sponsored Terrorism list.

Frequently Asked Questions about the US ESTA and Cuba

Here are just some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Cuba and the impact it has on ESTAs.

Can I get a different passport and then apply for an ESTA after visiting Cuba?

The question on the ESTA Visa Waiver Form is “Have you traveled to Cuba”? A different passport makes no difference to this answer.  A different passport makes no difference at all to your eligibility for the ESTA Visa Waiver Scheme.

If I fly into Cuba visa the USA and they don’t tell me about this can I fly back?

No.  Without a valid visa for the United States, you will be unable to board a plane out of Cuba going to the United States.  Even if your flight is a transit flight.  There’s no concept of “in transit” in the United States, so you have to go through immigration.

How long does it take to get a B1 or B2 Visa for the United States?

You’ll need to check timeframes with your local embassy as times differ depending on the country, time of year, and staffing.

If I traveled to Cuba before 2021 can I still travel to the USA on an ESTA?

Yes.  The cut-off date is 12 January 2021, if you traveled to Cuba AFTER this date, then you are ineligible for the ESTA Visa Waiver scheme. 

If I’ve already got an ESTA and go to Cuba what happens?

The Department of Homeland Security states “If an ESTA has already been approved and it is later determined that the traveler has been present in Cuba or holds dual nationality with both a VWP country and Cuba, the ESTA will be revoked. Ineligibility for an ESTA is not a bar to travel to the United States.”

Does Cuba Stamp Passports?

No.  Cuba does not stamp passports, it’s the Cuban Tourist Card ( which I wrote about here ) that’s stamped.  However, a passport stamp, whether it’s there or not, is irrelevant to the situation with an ESTA.

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY

These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.

Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here – Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba. You will need a Cuba Tourist Card to enter Cuba – some airlines include these, if yours doesn’t, buy one from EasyTouristCard – now valid for 90 days. Book your Viazul Bus tickets here Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba eSIM – read about Cuba ESIMS here , or buy a Cuba eSIM here .

Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here

Final Words on the USA ESTA after Visiting Cuba

This is a difficult but important article to write.  After all, Cuba’s Best is all about promoting why you should come to the country!  However, the elephant in the room must be addressed, and it’s only fair that you have all the information before traveling to Cuba.  If you plan ahead, understand the rules, and manage your travel with them in mind, this is a minor inconvenience, but one you must be aware of.  I am in no way suggesting that you do not visit Cuba, but simply that you are aware of the situation and are therefore able to plan around it. 

Cuba’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates .

Sarah Carter

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2 thoughts on “ All about the US ESTA and CUBA [ESTA After Visiting Cuba] ”

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Hi Sarah, thank you for this information. Would it be possible for you please to send me the Viazul timetable for February, 2024? Thank you in advance

Hi Derek, I’ll send it to you now, but be aware its all changing. Prices are going up as of March 1 and there’s no online availability for March onwards at this time. Sarah p.s. I’ll send updates once the new timetable is out too.

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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.

My Guide to Legally Traveling to Cuba with Your American Passport

Planning a trip to Cuba with an American passport can be overwhelming, even for seasoned travelers! The online info about how to travel to Cuba with American passport and without an agencyis all over the place. Some sources say one thing, some say another. What does it all mean in reality? Does your airline cover health insurance? Will you get in trouble coming back to the US? Do you absolutely have to travel with an agency going to Cuba with American passport? What does “support Cuban people” visa really entail?

So many questions, so few clear answers…

How Can Americans Travel to Cuba Without an Agency?

Yes, American citizens can legally travel to Cuba without an agency. Here is how:

• Research and Choose a Travel Category : Opt for the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category for a versatile travel reason that benefits local communities.
• Book Flight and Visa/ Insurance : Pick flights that support Cuban people, obtain a “Support for the Cuban People” visa, and don’t forget necessary Cuba-recognized travel insurance.
• Lodging and Tours : Stay in ‘casa particulares’ run by locals to immerse in culture and support the community. Plan activities that engage with local businesses.
• Documentation and Reentry Compliance : Adhere to US travel regulations upon return, avoiding souvenirs linked to the Cuban government. Documentation is key for smooth reentry.Keep detailed records and receipts of all activities and purchases.

In my blog post, I’ll share my firsthand experience traveling to Cuba with an American passport. And provide a detailed itinerary that aligns with the “support Cuban people” visa. Plus +share a perfect itinerary that checks all the boxes for that “support Cuban people” visa. It’s all fun and Constitutionally compliant, I promise.

Going to Cuba with American Passport in 5 Steps

Step 1: do your research.

First, you need to ensure you’re traveling for a legitimate reason. The ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category under the U.S. travel regulations is a versatile choice that aligns perfectly with the typical tourist’s interests and gives back to local Cuban communities.

The What, Why, and How of Support for the Cuban People

First off, what does this title even mean? ‘Support for the Cuban People’ isn’t just a fancy government jargon; it’s your golden ticket, your mission statement, and a legal requirement all rolled into one. 

Here’s the legal lowdown: your presence in Cuba should foster a warm, ecumenical spirit toward the Cuban civilians, bypassing Cuba’s monolithic businesses for the underdogs.Meet, eat, and retreat in the local casa particulares; dine on mom-and-pop cuisine that tastes of homemade heritage; shop for crafts and souvenirs that are more artisanry, less assembly line; explore, not leisurely, but immersed in the Cuban way of life. The essence is to steer clear of government-run entities to the best of your ability.

Step 2: Set the Stage -US to Cuba Flight and Visa

1. sourcing the right airfare to cuba.

Since the easing of travel restrictions in 2016, there has been plenty of commercial flights to Havana. American Airlines offer Visa on ou can get right at the airport for additional fee. If you’re using a different airline, they may direct you to an online service. Most flights to Cuba depart from Miami, so it might be worth considering a layover there to ensure you’re on a compliant route.

When booking your flight, choose an option that explicitly supports the Cuban People category. This selection should be clear throughout your booking process and on your ticket itself.

2. Getting your Cuban Visa card

For anyone not on a humanitarian mission or visiting family, you’ll likely need a “Support for the Cuban People” visa. This option is ideal for travelers looking to explore and genuinely contribute to local entrepreneurs’ success.

How American can get Cuban Visa without an agency

American Airlines uniquely offers visas directly at the airport for a fee, simplifying the process significantly. If flying with another airline, they may direct you to a partner for visa acquisition, or you can find a visa service online. Expect to pay approximately $80 for the visa, with a potential $20 shipping fee, and plan for at least a week for processing. The process is really easy. Once you receive your Visa card (comes with a travel brochure and “best airport transfer” coupon) fill in the visa by yourself on each side.

3 . Cuba Insurance and Why You Can’t Skip It

Travel insurance is a must, but it’s not just any policy. For Cuba, you need insurance that is explicitly recognized by Cuban authorities, which often isn’t included in typical travel insurance policies according to internet. My research unearthed that not all US carriers include this. So I opted for peace of mind and sourced my insurance from a partner agency recommended by Delta airlines. Asistur Insurance is Delta’s preferred insurance partner for Cuba. The $6-per-day premium is a small price to pay. Make sure you’re covered for health, travel, and any other mishaps that could befall the intrepid American in Cuba.

Step 3: Booking Lodging and Tours

1. booking your lodging: where to stay in cuba.

You can’t stay at a joint under Cuban government control, which, currently, includes most reputable hotels. To fully immerse yourself in the Cuban culture and support the local populace, stay in ‘casa particulares’. These are private accommodations run by Cuban locals and are not affiliated with the government.

Now, why you should stay at a casa particular when traveling to Cuba with American passport? Besides being a legit way to stick to the guidelines, it’s your golden ticket to experiencing warm Cuban hospitality right from the source – the locals!

Where to find casa particular for rent? Most listings on Airbnb are actually casas particulares (and so are the experiences) But before you book, have a chat with your prospective host. Make sure they’re flying under the “Support for the Cuban People” flag. Just to be sure.

Plan the perfect Support for the Cuban People itinerary

2. Craft Your ‘Support for the Cuban People’ Itinerary

For a trip with purpose, your itinerary must demonstrate engagement with local businesses and the Cuban community.

Make Your Money Matter

Every meal and trinket you purchase is an opportunity to support Cuban entrepreneurs. Caution, though—keep your receipts and be prepared to discuss your activities with US authorities if asked. Seek out experiences that offer genuine insight into Cuban life. From art classes to music tours, these encounters enrich not only your travels but also the lives of those you engage with.

Step 4 : Reentry to the US from Cuba

While entering Cuba with an American passport is straightforward, ensure you adhere to US regulations upon your return. The Cuban government may accommodate American visitors without stamping passports and without concern for the purpose of the visit, as long as it’s lawful and economically beneficial to them. However, the US government has specific requirements for travel to and from Cuba, including potential civil penalties for non-compliance, making the return potentially more challenging than the arrival.

No souvenirs please!

Upon your return, what graces your hands should be memories, photographs, and a lone magnet that you purchased at an independent entrepreneur’s souvenir shop. Respect the embargo on items and stay within the legal lines to avoid any post-travel turbulence.

Bringing back anything from Cuban cigars or rum to souvenirs that contain images, brands, or production materials related to the Cuban government is prohibited. While it may seem like a small transgression, U.S. customs take these restrictions very seriously.

The Security Blanket of Documentation

Complying with the U.S. Treasury is your compass; save receipts, capture moments, and forge an itinerary like an alibi. U.S. officials can inquire up to five years after your trip, so preparedness is prudence. Keep your soles, and your story, clean.

In the world of American travel to Cuba, documentation is more than just peace of mind; it’s your security blanket. Take those photos, check-in at those Support for the Cuban People hotspots, and hold onto the business cards of every private enterprise that crosses your path. 

Traveling to Cuba from the US- A Trip Worth the Red Tape

Traveling to Cuba with an American passport isn’t without its complexities. However, the reward of experiencing this beautiful country while legally supporting its people is unmatched.

Like the old commercials from the 50s say, “Cuba…so far and so close,” it truly is close to the US. It’s a shame that there isn’t an easier way to travel, but under the Obama and Biden administrations, the process is not as challenging as you might think once you break it down.

Cuba is marvelous, fun, sunny, exotic, cultural, and artsy cool, with so many things worth exploring. Supporting the Cuban people is not just a box to check; it’s an opportunity to witness resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

I guarantee you will fall in love with the culture and its people, just as I did the first time with my Russian passport. Now, with my American passport, I’ve returned to show my support in a way that’s not only fulfilling and law-abiding.

The Moral of the Legal Travel Story

Cuba isn’t just an island getaway; it’s a colorful culture that invites you to dive in deeper – and now you can, legally. My takeaway? It’s not cruising by rulebooks or ticking off to-dos to serenade bureaucracy. It’s a mix of adventure and respect. It’s about being conscious, connecting with the local community, and crafting a trip that’s ethical and enriching.

So there you have it, amigos. Legal travel to Cuba for American passport holders may sound like a riddle wrapped in red tape, but once you nail down the drill, it’s an experience that’s not just memorable, but meaningful. Your journey’s not just a vacation; it’s a vote for positive change and an investment in people.

Traveling to Cuba with an American passport can feel like an elusive dream, given the long-standing U.S. trade and travel restrictions.

Crafting Your Compliant Cuban Getaway

Now that we’ve outlined the playbook, let’s delve into constructing your surefire journey to castaway land. Here’s your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Cuba with An American Passport

Can I travel to Cuba with an American passport without going through a travel agency?

Yes, you can travel to Cuba with an American passport without the necessity of going through a travel agency. By selecting the “Support for the Cuban People” visa category, you can plan your own trip while meeting U.S. regulations.

Does my airline provide health insurance for travel to Cuba?

Not all airlines include Cuban health insurance in their ticket price. It’s crucial to verify directly with your airline. If not included, you may purchase insurance from approved providers such as Asistur, often recommended by airlines like Delta.

Will I face any issues upon returning to the US after visiting Cuba?

A: Following U.S. guidelines and choosing an approved travel category like “Support for the Cuban People” should not result in any issues when returning to the U.S. Ensure to keep documentation of your activities in Cuba as proof of compliance.

Is it mandatory to travel with a tour agency to visit Cuba with an American passport?

No, it’s not mandatory to travel through an agency. With the “Support for the Cuban People” visa, you’re encouraged to plan personal itineraries that engage directly with local, non-government businesses and communities.

What exactly does the “Support for the Cuban People” visa entail?

This visa category requires travelers to engage directly with the Cuban people through activities that promote independent business and avoid government-run businesses and hotels. Staying in ‘casa particulares’, dining in local family-owned restaurants, and engaging in local tours supports this objective.

How can I obtain a Cuban visa as an American without an agency?

Airlines such as American Airlines offer the “Support for the Cuban People” visa at the airport for an additional fee. Other airlines might direct you to online services where you can purchase the visa. Expect an approximate cost of $80 plus potential shipping fees.

Why is travel insurance mandatory for traveling to Cuba?

Cuban authorities require travelers to have health insurance recognized by the Cuban government to cover any medical emergencies. US-based insurances are typically not accepted, and it’s advisable to acquire approved insurance before traveling.

Where should I stay to comply with the “Support for the Cuban People” visa requirements?

Opt for staying in ‘casa particulares’—private accommodations offered by Cuban families. This not only provides you with an authentic Cuban experience but also aligns with the requirement to support the local economy directly.

How can I support the Cuban people during my visit?

Apart from staying in ‘casa particulares’, eating at local paladares (family-owned restaurants), and avoiding government-run establishments, consider buying local artisan products, participating in local tours, and engaging with local service providers to support the Cuban people directly.

How can I ensure my trip to Cuba supports the local community?

To genuinely support the Cuban people, engage with local businesses and communities during your stay. Opt for meals, classes, tours, and souvenirs from independent entrepreneurs and artists. Every purchase you make helps. Remember to keep your receipts as proof of where your money went, as US authorities may ask about your activities.

What should I bring back from Cuba?

When it comes to souvenirs, think light – memories, photographs, and maybe a magnet from a local vendor. Under US law, bringing back items like Cuban cigars, rum, or anything made from materials tied to the Cuban government is a no-go. Keep it simple to avoid any complications with US customs.

How do I stay compliant with US regulations upon returning from Cuba?

Document everything. From where you stayed, ate, and shopped, to cultural experiences that connected you with the Cuban people. Keep your receipts and any business cards or contact information from local entrepreneurs. The US can ask about your travels up to five years afterward, so being able to show your support for the Cuban people is key.

Will my passport be stamped when I enter or leave Cuba?

The Cuban government may accommodate American visitors’ request not to stamp passports. This is usually to avoid issues upon return to the US given the complex regulations surrounding travel to Cuba. But you went to Cuba legally! So why not have your passport stamped? Just remember, if your passport didn’t get stamped, this doesn’t exempt you from following US requirements on complying with US rules on traveling to Cuba.

How can I tell if a souvenir shop in Cuba is government-owned or independently owned?

Keep an eye out for one small but telling detail. If the store displays credit card logos like Visa or Mastercard on their window, it’s a sign it’s owned by Cuban authorities. On the flip side, vibrant independent shops run by local entrepreneurs usually only accept cash. This quick trick helps you support local artisans directly and comply with US visa requirements.

Based in Miami. Exploring the world.

I believe that you can travel the world without quitting your job. I believe that you can experience all the magic, the foodies and the cultures of the world while having a normal life. And, perhaps, two dogs. This is exactly what I’ve been doing for 15 years. This is exactly what my blog is about. Love, Lilia

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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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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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Simple Flying

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

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

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

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

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

1 Understand US-Cuba Travel Restrictions

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

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

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

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

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

Despite US Sanctions Cuba Has Never Been So Well Connected

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

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

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

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

Cuba Travel Restrictions To Be Eased By The United States

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

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

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

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

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

World's Last Commercial Operator Of Ilyushin Il-96

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Respect Local Customs and Regulations

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

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

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

A Brief History Of Cubana de Aviación

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

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

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Destigmatizing mental illnesses through travel

Can I Travel to Cuba with a US Passport? (Updated 2023)

Posted : October 8, 2023

“How’d you make it over there? I heard that we’re illegal.”

“You were in Cuba?? Woah, isn’t it hard to go there with their politics?”

My American friends and family have these exact reactions when I tell them I’ve visited Cuba.

I want to clear up the common misconception that American citizens can’t go to Cuba. If you need proof, I legally entered Cuba with my US passport for a 9-day tour! So did the eight other American citizens who took my tour.

All Americans seem to know about Cuba is the political tension and embargo between the two countries. But Cuba is so much more than that. It’s a Caribbean country where the locals welcome all visitors, including Americans.

If you have traveled to other countries, the entry requirements for Cuba are nearly the same: a passport, a visa (learn how to get the visa in my Cuba visa guide ), and a health and customs form.

Just like when you enter other countries, make sure your passport has at least six months of validity at the time you enter Cuba. Also, you need two blank pages for your entry and exit stamps, according to the US Department of State . However, I didn’t receive any stamps, nor did I ask to refuse them. The immigration official stamped my exit stamp on my boarding pass instead. I never got an entry stamp.

The main difference between entering other countries and Cuba? You need a license to declare, which is a valid reason for entering Cuba. Most Americans declare the “Support for the Cuban People” license, which means spending your whole day supporting the locals financially and taking the initiative to interact with them. This license isn’t a form or document. It’s a verbal declaration to any official who asks you why you’re in Cuba.

The other difference is that health insurance is required. If you bought a plane ticket from a US airport, you’ve already paid for insurance with your ticket. Keep your boarding pass with you while in Cuba since it’s your proof of insurance. While entering Cuba, the immigration official forgot to return my boarding pass to me, so I asked, and they gave it back.

Also, there is a chance that upon arrival in Cuba, officials may interrogate you, as they did to me and one other American tour mate. But this won’t happen to every American citizen. My other seven American tour mates went right through immigration without an interrogation. Just come prepared with answers in Spanish, such as your occupation and the reason you’re visiting Cuba (remember that you’re here to support the Cuban people!).

If it wasn’t for the interrogation, the entry process into Cuba felt the same as in other countries I’ve visited. Considering most of my American tour mates entered without interrogation, you should be able to enter Cuba just fine as long as you follow the requirements. To learn more about all the requirements, read my Cuba entry requirements guide for US citizens .

It’s simple. Follow the requirements.

Bring your passport and other documents.

Plan your Cuba itinerary to support the Cubans on a full-time basis.

(Or take a tour , which reduces the stress of traveling in Cuba while giving you more fun.)

And bring your camera and an open mind!

Americans often go to other Caribbean islands, such as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. But if you want an adventure where you feel like traveling back in time to complex history and colorful, well-worn streets, Cuba should be your next destination. The locals would love to see you!

On my US passport, I’ve visited and returned home without any entry/exit blocks! Join me and other American citizens by visiting a country that deserves more visitors. Are you ready for Cuba?

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cuba.html

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies that are useful and the income goes to keeping the site community supported.

Disclosure: I am not a doctor or therapist. Do not use this blog as a diagnosis or official treatment/therapy. I only share my experiences, thoughts, and information with OCD and social anxiety, hoping that you’ll find them useful. Please visit a registered doctor and/or therapist before basing any mental health decisions from my website.

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How to Pay for Things in Cuba

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba for Vacation? (Updated 2023)

What Do I Need to Travel to Cuba? (Updated 2023)

How Much Cash Should I Bring to Cuba? (Updated 2023)

Best Cuba Tours for American Citizens (Updated 2023)

Can I Go to Cuba without a Tour? (Yes, But Why You Shouldn’t)

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• Entry Requirements - YES! YOU CAN STILL TRAVEL TO CUBA!
• Travel Essentials

TRAVELING TO CUBA IS EASY WITH CUBA UNBOUND

Updated december 2023.

***We are pleased to offer guidance to our valued Cuba Unbound guests. For your convenience, please consult the information below or call us with your reservation number. Regrettably, if you are not a guest of Cuba Unbound, we are unable to provide advice or assistance regarding your Cuba visa. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore the resources available online.

Here is an explanation of the recent history of travel to Cuba as it pertains to U.S. citizens.  Bear in mind that several million people a year from countries such as Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany and many more, go to Cuba on vacation every year. The United States is the only country that restricts its citizens from traveling to Cuba for touristic reasons, however, at the same time, the U.S. does allow travel to Cuba under one of 12 permitted travel categories (listed below).  Of these categories, most of our travelers are traveling under either "Support for the Cuban People" or "Educational People-to-People" travel.  

When you travel with Cuba Unbound, we take care of all the legal details and make sure that your trip is stress-free and superbly organized.  As well, we include your Cuban visa or "Tourist Card" as part of your tour with us.

Support for the Cuban People

Cuba Unbound is licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is part of the United States Treasury Department, to provide travel services to Cuba under the category of Support for the Cuban People. This category is intended to direct the economic activities of U.S. travelers to primarily benefit the private sector in Cuba as well as engaging our travelers in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. This requires a full-time agenda of such activities and thus tours in Cuba have somewhat less flexibility than our tours in other countries.  Every day is structured to include enriching, educational and meaningful Support for the Cuban People activities.

US Regulations Regarding Flights and Hotels for Travel to Cuba

When you purchase your air travel to Cuba from the United States, you will select the OFAC category of Support for the Cuban People during the reservation process.  For those people who are subject to US jurisdiction (US citizens for example), you are able to extend your stay in Cuba beyond your tour dates. 

The Support for the Cuban People category of travel also encourages travelers to stay in private accommodations, eat in private restaurants and generally avoid spending any money with the Cuban government. Also note that OFAC has issued a list of specific “restricted” entities that Americans are forbidden from having direct financial transactions with, including certain hotels. You can review this list here . Fortunately, we are here to navigate all these rules on your behalf.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Here's a simplified list of Cuban entry requirements:

• For Cuba - Complete the D'Viajeros Advance Information of Travelers Form .  This can only be completed once you are within 48 hours from departure for Cuba. This is a simple form that asks some health questions as well as including the customs declaration form.  You must fill this out before you leave home but not sooner than 48 hours prior to departure. Upon submission of the form you receive a QR code and an email that you present to Immigration officers on your arrival in Cuba. You can view our instructions for filling our this form here.  
• Valid Cuban Tourist Card/Visa - We include this for all our travelers! See below. You can find instructions on how to complete the form  here.
• Valid Passport—valid for at least 6 months after your entry into Cuba. 
• Proof of Travel Medical Insurance. 

CUBAN TOURIST CARD or TRAVEL VISA

Travelers to Cuba require a visa, also known as a  Cuban Tourist Card .  Cuba Unbound includes these as part of your tour and we mail it to you upon receipt of your final balance.  If you were to lose it, or forget it, and you are flying from the USA, the U.S. air carrier will have these visas available for sale in the boarding area, at a price ranging from $80-$120.  It’s also legal to fly through another country like Canada or Mexico.  In that case you can also obtain the visas at the airport. *Please note that you must hold onto this visa card for the duration of your trip as you will need it to exit the country in addition to entering. 

GENERAL LICENSES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TRAVEL FORM (aka Affidavit of Travel)

GENERAL LICENSES: Cuba Unbound is licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under section 31 C.F.R.§ 515.572(a)(1) to provide travel services to Cuba. Cuba Unbound also has contracts with Cuban travel agencies that allow us to bring U.S. travelers to Cuba.

RECREATIONAL TRAVEL STILL PROHIBITED

Restraints regarding visits for purely tourist and recreational purposes are still prohibited. Cuban travel remains more accessible than it has been since the embargo in 1961 because there are additional travel categories that do not require OFAC authorization, but visits must have a purpose beyond beachfront relaxation. Under current regulations, “Recreational travel, tourist travel, travel in pursuit of a hobby, or research for personal satisfaction only” remain illegal.  

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Cuba requires all travelers to Cuba to have travel medical insurance and the good news is that U.S. airlines include the mandatory level of travel medical insurance in your ticket*.  The  travel medical insurance must include coverage for medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. The company providing your travel medical plan must be able to make payments from a non-U.S. banking institution. The Cuban health insurance that is included in your ticket with any U.S. airline, is provided by ESICUBA and is valid for 30 days. If you are staying in Cuba beyond 30 days, you’ll need to purchase additional insurance to cover the remainder of your stay. Guests may purchase supplementary coverage at their discretion. For those travelers who would like additional coverage, Cuba Unbound partners with Travel Insured International for this supplementary coverage, the costs of which depend on coverage amount, length of travel, and age of traveler.  (*If you travel to Cuba from another country like Mexico, your air ticket will not include this insurance and you may be asked to show proof of insurance on arrival. Simply carry your own insurance card with you, or a copy of your travel insurance policy, to show Immigration Officers if you are asked.)

If you have further questions, the U.S Department of the Treasury is a great resource. Check out their updated FAQs for more information!

The Recent History of Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens Looks Like This:

• Dec 17, 2014: President Obama announced that America was reestablishing diplomatic relations.  This made for easier travel, trade, and financial relations between the two countries, the removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.  Cuba Unbound operated our first trips in November, 2015 based on these new regulations.
• June 16, 2017:  President Trump announced some modifications to the regulations.  The biggest change was that individual travel for educational people-to-people purposes was no longer allowed. However, group travel using the people-to-people category was still allowed.
• June 4, 2019: The Trump Administration removed the people-to-people category from the categories of allowable travel. 
• October 25, 2019:  U.S. Administration bars U.S. airlines, other than charter airline companies, from flying to any Cuban airport other than Havana. 
• June 1, 2022: The US Transportation Department rescinded the Trump-era restrictions regarding U.S. airlines flying to Cuba, allowing them to resume service to airports other than Havana.  It wasn't long before American Airlines started service to Holguin and Camaguey.  Other U.S. Airlines such as JetBlue, United and Southwest soon followed with flights to airports other than Havana. 
• June 9, 2022:   President Biden reinstates the allowance of group People-to-People travel.  Specifically: Effective June 9, 2022, OFAC amended 31 CFR § 515.565(b) to authorize group people-to-people educational travel conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact, provided such travelers are accompanied by an employee, paid consultant, or agent of the sponsoring organization.  Travel-related transactions authorized pursuant to § 515.565(b)   must be for the purpose of engaging, while in Cuba, in a full-time schedule of activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and will result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba.

The 12 Categories of Permitted Reasons for Travel to Cuba

When you book or check in for your flight, you will be asked to certify the reason for your visit. There are currently two ways to gain permission to travel to Cuba: with a general license or with a specific license.

If you meet the regulations and conditions of a general license, you will not need to apply for a specific license. There are 12 categories of general licenses related to Cuba travel.  These are listed below.  When purchasing your airline ticket, choose "Support for the Cuban People."

• Family visits
• Official government business
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research or meetings
• Religious activities
• Sports and public events
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian projects
• Informational materials
• Authorized export activities
• Non-immigrant Cuban National

You will not qualify for a general license if the reason for your travel is not listed above, and you will be required to apply for a specific license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). All license applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please see the  U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC FAQ page for more information. Cuban Nationals returning home do not need a license.

Support for the Cuban People and People to People Educational Travel

Can Americans travel to Cuba? I did. Here’s how. [2024 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 the best places to visit in Cuba !

This post was last updated in April 2024.

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 2024? (COVID Entry Requirements)

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

April 2024 update: There are no longer COVID-related entry requirements for entering Cuba.

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.

Face masks and hand sanitizer are 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 .

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.

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 2024, 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 . [2024 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 2024, 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 2024 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 [2024 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. (2024 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!

Shinycuba.com

Travel To Cuba Us Passport

Travel to Cuba: US Passport

Traveling to Cuba is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning and preparation. As a US citizen, one of the most important documents you need is a valid US passport. This article will provide you with all the essential information regarding the US passport requirements for traveling to Cuba.

1. US Passport Validity

Your US passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Cuba. It is crucial to check the expiration date of your passport and renew it if necessary. Failure to meet this requirement may result in denial of entry or even deportation from Cuba.

2. Visa Requirement

Unlike many other countries, Cuba requires US citizens to obtain a specific visa called a Tourist Card or “Tarjeta del Turista” to enter the country. The Tourist Card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 30 days. You can get the Tourist Card through a Cuban Embassy or Consulate, travel agents, or various online services. Make sure to apply for the Tourist Card well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute complications.

3. Additional Requirements

3.1. health insurance.

When traveling to Cuba, it is compulsory for US citizens to have health insurance coverage that is accepted in Cuba. This requirement aims to ensure that visitors receive proper medical care during their stay. Your insurance coverage must include medical evacuation in case of emergencies. You may provide proof of insurance when entering the country, so make sure you have all the necessary documentation.

3.2. Travel Affidavit

All US citizens traveling to Cuba must complete a travel affidavit declaring the purpose of their visit under one of the twelve approved categories, such as family visits, educational activities, or professional research. The travel affidavit helps US authorities monitor and regulate travel to Cuba based on government regulations.

4. Important Considerations

When traveling to Cuba, it is essential to be aware of the current travel restrictions and regulations imposed by the US government. These regulations may change over time, so it is crucial to stay updated with the latest information provided by the US Department of State.

Furthermore, it is advisable to register your trip with the US Embassy in Havana to receive updated travel alerts and information regarding safety and security concerns during your stay.

5. Conclusion

Traveling to Cuba involves specific requirements for US citizens, including a valid passport, a Tourist Card, health insurance, and a travel affidavit. It is essential to ensure that all these requirements are met to have a smooth travel experience. Remember to stay informed about any changes in travel regulations and follow the guidelines provided by the US government and Cuban authorities. Enjoy your trip to Cuba!

William Callier

William M. Callier is a journalist and writer with a passion for Cuba and its people. He is an avid traveler and has explored the island extensively, providing a unique and personal perspective on Cuban culture and politics.

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Consular Services

(traducir al inglés)

El Consulado de Cuba presta servicios consulares a todo el territorio de EE.UU.

El pago de los servicios consulares sólo se puede efectuarse a través de postal money orders (Money Order que se adquiere en las oficinas de correo postal de Estados Unidos) o a través de los cheques de las agencias con las que nuestro Consulado tiene contrato. Si va realizar su pago a través de postal money order verifique en el siguiente enlace el tipo de money order que requerimos y la forma correcta de llenarlo.

(Se adjunta documento: Nombre: Información sobre los postal money orders)

Usted puede realizar sus trámites directamente en nuestra sede o a través de las Agencias con las que el Consulado tiene contrato, sobre las cuales les ofrecemos información a continuación. Por favor, en la columna de la derecha, siga el enlace del lugar más cercano a su domicilio y encontrará la localización de las agencias con las que puede establecer contacto.

Consular services for Cuban citizens:

Consular services for foreigners:.

Tourist Visa (tourist card) Family Visa  (A-2) Journalist Visa  (D-6) Business Visas Other visas Application for residence in Cuba Legalization and certification of documents Marriage in Cuba Marriage abroad Divorce Pets

Consular registration:

All Cuban citizens travelling abroad who requests a service from any Cuban consulate abroad (except for those Travelling Abroad up to 24 months), should be registered in the consular register.

They should request the registration, directly in the consulate.

They should present the corresponding form with all the data filled out, the photocopy of his/her passport and two photos. This step is personal, nonetheless, in exceptional cases the service can be provided via e-mail and for that an envelope with stamps must be sent and the address for receiving the consular registration card, which must be presented to request any service in the Consulate. The consular fee stipulated for this service must be paid.

NOTE: If the application is made via e-mail or through a third person, if the Cuban citizen does not appear in person at the consulate, the non-personal tariff rate established in such cases will be charged additionally.

Only cash payment will be accepted, by means of a clearance certificate or bank transfer. The cash sent via e-mail will be returned at the risk of the applicant.

Passport Renewal:

In order to renew or issue a new passport is needed:

• Photocopy of your expired passport (6 years) and the passport.
• Two high resolution passport color photos with light background, front, with face and head bare and without dark glasses.
•  Photocopy of your consular registration card (if via e-mail).
• Fill out attached form as indicated in black ink in capitals.
• The stipulated consular fee for this service must be paid.

In the case of a lost passport, in addition to the requirements (from 2 to 5) a loss form issued by the police of the locality where the loss took place must be presented alongside the photocopy of the lost passport, if he/she does not have it, a birth certificate or another identification confirming the Cuban citizenship must be presented.

If the procedure is via e-mail a bank transfer must be sent in advance to the consulate account, and an envelope with enough stamps to return the documents via mail. Cash payments via e-mail will not be accepted. If you are urged to use the passport in the next few months, a new passport should be requested two months in advance. Nonetheless you can request a new passport six months ahead of the expiry date.

REFERENCE ABOUT THE FILLING OUT OF THE FORM

• The stroke of the signature should be with ball point and ink.
• The form is invalid if it has corrections, crossings out, erasures or incomplete data.

NOTE: If the application is via e-mail or through a third person, the non-personal consular tariff rate will be additionally charged.

Only cash payment will be accepted, through clearance certificate or bank transfer. The money sent via mail will be returned at the risk of the applicant.

REFERENCIAS EN CUANTO AL LLENADO

All the data requested and in negative cases or none, fill with a dash, if you leave any data in blank it will be taken as: none The acronym used in the Migration Status when leaving Cuba are taken as follows:

• Asto Oficial: Official Affair
• PVT: Temporary Travel Permit
• PRE: Permission for Residence Abroad
• PSI: Undefined Exit Permit
• PVE: Permit for Travelling Abroad
• Migration Permit

Passport Extension:

This service can be provided in two forms: Personally at the consulate

1.    Presenting the passport 2.    Filling out the application form. 3.    A color photo, front, with naked face, no dark glasses and no objects on the head. 4.    The stipulated consular tariff for this service must be in cash or through bank certificate. 5.    Presenting the consular card.

Application via e-mail

•  Sending the passport.
• Filling out the application form.
• A color photo, front, with naked face, no dark glasses and no objects on the head.
• The stipulated consular tariff for this service must be in cash or through bank certificate.
• An envelope with enough stamps and address to receive the passport back in certified mail.
• Photocopy of the consular card.

The Cuban passport is good for 6 years and is extended for two years every two years. Given that the extensions take place every two years, in order to be authorized for a second extension, the rights for the first has to be paid. NOTE: If the application is made via e-mail or through a third person, the non-personal tariff rate established in such cases will be charged additionally. Only cash payment will be accepted, by means of clearance certificate or bank transfer. The cash sent via e-mail will be returned at the applicant’s risk.

• The stroke of the signature should be with ball point and ink film.

Reference about the filling out

• AO Oficial: Official Affair
• Emigration Permit

Identity and travel document:

The identity and travel document replaces the Cuban passport when the latter is lost, stolen, or expired and you are urged to travel to Cuba, presenting the papers justifying this. This document is authorized by Cuban migration authorities. It is only used to enter Cuba. For the issuing of an Identity Document you should present:

• Police report if the Passport is lost
• Photocopy of the lost passport and plane ticket
• A color passport photograph
• Reference of the migration status he/she holds (Residence Abroad, temporary travel, emigrated)

The following data must be provided:

• Names and Last Names
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Reasons for having left the country
• Date of departure from Cuba
• Father’s and Mother’s name
• Date of return to Cuba

The stipulated consular tariff rate for this service will be through certified payment, in cash or bank transfer and if the application is via mail an envelope with stamps must be attached so that the document could be sent back. WARNING: The Cuban citizens’ children residing abroad, who are not given identity papers by migration authorities of the country they are living, due to the country’s legislation, and whose parents are interested in giving him/her Cuban citizenship, he/she should make contact with the Cuban consulate to get information about this procedure.

NOTE: If the application is via e-mail or through a third person, the non-personal consular tariff rate     will be additionally charged.

Only cash payment will be accepted, through clearance certificate or bank transfer. The cash sent via mail will be returned at the risk of the applicant.

Extension to stay abroad for over 24 months:

The Cuban citizens who are unable to return to Cuba for some justified reason in a 24-month period and want to keep the migration status of temporary travel, may request the extension for over 24 months in the Cuban Consulate.

For this application the interested party must:

• Present the valid Cuban Passport
• Present the application in writing with the explanation of the reasons for the application
• Documents backing up the reasons for the application (if it corresponds)
• The stipulated tariff rate for this service must be paid
• When the authorization of extension for over a 24-month period is informed, the interested party must pay the consular tariff rate, for every month of authorized extension.

Residence abroad

Application for Residence Abroad

Generally the migration status of the Resident Abroad is granted for Cuban citizens with marital unions (formalized or not) with citizens of other countries, living abroad. Also the parents and children under 18 years of age or disabled, of Cuban citizens with the RE migration status. Also for close relatives in the national territory living with RE Cuban citizen, when it is evident that they have lost part of their protection or are unfit for work. When there are other reasons being humanitarian or family supporting the resident status of the interested person abroad. This process is authorized by Cuban migration authorities. For requesting the RE the following steps are required:

I.    Transcription and formalization at the Consulate of the marriage held before the authorities of the foreign country. If the transcription has not been made, the corresponding documents should requested from the Consulate.

II.    Application for Residence Abroad. The Cuban spouse should carry out the procedures indicated below:

• Four passport photographs (4,5 x 4,5) cm
• Presenting a RE application form at the Cuban Immigration Office
• Photocopy of your passport
• Photocopy of the document from your country of residence
• Name, Last names and address of the person of reference in Cuba (father, mother, siblings, etc.)
• If you don’t have a passport, photocopy of your Birth Certificate.
• You must pay the consular fees for the application. If it is approved, you must pay the corresponding consular fee for the approval at the moment of receiving the response from the Cuban authorities.
• If you got married in Cuba, you should present the original Marriage Certificate with at least one year of being issued.

If this application is for an underage the original Birth Certificate must be attached.

The Consulate will send the aforesaid document to the Cuban Immigration Office. The fact of having requested the change of travel status does not mean it is given automatically, it can be denied or granted.

Once the applicant is given the RE (the consulate will inform you) he/she can leave and return to Cuba whenever he/she wants and stay in the national territory up to 12 months without losing his/her Resident Abroad status.

Duties are:

• Getting registered in the office for Cuban citizens of the Consular office of the corresponding place of residence.
• If you moved your residence abroad you should notify the Consular Office where you are registered and you should appear at the nearest Consular Office of your new domicile to carry out the new registration.
• If you will stay in Cuba for over 12 months you will lose status and should request a new authorization.
• The failure to comply with these duties can result in the revocation of RE.
• The non-permanence of some of the requirements demanded can result in the revocation of RE.

The opportunities offered by this status are:

• Visit our country at will without previous authorization.
• In every trip to Cuba you will be allowed to stay for a 6 month- period without the need for any kind of procedures and will extend the stay for at most 12 months if needed, which must be dealt with by the corresponding migration authorities. If you need to stay in Cuba for over a year, you should inform the immigration authorities about your intentions of keeping residence abroad.
• The foreign relatives accompanying you on your travel are given an A-2 visa for 90 days and may extend their stay in the country if needed, by request to the corresponding migration authorities.
• They can keep their properties in Cuba.
• They can inherit goods from close relatives 

Passport Authorization :

The authorization of multiple entry passport allows the entry to Cuba at will without additional procedure to its application. This allows Cuban immigrants to stay in Cuba for 90 days, a stay which can be exceptionally extended, requesting it directly from the Cuban Immigration Office in the nearest place of residence of his/her family in Cuba.

The authorization is not conceived for RE holders.

The authorization is a one-off procedure. When approved the authorization is valid indefinitely unless it is revoked. The application is made at the Cuban Consulate where you got registered, which will be in contact with the Cuban immigration service for its approval or rejection. You should fill out the consular form with this aim.

In order to travel to Cuba the authorization must be embossed on the Cuban citizen’s passport. Although it is approved, the authorization must be on the passport for the entry.

The Cuban émigrés who left the country prior to 1971 can travel to Cuba with foreign passport making the application at the consular office of a single door room called HE-11.

In order to enter Cuba, the Cuban émigré should present an accreditation document of residence in a foreign country together with the authorization. In case of a denied authorization, his/her family in Cuba can make the application for entry authorization (HE-11) which is given under humanitarian reasons (serious illness or death of close relatives). This entry can only be requested in Cuba before the immigration authorities and is applied for by the Cuban citizen’s relatives.

Application for residence in the national territory (HE-4)

It is approved by the Cuban immigration authorities, for the entry in the national territory of Cuban émigrés who want to reinstate in Cuba permanently. The applications will be submitted in the consular offices by the interested parties. The application file for residence in the national territory is made up with the following documents: A)    Present the application form B)    Present the valid Cuban passport C)    Notify the person of reference that he or she is responsible for securing accommodation and support in Cuba when needed until the interested party can have his/her own home and income. This will must be expressed through the notarial deed in Cuba, by the reference when immigration summoned him/her for such purposes. D)    Pay the consular fee, as applicable, in accordance with current legislation. The repatriation process is carried out by the Cuban immigration authorities, so that if required, the applicant must submit any other document that is requested by the competent authorities. The consulate will be in charge of notifying the abovementioned to the applicant. In the case of children who wish to repatriate without one or both parents they must present a power of attorney (notary document) in favor of the person who will take custody of the child, granted by the parent or parents who do not accept the repatriation process.

Marriage abroad:

In order to marry abroad the Cuban citizen should present: I.    For a single person:

• Birth Certificate
• Single Status Certificate issued by the Mayor’s office or made before a notary. The document must be within six months of issue.

II.    For a divorced person

• Divorce Decree

III.    For a widow or widower

• Marriage Certificate
• Death Certificate of the Spouse

These documents must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba and the Embassy of the country in Havana. In countries that require it, with the abovementioned documents, the consulate issues a Certificate for the foreign authorities for the formalization of the marriage and must pay the stipulated fee for this service.

Marriage in Cuba:

Marriages between foreign citizens or between Cuban citizens and foreign citizens are carried out in International Legal Consultations and Law Firms. Foreign citizens must present the following documents. I.    For a single person: •    Birth Certificate •    Single Status Certificate issued by the Mayor’s office or made before a notary. The document must be within six months of issue. II.    For a divorced person •    Birth Certificate •    Divorce Decree III.    For a widow or widower •    Birth Certificate •    Marriage Certificate •    Death Certificate of the Spouse These documents must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba and the Embassy of the country in Havana. In countries that require it, with the abovementioned documents, the consulate issues a Certificate for the foreign authorities for the formalization of the marriage and must pay the stipulated fee for this service. The documents must be translated by a sworn translator and legalized, both the original and the translation, by the competent authorities. Subsequently it must be legalized by the Consulate of Cuba or otherwise legalize only the original by the competent authorities and then carry out the translation in the Cuban Consulate, which must be equally legalized You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service. NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person, you will be charged in addition, the consular fee stipulated for this service.

Transcript of marriage in the civil registry of Cuba

After marriage by the authorities of the country, the act must be transcribed in the corresponding Cuban Consulate, for its final recognition in Cuba. To these effects, the following documents are essential:

• Photocopy of the birth certificate of both spouses.
• Integral marriage certificate original, certified and legalized by the competent authorities of the country.
• Model of request for transcription of marriage, duly filled in.
• Photocopy of the consular card of the Cuban citizen.

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service through certified bank, in cash or bank transfer. The charged services are: The legalization before the Consulate of the certification of foreign marriage, translation and legalization of this, if necessary and all transcription and registration procedures. This process is always done in a personal way.

The recognition in Cuba of a firm divorce decree, issued by a foreign court, against which no appeal or appeal can be made, is made through the Registrar procedure, that is to say through the Marginal Note.   The Family Code in its Article 64 provides for the possibility of registration of a divorce decree issued by a foreign court, that is, the decision of divorce issued by a foreign court of a marriage celebrated in Cuba or celebrated abroad and legalized In the Cuban consulate, can be registered. For processing, the following indications shall apply:

Procedure for the processing of a Registration Divorce

• The Cuban citizen must present the decision of divorce in the Cuban consulate in the country where this act took place. It should be legalized and certified in the consulate, taking into account that it will only be submitted to registration procedure in Cuba, when no appeal can be filed against it, that is, a final judgment.
• In case the divorce decree is issued in a foreign language, the full translation into the Spanish language of the document must be presented. Partial translations or summaries of any kind will not be accepted for this procedure. The translation will also be legalized by the foreign chancery and the consulate.
• The Cuban citizen must also present the Cuban marriage certificate referred to in that divorce decree, since it is the only reference that allows arriving at that Certificate of Marriage, the Judgment of Divorce that will be reflected in marginal note

This procedure has a duration of three months to complete the process. NOTE: If the request is made by post or through a third person, the consular fee stipulated for this service will be charged in addition.

Procedure for the processing of a Judicial Divorce

When the divorce process is to be done under the requirements of Cuban law: The spouses (or one of them) must request individually a Special Power of divorce, before the consular official. You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service. When only one spouse applies for divorce, the spouse must provide the other's address. If you do not know the address of your spouse you must make a statement about it. Documents to be delivered or filled out at the Consulate at the time of application:

• Marriage Certificate issued by the Cuban authorities.
• Birth Certificate of the children born in wedlock. If they were born abroad it must be legalized by the authorities of the foreign country and by our Consulate.
• Make a statement of appearance at the Consulate. You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service
• At least 2 witnesses must be present, who will make an individual declaration. You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service
• Consular registration card.

You must pay the stipulated consular fee for the processing of the judicial divorce file.

General Power:

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service. This process is always personal.

Data of the person who performs the power.

• Names and Last Names:
• Citizenship:
• Place of Birth:
• Date of Birth:
• Marital Status:
• Profession:
• Passport Number or Personal Identity:
• Place of residence

Data of the representative person (proxy)

Special Power:

You should pay the consular fee stipulated for this service

This is a personal process.

Data of the person who performs the power  

For this procedure you must specify IN DETAIL the reasons why you want to be represented by your proxy.

Writing of authorization for the preparation of passports and / or travel abroad by parents or legal representatives of persons under 18 or disabled :

This process is personal.

Article 23 of Decree Law 305 establishes the requirement to provide the authorization formalized before a Notary Public of the parents or legal representatives that correspond, of the minors of 18 years of age or incapacitated at the time of the application for making a passport.

Such authorization shall be required only once, maintaining its validity, provided that it has not been revoked.

This authorization can be made before the consular officer for it must submit: the underage’s Birth Certificate of issued by registry of the civil status of Cuba.

Cuban passport of the father (when he is a Cuban citizen) o Permanent identity document of the father (when the latter is not a Cuban citizen) If the parents submit an authorization issued before a notary of the country, which must comply with the established formalities, it must be legalized by the consular office, applying the corresponding fee.

Parents may also submit an authorization issued to a notary in Cuba, provided that it is legalized by MINREX.

Documents that authorize both parents in the same document may be made or accepted. Authorizations for more than one child may not be made or accepted in the same document.

Power to Marry:

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service. This is a personal process.

Data of the person who has the power

• Place of residence 

Power to Divorce:

Special power of appearance You should pay the consular fee stipulated for this service This is a personal process

Data of the applicant:

• Parent’s names:
• Place of Residence:

Data of the Defendant:

• Parents names:

Data of Marriage:

• Place where it was formalized:
• Civil Registry:

The marriage certificate is needed.

Other facts:

• Grounds for divorce
• Number of Children in wedlock

(Specify if they are adults or under age) Attach Birth Certificate of each.

• If there are common goods describe them and express the way in which they will be distributed after the marriage is dissolved.
• Place where the spouse live (if the domicile is unknown clarify it)

Witnesses’ statements (Two witnesses are needed)

Data of the First Witness:

• Names and Last names:
• Nationality:
• Passport Number:

Data of the Second Witness:

• Passport Number

Power of Heir Declaration:

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service. This process is personal Data of the person who performs the power (Heir)

Data of the person to inherit

• Date of Death
• Place of Death.

Birth Transcript:

The birth transcript is made for those born abroad, the children of Cuban citizens. The accomplishment of this act does not imply the automatic obtaining of the Cuban citizenship, since this is obtained with prior fulfillment of that established in the Citizenship Law of the year 1944. For the application you must submit:

• Complete Birth Transcript Application Form.
• Original birth certificate, issued by the authorities of the country duly legalized by the competent authorities of the country.
• Photocopy of the passport of the Cuban citizen of the mother or father.
• Consular registration card of the Cuban father or mother.
• The consular fee stipulated for this service must be paid for the legalization and translation of the birth certificate and other necessary procedures.

Death Transcript:

When the death of a Cuban citizen in another country occurs, it must be transcribed in the Cuban consulate, for later registration in Cuba. The following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Fill in a clear and legible letter of death transcript request form, which will be delivered by the consulate and signed by the relative or by the legal and natural person with legal capacity for it, and also the signature of the consular officer.
• To present a Certificate of Death issued by the civil registry of the country where the death occurred, and in the case of a foreign language, must be translated into Spanish, certified and legalized by the competent authorities. Also certified and legalized by the Cuban consular official.
• The act of transcription is exempt from payment of tariffs, but not the legalizations required for the documents, for which one must pay the stipulated tariff for this service.

Legalization and certification of documents

The foreign documents that will be used in Cuba for legal proceedings must be legalized and certified by the corresponding authorities in the country.

The documents must be translated by a sworn and legalized translator, the original and the translation, by the competent authorities and then by the Cuban Consulate or otherwise legalize only the original by the competent authorities and then carry out the translation at the Consulate of Cuba as well as the legalization of the original and the translation.

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service.

NOTE: If the request is made by post or through a third person, in addition, the consular fee of non-personal processing will be charged. All payments must be made in cash, by means of certified bank payment or by bank transfer. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Request of Documents to Cuba      Birth Certificate Driver’s license Certificate Single Status Certificate Certificate of legal capacity for marriage Criminal Record Certificate Marriage Certificate Divorce Decree Certificate Certificate of Acts of Last Will Declaration of Heirs Migration Certification Certification of Aliens Certification of Nationality Certification of Citizenship Certification issued by educational center Baptismal Certificate Death Certificate Location of whereabouts

All requests for documents from Cuba have the same steps.

Directly at the Consulate you must present:

• Form duly completed.
• You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service by the request.
• You must pay the consular fee stipulated when you receive the document.

For the application by mail you must send:

• You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service for the request.
• Envelope with stamps to your name and address to send the document.

If you cannot provide all the data requested in the different forms, Must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service at the price of the service for the costs of searching data in Cuba.

The minimum term of obtaining this certification is from 6 months, except the Certification of criminal records that is obtained in 2 months.

NOTE: If the request is made by post or through a third person, the consular fee of non-personal processing will be charged in addition.

All payments must be made in cash, by means of payment certified bank or bank transfer. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Transfer of corpses to Cuba / Transfer of ashes to Cuba:

When it is desired to transfer the corpse or ashes of a Cuban citizen who died abroad to Cuba, we advise that the relatives communicate directly with the nearest Consulate of Cuba, who will inform him of the procedures and procedures to follow for these cases.

Tourist Visa (tourist card):

The tourist visa or tourist card is only used for trips of foreign citizens who wish to make tourism to Cuba. Valid for a single entry to the national territory on a 30-day trip and you can extend 30 days at the hotel desk where you are staying or before the immigration authorities. Underage must have their tourist card even if they are registered in the parents' passports.

Documents needed to obtain directly from the consulate:

• Valid passport
• Plane ticket with arrival and return date
• Must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service

Documents needed to obtain it by postal mail

• Legible photocopy of the valid passport
• Legible photocopy of the flight ticket with date of entry and return
• Envelope with sufficient stamps and return address

NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person, the consular fee stipulated for this service will be charged in addition. All payments must be made in cash, by means of payment certified bank or bank transfer. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Family Visa (A-2)

Spouses or children of Cuban citizens of another nationality who travel to Cuba and wish to stay with their Cuban family members must present the passport and document that guarantees the relationship.

• Valid passport.
• Photocopy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate that guarantees the relationship with the Cuban citizen.

To pay the consular fee stipulated for this service in cash, Payment bank certificate or bank transfer. If the same request is made by mail you must send: To pay the stipulated consular fee for this service in cash, means of payment certified bank or bank transfer. NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person, the consular fee stipulated for this service will be charged in addition,. All payments must be made in cash, by means of payment certified bank or bank transfer. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Journalist Visa (D-6)

The journalist visa must be requested by the interested party to the press office at the Cuban Embassy and once the Consulate is notified of the approval, the interested party will be presented at the Consulate during opening hours. Documents to be submitted:

• Full visa application form
• To pay the consular fee stipulated for this service

If the same request is made by mail you must send:

• Pay the consular fee stipulated for this service
• An envelope with enough stamps and address for the return of your passport

NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person, the consular fee stipulated for this service will be charged in addition.

To obtain visas that are processed directly by agencies and institutions in Cuba through the Immigration and Aliens Department, interested parties should contact the consulates and verify if the authorization has already been received.

Business Visas

Business visas must be requested by the interested party to the commercial office at the Embassy of Cuba and once the Consulate is notified of the approval, the interested party must be presented at the Consulate during opening hours. Documents to be submitted:

NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person, the consular fee stipulated for this service must be paid in addition.

To obtain visas processed by agencies and institutions in Cuba through the Immigration and Aliens Department, interested parties should contact the consulates and verify if the authorization has already been received.

Other visas

There are other types of visas, depending on the purpose of the trip: visas for students, visas for events, among others. In order to obtain any of them, the interested party must contact the Consulate of Cuba in the corresponding country and request information about them.

Application for residence in Cuba

Applications for PERMANENT RESIDENTS will be made by the interested foreigners, in the consulates, to which they will accompany:

• Results of duly legalized radiographic examinations of the thorax, serological and AIDS tests. (The examinations cannot be more than six months since being issued before being presented at the Consulate.) The serology exam is unique and is the same one that we do in our country. These examinations could be presented directly in Cuba, whenever they are carried out In hospitals or clinics intended for the care of foreigners in Cuba)
• Certification of criminal records in the country of residence, duly legalized. When presenting it to the Consulate, it cannot be more than 3 months since issued by the official institution.
• Letter of reasoning that motivates the request.
• Passport photo.
• Photocopy of passport with the certification of its collation with the original by the Cuban consular office.
• Certification of marriage, birth of children or other evidence that substantiates the reasons for your request made or recognized according to Cuban law, as appropriate.

You must pay the consular fee stipulated for this service in cash, by bank certificate or bank transfer.   FOR THE MINOR CHILDREN OF FOREIGN CITIZENS

• Power of attorney of the father or mother, translated and legalized by the Consulate.
• Certificate of birth of the minor translated and legalized by the Consulate.

Note: The documents must be translated by a sworn translator and legalized, the original and the translation, by the competent authorities and then by the Cuban Consulate or otherwise legalized only the original by the competent authorities and then carry out the translation in the Consulate of Cuba as well as the legalization of the original and the translation.

All payments must be made in cash or by means of certified bank payment. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

For the trip of a companion animal to Cuba the consulate must be asked for a certificate. Necessary documents:

• Pet passport with up-to-date vaccines
• Health certificate for the animal's journey (the veterinarian is requested)
• Certificate of good health
• Photocopy of the passport of the person traveling with the animal
• Envelope with stamps and address for the return of the documents

NOTE: If the request is made by mail or through a third person,the consular fee stipulated for this service will be charged in addition. All payments must be made in cash, by means of payment certified bank or bank transfer. The cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Copyright 2016, Cuba’s Representative Office Abroad

What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba

B eaches with white sand as fine as sugar, vintage American cars cruising down streets lined by colorful aging buildings, and the chance to puff on a fine cigar while watching people dance the salsa in the warm night air: It's not hard to understand the picture-postcard allure of Cuba. It's a country in the throes of rapid change as it emerges back onto the world stage after decades of stagnation following the 1959 revolution. So now is a wonderful time to pack your dancing shoes and visit the Caribbean's largest island.

However, Cuba isn't an uncomplicated tropical paradise and there are several things you need to be aware of before you visit as a tourist. Like, as an American, is it even legal for you to visit Cuba as a tourist? What's with the money situation? And can you access the internet or are you going back to the Stone Age (also known as the early 1990s)?

Can Americans Visit Cuba?

Cuba is just 103 miles from the tip of Florida making it the ideal winter getaway for sun-seeking Americans. However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of restrictions has varied over the years, as of July 2023, Americans can't visit Cuba purely for tourism purposes.

That said, there are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, and the one that most Americans visiting the island use is the "support for the Cuban people" category. You'll need a passport with six months validity at the time of entry and two blank pages. You also need a Cuban Tourist Card, which you can usually get from your airline for as little as $50.

Speaking of airlines, you can fly direct to Cuba from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Tampa, New York City , and Houston. Most direct flights from the U.S. land in the Cuban capital of Havana, though there are several nonstop flights from Miami to other destinations in the country, including Santiago de Cuba and the popular beach resort of Varadero.

Cuban Currency

There's good news and, let's say, tricky news when it comes to paying for things in Cuba. The good news is that there is now one currency used by residents and visitors alike in the country: the Cuban peso (CUP). The Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which used to be the currency used by tourists, was eliminated in 2021.

The only official place you can exchange currency in Cuba is at Cadeca exchange houses. You cannot get CUP outside of Cuba, nor should you take the currency home with you. Spend or exchange anything you have left over before you go to the airport (after security, you should pay in foreign currency).

What about credit cards? U.S. credit and debit cards won't work in Cuba. Credit cards from major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard from other countries should be accepted by certain businesses and ATMs. However, cash is king in the country and it's always a good idea to keep some with you for tips to service workers.

The Internet In Cuba

Cuba is the perfect place to go on a digital detox. We're going to be honest: Getting online isn't as easy as in the U.S. and internet speeds can be sluggish. However, if you need to connect to the internet, you can. The most common way to access the internet in Cuba is via hotspots in places like public parks and on the Malécon in Havana. (They are also perfect for people-watching, so embrace the experience!) Many hotels and some other businesses also have Wi-Fi.

To access the internet in most places you're going to need a NAUTA card, which you can purchase from ETECSA offices around Cuba. Be prepared to stand in line to buy the card and take your passport along with you. Our advice? Be patient and make the most of your offline moments to fully immerse yourself in the Cuban experience. And plan to latergram your posts on Insta.

Sleeping And Eating

When it comes to accommodation in Cuba, you'll find a range of options. From all-inclusive beach resorts to cozy casas particulares, you'll find somewhere to suit your preferences and budget. Our pick for independent travelers is a casa particular, a privately owned guesthouse which offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality firsthand. Many places offer breakfast and an evening meal, so you can taste home-cooked Cuban food. It's also an excellent way to support the Cuban people (this is likely the stated purpose of your visit, after all) as the money you pay goes directly to the guesthouse owners. In contrast, the Cuban government holds at least a 51% share in all hotels in Cuba. Hotel star ratings are often on the generous side, so be discerning.

As far as food goes in Cuba, your best bet is to go to a paladar, a privately run restaurant that serves excellent versions of classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, shredded beef, and suckling pig (the cuisine is pretty meat-forward). A note on cultural sensitivity: Many products that are widely available in the U.S. might not be in Cuba and even basic products often disappear from Cuban shops at short notice. Savor what's put on your plate and enjoy the often simple but tasty food.

How To Support And Respect The Cuban People

Staying in casas particulares and eating at paladares are just two ways that you can support the Cuban people on your trip. Consider taking a salsa class run by a local, buying locally made handicrafts, and whiling away the steamy nights sipping rum and listening to musicians put on a fabulous show. By patronizing local businesses, not only are you financially supporting the Cuban people, but you're also going to have an authentic Cuban experience.

We touched on the unavailability of some food items earlier, but shortages extend to many consumer products in Cuba. Bring everything you think you'll need for your trip, including medications. You may also want to bring a roll of toilet paper (glamorous, we know), as public bathrooms often don't have it. Power cuts are common; while they might be frustrating, remember that you're only there for a short time and, for Cubans, power cuts are infuriating, so keep your complaints to yourself. This goes for everything, really; if you're not prepared for some minor inconveniences, don't visit Cuba. If you want to take a memorable trip to a country steeped in history with a vibrant culture, stunning urban architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it'll all be worth it.

Read this next: The World's Best Places To Put On Your Travel Bucket List

• Visa types Tourist Visa Transit Visa Multi - Single Entry
• Status of my visa
• Choose a visa Angola Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Australia Azerbaijan Bahrain Benin Brazil Cambodia Canada Colombia Cuba Djibouti Dominican Republic Egypt Ethiopia Europe Georgia Guinea India Ivory Coast Kenya Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Madagascar Mexico Montserrat Myanmar Nepal New Zealand Oman Papua New Guinea Puerto Rico Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Tanzania Thailand Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates United States Vietnam Zambia Zimbabwe

• United States

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

Traveling to Cuba as a Green Card Holder

Introduction: why visit cuba as a green card holder, the best time to visit cuba, what to pack for your trip to cuba, how to get around in cuba, where to stay in cuba, what to eat in cuba, what to see and do in cuba, shopping in cuba, tips for traveling to cuba, faqs about traveling to cuba.

Traveling to Cuba as a Green Card Holder: The Ultimate Guide – If you’re a green card holder planning to travel to Cuba, this is the guide for you!

Checkout this video:

Watch this video on YouTube

As a Green Card holder, you may be wondering if you can travel to Cuba. The answer is yes, you can! In fact, there are many reasons why you might want to consider visiting Cuba as a Green Card holder.

For one, Cuba is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It is also relatively close to the United States, making it a convenient travel destination. Moreover, as a Green Card holder, you will not need to obtain a visa before traveling to Cuba.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning on traveling to Cuba as a Green Card holder. First, it is important to note that the United States has strict trade embargo against Cuba. This means that you cannot spend any money in Cuba while on your trip. Second, you will likely be subject to increased scrutiny by Cuban authorities. Therefore, it is important to research the laws and regulations before traveling to Cuba.

Overall, visiting Cuba as a Green Card holder is possible and can be a great experience. Just be sure to do your research beforehand and plan accordingly!

The best time to visit Cuba is from December to May, when the weather is warm and dry.nonetheless, peak tourist season falls between mid-December and April. Although winter is the busiest time of year for tourism, springtime also sees an influx of visitors, particularly from North America. March and April are especially busy due to Easter and Spring break vacations. If you’re planning a trip during this time, be sure to book your accommodation and flights well in advance.

If you are a green card holder and plan to travel to Cuba, there are a few things you should remember to pack. First, you will need a Cuban visa, which can be obtained from the Cuban embassy or consulate. Second, make sure to pack your passport and any other required travel documents.Third, it is a good idea to bring some cash in US dollars, as credit cards and ATM machines are not widely available in Cuba. Finally, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and insect repellent, as the sun can be quite intense and mosquitoes are prevalent in Cuba.

Cuba is a large island and getting around can be daunting, but there are a few options for transportation. The most popular way to get around is by bus, which are usually old American school buses that have been retrofitted. The buses are very cheap, but they can be very crowded and uncomfortable. Another option for getting around is by renting a car, which can be expensive but is a great way to see the island at your own pace. You can also hitchhike around Cuba, which is very common and considered safe.

There are a few things to consider when deciding where to stay in Cuba as a Green Card holder. The first is whether you want to stay in a hotel or a private home. Hotels are generally more expensive, but they offer more amenities and may be more convenient for travelers who are not familiar with the country. Private homes can be rented through websites like Airbnb, and they offer a more authentic experience.

Another thing to consider is what part of the country you want to stay in. Havana is the capital and largest city, and it is a popular destination for tourists. However, it is also very crowded and can be quite chaotic. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you may want to consider staying in another city like Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba. These cities are smaller and quieter, but they still offer plenty of cultural experiences.

Finally, make sure to research the local laws and customs before you travel. Cuban law requires that all travelers have travel insurance, so be sure to purchase a policy that covers you for the length of your stay. Additionally, it is important to respect the local culture and customs while you are in Cuba. For example, avoid taking pictures of government buildings or military personnel.

Cuban food is a reflection of the island’s diverse culture and history. Cuban cuisine has been influenced by Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Chinese cuisines. Common ingredients in Cuban dishes include beans, rice, pork, beef, chicken, garlic, onions, and plantains.

Cuban food is often served with a side of white rice. Rice and beans (moros y cristianos) is a popular dish among Cubans. Other popular dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef), congrí (rice and beans), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), picadillo a la criollo (ground beef sautéed with onions, garlic, olives, tomatoes, and raisins), tamales (cornmeal-based cakes filled with meat or vegetables), vaca frita (fried flank steak), tostones (fried green plantains), croquetas (deep-fried croquettes), yuca frita or yuca con mojo(fried cassava root with garlic sauce), arroz con leche(rice pudding).

Cuba is renowned for its cigars and rum. Havana Club is the most popular brand of rum in Cuba. Cigars are traditionally made by hand from Cuban tobacco. Popular brands of cigars include Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta.

There is so much to see and do in Cuba! Depending on your interests, you can explore the vibrant city of Havana, take in the natural beauty of the Cuban countryside, or learn about the country’s rich history and culture.

If you’re interested in Havana, be sure to visit Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Havana is home to a number of amazing buildings, including the Cathedral of Havana and the Gran Teatro de La Habana. You can also enjoy some of the best food in Cuba in Old Havana – be sure to try the famous Cuban sandwich!

For those interested in nature, Cuba offers plenty of opportunities to explore. Take a hike through Viñales National Park or relax on the white sand beaches of Varadero. And don’t forget to visit Santiago de Cuba, where you can learn about Cuban history and culture.

No matter what your interests are, Cuba has something for everyone!

green card holders are able to shop in Cuba just like any other tourist. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping, such as the fact that most stores only accept cash and prices are often negotiable.Credit cards and travelers checks can be used at some larger stores, but it is always a good idea to have cash on hand.

Here are a few items that are worth picking up while in Cuba:

-Cigars: Cuba is famous for its cigars and they make for great gifts or souvenirs. Just be sure to buy them from a licensed vendor as counterfeit cigars are common. -Coffee: Cuban coffee is some of the best in the world and can be found relatively cheaply. -Rum: Another Cuban specialty, rum makes for a great gift or souvenir. Choose from a variety of brands and ages – light or dark, sweet or dry. -Art: Cuban art is colorful and vibrant, and there are plenty of great paintings, sculptures and other pieces to choose from. Buying art directly from the artists is often cheaper than going through a gallery.

As a green card holder, you are allowed to travel to Cuba for certain reasons. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before your trip.

Here are some tips for traveling to Cuba as a green card holder:

– Make sure you have a valid passport and visa. You will need these documents in order to enter Cuba. – Verify that your travel insurance policy covers you for medical emergencies in Cuba. – Ensure that you have enough cash to cover your expenses while in Cuba, as credit cards and ATM cards are not widely accepted on the island. -Pack light, as luggage restrictions can be strict when traveling by plane or ferry to Cuba. – Be aware of the Dominican Republic’s entry requirements, as you will need to pass through this country when traveling from the U.S. to Cuba. – Research the current situation in Cuba before you travel, as political conditions on the island can change quickly.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba? A: All US citizens, regardless of their immigration status, need a visa to enter Cuba. Green card holders are considered US citizens for travel purposes and therefore need a visa. You can apply for a tourist visa at your nearest Cuban consulate or through a tour company that arranges travel to Cuba.

Q: Do I need health insurance to travel to Cuba? A: Yes, you will need health insurance to travel to Cuba. Travelers without health insurance will be required to purchase it upon arrival in Cuba. You can purchase health insurance through your tour company or directly from a Cuban insurer.

Q: What is the currency in Cuba? A: The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP). US dollars are also accepted, but you will get a lower exchange rate. It is recommended that you bring Pesos in cash, as ATM and credit card usage is limited in Cuba.

Q: Can I use my cell phone in Cuba? A: Cell phone usage is limited in Cuba. Only certain service providers have coverage in Cuba, and roaming charges can be expensive. It is recommended that you purchase a local SIM card for your cell phone if you plan on using it while in Cuba.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Dual nationals  

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an  Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ) visa waiver  or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver 

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

• been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. 

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can  register to get a UK background check . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

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Watch CBS News

Top Cuban official says country open to more U.S. deportations, blames embargo for migrant exodus

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

April 18, 2024 / 4:22 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Cuba's government is willing to accept more deportation flights from the U.S. of Cuban migrants, who have traveled to the southern border in record numbers over the past three years, a top Cuban official told CBS News in an exclusive interview. 

After a two-year pause, the U.S. restarted deportation flights to the island last year. Since then, the U.S. has been sending one flight with Cuban deportees to Havana each month.

But in an interview with CBS News this week, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said Cuban officials are willing to accommodate more than one flight per month.

"We're open to having more" deportation flights, said Fernández de Cossío, who visited Washington this week to meet with Biden administration officials for the latest round of migration talks between the two countries.

Since the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the U.S. and Cuba have had a deeply contentious relationship. The Cold War-era rivals still bitterly disagree on many issues, from Cuba's human rights record and its ties to China and Russia to the decades-long American embargo on Cuban imports and exports.

But Washington and Havana have worked together on immigration, including by signing the 1994 U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, which officials from both nations are discussing this week. The two countries' work on immigration has intensified in recent years amid the record arrival of hundreds of thousands of Cubans to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Since the start of fiscal year 2021, the U.S. has processed more than 450,000 Cuban migrants at the southern border, according to Customs and Border Protection data. The flow of Cuban migrants to the U.S. border has slowed since last year, when the Biden administration created programs that have allowed some Cubans to fly into the U.S. legally or appear at an official border crossing.

In the interview this week, Fernández de Cossío blamed the exodus from Cuba in recent years on the U.S. embargo and other American policies, including the 1960s Cuban Adjustment Act, which created a special pathway to permanent U.S. residency for certain Cuban migrants. Only Congress can change that law.

Fernández de Cossío said the U.S. is "aiming at destroying the Cuban economy" through its sanctions. He did not concede that economic mismanagement and repressive policies by Havana have also driven Cubans to flee the island, as the U.S. government has argued.  

"You can speak about other factors, but if you have a consistent policy by the most powerful economy in the world to try to destroy the livelihood of a whole population, 11 million Cubans, it is logical to expect people, a segment of the population, to want to leave the country," he said.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assessed that "Cuba's deteriorating economic conditions and political repression continue to increasingly drive Cubans out of their country."

Fernández de Cossío also cited the lack of some legal channels for Cuban citizens to come to the U.S. for illegal crossings along the southern border by Cubans.

He urged the State Department to resume the processing of tourist and short-term visas in Havana. The Biden administration restarted immigrant visa processing in Cuba, but short-term visa seekers in Cuba still have to travel to a third country to have their cases processed. 

Fernández de Cossío said U.S. officials informed him they would resume full visa processing in Cuba in the future.

Representatives for the State Department did not respond to requests to comment on Fernández de Cossío's remarks.

Fernández de Cossío expressed some concern about additional U.S. sanctions if former President Donald Trump is elected in November. During Trump's tenure, the U.S. had a more aggressive stance towards Cuba, reversing the Obama administration's attempt to normalize relations with Havana.

"Of course we're concerned if there are additional economic measures [against] Cuba, regardless of who wins the election. The Biden administration has very faithfully applied the policies put in place by the Trump administration and added some," he said. "So we would not [be] surprised they would do it. It would be unfair, and we believe it would be immoral, but we have to acknowledge that would happen and [it] gives us room for concern."

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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