can government employees travel to cuba

Understanding The Impact Of Federal Employee Travel Restrictions To Cuba

• Last updated Sep 05, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category United States

Since the enactment of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations by the United States government, federal employees have been subjected to travel restrictions when it comes to Cuba. These regulations, aiming to enforce economic sanctions against the Cuban government, have not only limited federal employees' ability to travel to the island, but have also sparked debates about their effectiveness and the impact on diplomatic relations between the two nations. With a rich history and vibrant culture, Cuba has long intrigued travelers, making these restrictions an intriguing topic to explore.

What You'll Learn

What are the current federal employee travel restrictions to cuba, are there any exemptions or exceptions to the federal employee travel restrictions to cuba, how do the federal employee travel restrictions to cuba differ from travel restrictions for private citizens, has there been any recent changes or updates to the federal employee travel restrictions to cuba, how do federal agencies enforce and monitor compliance with the travel restrictions for their employees traveling to cuba.

As of April 2021, the current federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba are still in place. These restrictions were initially put in place by the Trump administration in 2019 and have not been lifted by the Biden administration.

Under the current restrictions, federal employees are prohibited from traveling to Cuba for tourist activities or to participate in any transaction related to tourism. This includes activities such as staying at tourist hotels, engaging in water sports, or participating in guided tours.

The restrictions also prohibit federal employees from spending money on goods or services produced by the Cuban government or its affiliated entities. This includes purchases of Cuban cigars, rum, and other products that are popular among tourists.

However, there are some exceptions to these restrictions. Federal employees who are traveling to Cuba for official government business are still allowed to do so. This includes activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting research related to their work.

In addition, federal employees who have close relatives in Cuba are also allowed to travel to the country to visit their family members. However, they are still subject to the restrictions on spending money on tourism-related activities.

It's important to note that these restrictions only apply to federal employees and do not necessarily apply to all US citizens. Private citizens are still able to travel to Cuba for tourism purposes, although some restrictions on spending money on certain Cuban government entities still apply.

The current federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba are intended to put pressure on the Cuban government and limit their ability to generate revenue from tourism. The US government has been critical of the Cuban government's human rights record and their support for the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

It is unclear when or if the current travel restrictions will be lifted by the Biden administration. However, President Biden has expressed a willingness to engage with the Cuban government and has called for a review of the current policy towards Cuba. It remains to be seen how this will impact the current travel restrictions for federal employees.

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The federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba have been a subject of debate and discussion for many years. These restrictions were put in place by the U.S. government as part of their efforts to pressure the Cuban government to improve its human rights record and move towards a more open and democratic society. While most federal employees are subject to these restrictions, there are some exemptions and exceptions that allow certain individuals to travel to Cuba.

One of the main exemptions to the travel restrictions is for federal employees who are traveling to Cuba for official government business. This means that if a federal employee's trip to Cuba is deemed essential for their job, they may be granted permission to travel to the country.

In addition to official government business, there are also exceptions for federal employees who are traveling for certain educational, research, or humanitarian purposes. For example, federal employees who are involved in academic or cultural exchanges with Cuban institutions may be granted permission to travel to Cuba. Similarly, federal employees who are working on projects related to public health or disaster relief may also be exempt from the travel restrictions.

Another exception to the federal employee travel restrictions is for individuals who have family members in Cuba. If a federal employee has close relatives in Cuba, they may be allowed to travel to the country in order to visit their family. However, it is important to note that these exceptions are typically limited, and individuals must meet certain criteria in order to be granted permission to travel.

It is also worth mentioning that there have been some recent changes to the federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba. In 2019, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that effectively put an end to most non-family travel to Cuba. This means that federal employees who are not eligible for the exemptions mentioned above may face stricter limitations on their ability to travel to the country.

In conclusion, while the federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba are generally strict, there are some exemptions and exceptions that allow certain individuals to travel to the country. These exemptions include traveling for official government business, educational or research purposes, humanitarian work, and visiting family members. However, it is important for federal employees to understand and comply with the specific requirements and limitations associated with these exemptions.

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The federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba differ significantly from travel restrictions for private citizens. These restrictions are in place due to various reasons, including diplomatic relations between the two countries, national security concerns, and the desire to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba. While private citizens have more flexibility in their travel to Cuba, federal employees face a different set of rules and limitations.

One of the main differences is that federal employees are subject to strict travel authorizations and restrictions imposed by their respective agencies. These agencies have specific guidelines and requirements that must be followed when traveling to Cuba. Travel to Cuba for federal employees is typically limited to official government business, such as diplomatic missions, humanitarian aid projects, official visits, or professional exchanges. The purpose of the trip must be directly related to the employee's role and responsibilities within the federal government.

Another key difference is that federal employees may be required to obtain special security clearances or certifications before traveling to Cuba. This is because Cuba is considered a sensitive country due to its complex relationship with the United States. The government wants to ensure that federal employees traveling to Cuba have the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the unique challenges and potential risks associated with traveling to this particular country.

Moreover, federal employees may also be subject to additional reporting requirements and restrictions on their activities while in Cuba. They may need to submit detailed itineraries, provide regular updates to their agency, and follow specific protocols established by their agency or the U.S. State Department. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of federal employees while they are abroad.

In contrast, private citizens have more freedom to travel to Cuba for various purposes such as tourism, cultural exchanges, education, and people-to-people exchanges. However, there are still some restrictions in place for private citizens due to U.S. laws. For example, private citizens are prohibited from engaging in certain financial transactions with certain entities in Cuba, and there are limitations on the amount and type of goods that can be imported from Cuba.

Overall, the federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba differ significantly from travel restrictions for private citizens. Federal employees are subject to strict guidelines, limitations, and reporting requirements imposed by their agencies. These restrictions are in place to protect national security, promote diplomatic efforts, and ensure the safety and well-being of federal employees while traveling to Cuba. Private citizens, on the other hand, have more flexibility in their travel to Cuba, but still need to comply with certain U.S. laws and regulations.

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Recent Changes to Federal Employee Travel Restrictions to Cuba

In recent years, the United States has seen several changes to its policy on travel to Cuba. These changes have had a significant impact on federal employees, who often travel to the country for various official purposes. This article will explore the recent updates and changes to the federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba and how they have affected government-affiliated trips to the island.

Until 2014, travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens, including federal employees, was heavily restricted. However, in December 2014, President Barack Obama announced a series of executive actions aimed at normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba. One of these actions included the easing of travel restrictions, allowing for increased travel to the island for various purposes.

Under the Obama administration's changes, federal employees were generally allowed to travel to Cuba for official business purposes, as long as their travel fell within one of the 12 approved categories. These categories included activities such as official government business, professional research and meetings, humanitarian projects, and educational activities.

However, the travel restrictions to Cuba have seen some changes under the current administration. In June 2017, President Donald Trump announced several revisions to the Cuba policy set forth by the Obama administration. These revisions included tightening the travel restrictions for Americans, including federal employees.

The new policy implemented by the Trump administration restricted individual people-to-people travel, which allowed U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba on their own for educational and cultural exchanges. While this change primarily affected private travelers, federal employees were also impacted, as the policy had broader implications for travel to Cuba in general.

Under the current policy, federal employees must receive specific authorization from their respective agencies to travel to Cuba. This authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires a justification for the travel that meets the criteria set forth by the current administration. The authorized travel would typically fall within categories such as official government business or educational activities that align with U.S. policy objectives.

It is essential for federal employees planning to travel to Cuba to consult their agency's travel office or office of general counsel to ensure compliance with the current travel restrictions and obtain the necessary authorization. Failure to comply with the restrictions could result in penalties and disciplinary actions.

It is worth noting that the U.S. government's policy towards Cuba can be subject to change, and federal employees should stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines. The travel restrictions to Cuba have been a topic of debate and may see further changes or modifications in the future.

In conclusion, there have been recent changes and updates to the federal employee travel restrictions to Cuba. While the Obama administration relaxed these restrictions, the Trump administration tightened them. Federal employees now require specific authorization from their agencies to travel to Cuba, and the travel must align with U.S. policy objectives. It is crucial for federal employees to familiarize themselves with the current regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any penalties or disciplinary actions.

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Federal agencies enforce and monitor compliance with travel restrictions for their employees traveling to Cuba through various means. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that their employees adhere to the regulations set forth by the U.S. government to maintain national security and diplomatic interests. This article will discuss the methods used by federal agencies to enforce and monitor compliance with travel restrictions for their employees traveling to Cuba.

First and foremost, federal agencies provide clear guidelines and policies regarding travel to Cuba. These guidelines are often outlined in agency-specific travel manuals or documents that detail the restrictions, exemptions, and reporting requirements for travel to Cuba. By providing employees with this information, agencies ensure that their employees are aware of the restrictions and the consequences of non-compliance.

To enforce and monitor compliance, federal agencies require employees to request and obtain the necessary authorizations and licenses to travel to Cuba. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) oversees the authorizations and licenses required for travel to Cuba, and agencies work closely with OFAC to ensure that their employees comply with the regulations. This may involve submitting applications, providing supporting documentation, and receiving approvals for travel to Cuba.

In addition to acquiring the necessary authorizations and licenses, federal agencies also require their employees to undergo briefings and training on the travel restrictions and the potential risks associated with travel to Cuba. These briefings and training sessions help employees understand the legal and security implications of traveling to Cuba and the importance of compliance.

Once employees receive approval for travel, federal agencies may use various monitoring methods to ensure compliance. This can include reviewing travel itineraries and expense reports, questioning employees about their travel activities, and requiring employees to submit post-travel reports. Additionally, agencies may conduct random audits or spot-checks to verify compliance and investigate any potential violations.

Federal agencies also rely on self-reporting from employees to monitor compliance with travel restrictions. Employees are often required to report any interactions or activities while in Cuba that may be prohibited or could potentially violate the regulations. This reporting system allows agencies to identify and address any issues of non-compliance promptly.

If a violation is detected, federal agencies have the authority to take appropriate disciplinary action against employees. This can range from counseling and retraining to more severe measures, such as suspension or termination of employment. The severity of the disciplinary action depends on the nature and seriousness of the violation and may also consider the employee's intentions and history of compliance.

In conclusion, federal agencies enforce and monitor compliance with travel restrictions for their employees traveling to Cuba through a combination of clear guidelines, authorizations and licenses, briefings and training, monitoring methods, self-reporting, and disciplinary actions. By employing these methods, agencies strive to uphold U.S. government policies and protect national security and diplomatic interests while ensuring their employees' adherence to the travel restrictions.

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Frequently asked questions.

No, federal employees are generally not permitted to travel to Cuba for official business. The U.S. government maintains strict travel restrictions on Cuba, and federal employees must adhere to these restrictions. Official travel to Cuba may only be authorized for specific purposes, such as diplomatic or humanitarian missions, and requires approval from the appropriate agency or department.

Yes, federal employees are allowed to travel to Cuba for personal reasons, but they must still comply with the travel restrictions in place. Currently, U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba under 12 authorized categories, including family visits, journalistic activity, and educational programs. Federal employees traveling to Cuba for personal reasons must select one of these authorized categories and ensure that their travel falls within the guidelines set by the U.S. government.

Yes, federal employees traveling to Cuba must have the necessary documentation and follow certain requirements. This includes a valid passport, a Cuban visa or tourist card, and proof of a designated purpose of travel within the authorized categories. Additionally, federal employees may be required to obtain special licenses or approvals from their agency or department if their travel falls under diplomatic or official purposes. It is important for federal employees to consult with their agency's travel office or the State Department for specific requirements and guidelines before traveling to Cuba.

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Travel Advisory January 5, 2024

Cuba - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to  crime .

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

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

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

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

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

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

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

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must have six months validity at the time of entry.

Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps.

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

None. See CDC for recommendations.

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

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

Embassies and Consulates

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

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

Destination Description

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

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety and Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We can: 

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

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

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

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

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

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

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

Cuban penalties for the following are particularly severe: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

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

For emergency services in Cuba, dial: 

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

Ambulance services are

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

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

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

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

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

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

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

The following diseases are prevalent: 

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

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

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

Further health information:

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

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

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

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

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

General Health Issues

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

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

Travel and Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

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

Maritime Travel:  The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Cuba.  Until those concerns can be addressed, the Coast Guard advises that Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Cuba should exercise caution.  Mariners planning travel to Cuba should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warn ings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "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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Biden’s revised Cuba policy creates more options for U.S. travelers

The United States just approved flights to airports beyond Havana and will restore the group tours banned under Trump

Americans who want to travel legally to Cuba will have more options after the Biden administration announced it was undoing some of the restrictions President Donald Trump imposed before the pandemic.

While a timeline for all of the changes is not yet clear, travelers should eventually be able to choose from flights to more destinations and take the kind of group-based educational trips that have been off-limits for nearly three years.

Under an order issued Wednesday by the U.S. Transportation Department, airlines will again be allowed to fly to Cuban destinations beyond Havana, an avenue that was cut off in late 2019. Public charter flights will also be permitted to go to airports outside Havana after being suspended in early 2020.

The Transportation Department issued the order rescinding the Trump-era restrictions after a request this week from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He wrote that scheduled and charter air services could resume “effective immediately” once the department took action.

That formal request followed a May 16 announcement that the Biden administration was taking measures, including allowing the additional flights, to “increase support for the Cuban people in line with our national security interests.”

As Biden eases Trump’s sanctions, Cubans hope for an economic lift

Peggy Goldman, president and co-owner of two travel companies that bring visitors to Cuba — Friendly Planet and Insight Cuba — called the permission to add flights “wonderful news.”

“It makes it possible to enjoy much more of the island, and having these additional flights is a hallelujah moment for us,” she said. She added that her companies have been “badgering” airlines on a daily basis about increasing service.

U.S. carriers that offer scheduled flights to Havana, including American Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest, told The Washington Post this week — before the DOT’s order — that they did not have any additional services to announce. American Airlines flew to five destinations in addition to Havana until December 2019, and JetBlue once flew to three cities beyond the capital city.

“While we do not have any news to share at this time regarding changes to our operations in Cuba, we regularly evaluate new opportunities throughout our network,” JetBlue said in a statement.

Cuba reopened to visitors in November after closing its borders earlier in the pandemic.

Can Americans travel to Cuba? Yes, but it’s complicated.

U.S. officials have said that a popular authorized way for groups of travelers to visit Cuba — called “people-to-people” trips — will be back at some point. The Trump administration eliminated the option in mid-2019. The State Department said it would reinstate the option, along with other categories of group educational travel and some additional travel connected to professional meetings and research.

“We’ll certainly ensure travel is purposeful and in accordance with U.S. law. And we’ll note something that President Biden had said often, which is his belief that Americans are the best ambassadors for democratic values,” a senior administration official said on background during a press call last month. “And facilitating group people-to-people travel will allow for greater engagement between the American people and the promotion of their democratic values.”

The State Department did not release a timeline for reopening that category of travel, but it said in a statement that the administration is “working expeditiously to implement these changes, via regulatory amendments and other steps on an expedited basis.”

Collin Laverty, founder of Cuba Educational Travel, said people-to-people trips were a prominent way to visit Cuba before the Trump administration prohibited them. He described those trips as “having a full-time schedule that involves meaningful interaction with the Cuban people” — though independent tourism is not allowed.

Americans have been allowed to visit the island under categories that remain legal, including family visits, religious activities, competitions, educational activities and professional research, and meetings. After the Trump administration eliminated the “people to people” option, first for individuals and then for groups, most travelers opted to visit under the “support for the Cuban people” category.

Under that option, travelers need to have a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with locals, support civil society in Cuba, result in meaningful interaction with residents or promote independence from Cuban authorities, The Washington Post reported in 2019.

2019: Trump administration ends group travel to Cuba by Americans

The two categories were similar, but supporting the Cuban people required more direct aid to locals on the ground. Some tour operators told The Post when the changes were first announced a few years ago that they were skipping attractions such as Ernest Hemingway’s house and famous cemeteries. To keep their programming in compliance, they said, they would meet with craftspeople who make humidors instead of going to cigar factories, and they would visit artists in a studio cooperative instead of going to a museum.

David Lee, founder of Cultural Cuba, has always provided trips that meet the requirements of supporting the Cuban people and calls it “the best way to go by far.” But still, he and others said, the news about Trump restrictions being dropped had led to an increase in inquiries.

“Some of the changes that the Trump administration made definitely made people think they could not come to Cuba,” he said. “If this announcement has people believing, ‘Oh, it’s open again’ — even though it was always open ... and at least leads people to put Cuba back on their list as a destination, awesome.”

Laverty said he expects the return of U.S. travelers to Cuba to be slow, noting that he doesn’t see any regulatory changes that would lead to an “avalanche” in demand.

While the Biden administration’s goal is to expand authorized travel to Cuba, the State Department said the recently announced moves are not a return to the Obama-era policies that allowed cruise ships to visit the island and individual travelers to embark on people-to-people trips.

In Cuba, a desperate search for milk

Other Trump crackdowns prohibiting travelers from staying in military- or government-owned hotels remain in effect. They pose continued challenges to travelers and tour groups who have to find accommodations without those government or military ties.

“With new flights and group People to People programs being announced, more travelers will be able to visit Cuba safely but they will need more safe places to stay,” Michael Zuccato, CEO of Cuba Travel Services, said in an email.

Laverty said the last decade has brought “incredible development” in private-sector lodging, including privately owned apartments, rooms and boutique hotels. His company will sometimes split groups between multiple properties if needed.

“It definitely adds an extra logistical layer,” he said. “Trying to look at the positive side, it’s a really cool experience” where guests get to interact with their host and learn more about what it’s like to live in Cuba.

With economic hardships and severe shortages in Cuba that led to widespread protests last year, Laverty said he was concerned about what the travel experience would be like when his company started bringing Americans back earlier this year.

“What we’ve found over the last few months is U.S. travelers have really been exposed to shortcomings and challenges and also support Cubans through their travel and get an honest picture of the good and the bad in Cuba and still have a really great experience,” he said.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

U.S. Visa Waiver Program: Impact of Travel to Cuba

On july 6, 2023, the u.s. department of homeland security (dhs) updated the existing electronic system for travel authorization (esta) application to add questions focusing on an applicant’s travel and connection to cuba, which has been designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the u.s. secretary of state..

On July 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the existing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application to add questions focusing on an applicant’s travel and connection to Cuba , which has been designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. secretary of state.

• DHS updated the ESTA application to reflect its current policy on travel to Cuba.
• ESTA will be denied for citizens of visa waiver program countries who traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
• Existing ESTA approvals may also be revoked.

Citizens of participating visa waiver program (VWP) countries who travel to or are dual nationals of a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism are not eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP, which permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States as a tourist or business visitor for up to ninety days without first securing a visa stamp from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. (At this time, only three other countries are considered state sponsors of terrorism—Iran, North Korea, and Syria.) With this update, citizens of participating VWP countries who have traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are not eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP. This also applies to dual nationals of a VWP country and Cuba. The exception to this is limited and focuses on military personnel or government employees of a VWP country where their presence in Cuba was required to carry out their official duties.

For those travelers who do not fall within the limited exception, an ESTA application will be denied. In addition, for those travelers with an approved ESTA application who have traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, or hold dual nationality with a VWP country and Cuba, DHS stated that their approval will be revoked. DHS clarified that travel to the United States is not barred for these individuals, rather these individuals remain eligible to apply for an appropriate visa stamp from a U.S. embassy or consulate for travel to the United States.

The VWP was established in 1986. It permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States as tourists or business visitors for up to ninety days without first securing a visa stamp from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. While a visa stamp is not required prior to entry, approval through ESTA must first be secured.

Ogletree Deakins’ Immigration Practice Group will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the Immigration blog as additional information becomes available.

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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.

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.

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History of US-Cuba Travel Policy

Obama-biden administration.

After decades of relative isolation between US-Cuba travel, 2016 marked a historic change. In his last year in office, President Barack Obama changed US relations with Cuba in three important ways:

• He issued an executive order allowing individuals to travel to Cuba under the “people-to-people” category.
• He signed a new presidential policy toward Cuba, saying the United States would not involve itself in regime change and would respect sovereignty.
• He ended “wet foot, dry foot,” a decades-old policy allowing Cubans who arrived in the United States without a visa to become permanent U.S. residents.

These new policies marked a new era of boom for Cuba’s tourism. In May 2016, the first cruise ship from the United States called on the island, and by August 2016, the first regularly-scheduled flights to Cuba began.

Trump-Pence Administration

However, by mid-June 2017, President Trump signed a new presidential policy which, in essence, repudiated his predecessor’s efforts. It refused to recognize the Cuban regime as legitimate and, thus, put the potential for U.S. involvement in regime change back on the agenda. In addition:

• It included President Trump’s intentions to change the Cuban travel policy—by rolling back individual people-to-people travel and returning to the old categories of educational and people-to-people group travel.
• The president also ordered the Secretary of State to come up with a list of Cuban entities—such as the military and security and intelligence agencies—with which Americans could no longer transact. Because of the integration of public and private sectors in Cuba, this would prohibit Americans from using specific hotels, restaurants, and businesses. 

Meanwhile, other obstacles were thrown in the path of people-to-people exchange in Cuba:

• In early September, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, swept across Cuba , causing flooding and mass destruction. A US State Department Travel Warning, issued immediately after the hurricane, stated that no one should travel to Cuba until after the recovery. A few days later, however, the department issued a second statement, saying Havana had recovered quickly and, with the exception of the island’s North Coast, it would be fine for people to travel.
• On September 29, 2017, the Trump administration announced the withdrawal of 60 percent of staff from the US Embassy in Havana due to unexplained health incidents affecting US diplomats. The administration stated that, while the Cuban government was not being blamed for these incidents, it was at fault for not stopping them.
• The US State Department also issued a Travel Warning on September 29 , advising that no US citizens should travel to Cuba because of these health dangers. Yet no tourists have experienced health problems similar to those of the diplomats, and no other country—including Canada, whose diplomats were also reportedly attacked—has issued a travel warning for its citizens.

These actions, in effect, closed the US consulate in Havana, providing no practical means for Cubans to acquire visas to travel to the United States, regardless of motive. Shortly thereafter, the US expelled 60 percent of Cuban diplomats from Washington, DC.

On November 1, the United States voted against a UN resolution condemning America’s economic embargo against Cuba. The resolution was otherwise approved by a vote of 187-3 in the General Assembly, with Israel and Brazil casting the other “no” votes. Last year, then-President Obama’s administration abstained from voting on the resolution for the first time in 25 years as a means to advance the warming of relations between the US and Cuba.

One week later, on November 8th, the Trump administration announced that beginning November 9, new regulations would ban U.S. citizens from engaging in individual, but not group, people-to-people travel in Cuba and from doing business with dozens of entities linked to the Cuban military and government. 

The following year continued to mark ongoing fallout from the health incidents reported by US diplomats in the latter half of 2017. A clear explanation for these incidents continues to remain a mystery.

• On January 10, 2018, the U.S. State Department unveiled a new travel-advisory system , which rates countries from level 1 to 4—1 signifying “Exercise Normal Precautions” and 4 “Do Not Travel.” Cuba has been given a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” rating, which, along with a 4, is the equivalent of the old Travel Warning. In addition, the State Department’s advisory website pointed to the reason for this rating as the “health attacks” aimed solely at U.S. Embassy employees, and only within small sections of Havana.
• The  State Department announced , on March 4, 2018, that it would not re-staff the U.S. Embassy in Havana to the level prior to the 60-percent reduction in late September 2017, but would instead apply a “new permanent staffing plan” in which the embassy continues “to operate with the minimum personnel necessary to perform core diplomatic and consular functions.” The department was complying with a deadline demanding that, six months after a reduction in embassy staff, it must decide whether to re-staff or reassign embassy employees elsewhere. Citing “health attacks affecting U.S. Embassy Havana employees” as the reason for changing the staffing plan, the State Department also decided to leave the travel advisory for Cuba at 3, or “Reconsider Travel.”
• On March 30, 2018, the United States announced it would process Cuban immigrant visas at its embassy in Georgetown, Guyana since the headquarters in Havana continued to be paralyzed. And a few months later, on September 10, President Donald Trump renewed the Trading with the Enemy Law for another year, thus extending the application of economic sanctions to Cuba.
• On August 23, 2018, after a mandatory six-month review of the Cuba travel advisory, the U.S. Department of State downgraded its travel advisory rating for Cuba from “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” 

Despite this, by 2019, Cuba faced a difficult period with significant negative repercussions for its tourism sector. The restrictions imposed that year by the United States led to a 10% reduction in the number of visitors to the island. Some of those restrictions included:

• On March 11, the United States updated the List of Restricted Cuban Entities, including five entities (four of their hotels) accused of being “controlled by the military” services. These entities include: Gaviota Hotels Cuba, Habaguanex Hotels, Playa Gaviota Hotels, Marinas Gaviota Cuba and Fiesta Club Adults Only.
• On May 3, the Trump Administration renewed Title III of the Helms-Burton Act , which since it was signed by Bill Clinton in 1996, had been postponed every six months by successive administrations. With this measure, it allowed US citizens whose properties were nationalized in the 1960s to sue in court anyone, regardless of their nationality, who “traffics” in those properties. 
• Only a month later, on June 5, the Treasury Department announced the elimination of the group people-to-people travel category , which effectively eliminated the US cruise tourism to the island. The “individual” people-to-people sub-category of travel had been eliminated since November 2017.
• On October 25, the US government announced that it was suspending commercial airline flights to the interior of the island, allowing landing only in Havana. On December 10, this measure came into force. 

In March 2020, COVID-19 had struck the island, and like many countries around the globe, the Cuban tourism industry went into lockdown. In addition to the devastation due to COVID-19, this year also marked the final political blows from the Trump administration for US-Cuba travel. This included:

• On January 10, the United States government announced the suspension of all charter flights to Cuba , except for trips to the José Martí International Airport, in Havana.
• On August 6, Cuba was included in Level 4 of the State Department’s Travel Alert System, and shortly after, it announced the suspension of all private charter flights between the USA and Cuba except those authorized to Havana.
• In September 2020, the Trump administration extended the Trading with the Enemy Law and the blockade policy against Cuba for one more year. The administration also announced the creation of a List of Prohibited Accommodations in Cuba to which properties under government management were added, and new entities were included in the List of Restricted Cuban Entities, thus reaching 230 entities. 
• This same month, the administration prohibited American travelers from bringing home bottles of Cuban rum and cigars for personal consumption . They also barred travel for reasons of attending or organizing professional meetings or conferences, public performances, and sports competitions.   
• In January 2021, as a final blow from the Trump administration, Cuba was designated as a “state sponsor of terrorism.”

Biden-Harris Administration

The incoming Biden Administration in January 2021 brought new optimism for US-Cuba normalization efforts. In April of the previous year, Joe Biden had announced during his campaign run that, if elected, he would “promptly reverse the failed Trump policies that have inflicted harm on the Cuban people and done nothing to advance democracy and human rights,” lauding Americans “and especially Cuban-Americans” as the “best ambassadors for freedom.” Yet despite the entry of the new administration, the promised policy shifts towards Cuba normalizations have yet to be seen. 

• In March 2021, Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary announced in a brief that “A Cuba policy shift is not currently among President Biden’s top priorities.’’ 
• Then on May 14, 2021, the Biden administration renewed the December 2020 determination that Cuba is “not cooperating fully with United States antiterrorism efforts.”
• On June 2, 2021, five senators submitted a letter to Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, requesting that the Biden administration restore cooperative efforts in relation to the environment and climate change. The letter asks to re-establish “dialogue with the Cuban government on marine conservation, climate change, and other urgent environmental issues” and revoke the Trump-era policies “which have severely restricted scientific and professional exchange between the United States and Cuba”. 

(Timeline information through 2018 provided primarily by  Bob Guild , vice president of Marazul Charters, Inc., and co-coordinator of RESPECT, a U.S. professional association of tour operators, travel agents, non-profits, and other travel providers with 160 members dedicated to promoting responsible and ethical travel to Cuba. Additional information provided by CREST.)

New Requirements for Travelers to Cuba as of Jan. 23

Cuba implements digital form for in advance visitors Customs declarations as well as personal and flight information

By El Toque

HAVANA TIMES – The Cuban government will require, as of January 23, 2023, a digital customs declaration for travelers entering the country. The declaration is part of a more extensive digital form (which also contains immigration and health information) that will be mandatory for visitors, both Cubans and foreigners.st

The digital form called D’ VIAJEROS ―which had been on test since November 2022― was definitively implemented by the Ministry of Transportation. The form is intended to replace the old paper affidavit format that passengers arriving in Cuba must fill out.

The questions on the form are designed to obtain advance information from those who need to enter Cuba and must be completed 48 hours before the trip in order to be shown, in the form of a QR code, to the airline and border authorities. The form can be accessed thr: https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio

D’ VIAJEROS demands a series of mandatory data and other things of an optional nature. In its filling out, the visitor will find five sections: one is Customs; another to provide general information (name, surname, gender -it only allows you to choose between male and female-, country of birth, residence and travel document or passport); another for immigration information (arrival date, flight number, point of entry to Cuba and reasons for the trip); another for health data related to COVID-19; and finally the declaration of veracity of the data, which warns that “any omission or inaccuracy violates the provisions of the Cuban authorities.”

Changes in Customs regulations: personal baggage and parcel shipment

Back on August 15, 2022, new measures for the non-commercial importation and shipment of packages to Cuba entered into force. What are the main changes with the new requirements?

After filling out the online form, the site will generate a QR code that will be sent to the email that the passenger provides to the system. The traveler must keep the code in print or on their phone, since the airline’s representatives will request it prior to boarding and, in Cuba, the immigration and customs authorities will request it after arrival.

Cuban Customs approved the use of D’ VIAJEROS to collect the information that the institution needs from each person who enters the country. In the regulations, the institution agreed that the customs declaration, contained in D’ VIAJEROS, will also be available in paper format when the visitor does not have, for some reason, the online form.

The data that will be required on a mandatory basis are: the passenger’s general data, the airline flight data and the list of items to be imported, equipment or others, their quantity and value, and if they have technical authorization from the Ministry of Communications to import telecommunications equipment.

The amount of foreign currency that is brought in is also declared, but only if the amount exceeds five thousand dollars or other currencies or equivalent payment instruments. The possession of weapons of any kind, ammunition, drugs or substances with a similar effect, live animals, equipment or components for wireless telecommunications, products of animal or vegetable origin, articles for commercial purposes, cultural goods and pornography must be declared.

In a press conference, covered by the Cuban News Agency, directors of Cuban Aviation, Customs and the Ministries of Public Health and Tourism specified that the new platform will “facilitate and improve the experience of travelers in their transit through immigration, customs, and public health services, contributes to health controls, reduces the exchange of documents with the authorities, and speeds up procedures at the different air terminals by providing advance information.”

Read more from Cuba here on Havana Times

• River at Sunset in Matanzas, Cuba – Photo of the Day
• The Communist Party of Cuba’s Best Factory

2 thoughts on “ New Requirements for Travelers to Cuba as of Jan. 23 ”

and what EXACTLY are the questions that relate to covid vaccines? is a negative pcr test required to board an airplane into cuba?

Anyone who knows how things work in Cuba also know the official justification for this digital change is a pile of horse manure.

Comments are closed.

Cuba's entrepreneurs fear new regulations on private sector may force them to shut down 

HAVANA — His business was among the first registered in Cuba in 2021 when the communist-run country began allowing private enterprise, banned since 1968.

Now, as the government tightens its grip over the private sector, Gabriel Mosquera Mourlot, 24, fears he may lose the wholesale business he runs, importing items such as pasta, rice, chicken and appliances in a country known for chronic shortages. He then sells them to businesses in the eastern province of Santiago and in the capital, Havana. 

“I don’t think private businesses are going to grow,” Mosquera said at a hotel lobby in Havana. “On the contrary, we are going to ‘de-evolutionize’.”  

A flurry of new restrictions on Cuba’s fledgling private sector, which has been flourishing since the government permitted private enterprise three years ago, has rattled many entrepreneurs. Privately run stores are a lifeline for those who can afford to buy food there. By some estimates, the private sector has surpassed the state as the largest employer.

Many advocates of the private sector, especially in the United States, have seen it as a vehicle for political change in Cuba, something the government staunchly rejects. Then-President Barack Obama made strengthening its private sector a centerpiece of his engagement policy toward the country.

The Cuban government blames the private sector for galloping inflation and corruption. The regulations on top of the already existing bureaucracy has left many, like Mosquera, feeling uncertain and worried about the future.

Restrictions target a growing area

The last round of restrictions targets the private wholesale industry, an area that has exploded in business in the past three years by limiting whom they can sell to. Previously, the government was the sole source for imports on the island.

But according to the government, the private sector has undergone such rapid growth that it will have imported $1.5 billion worth of goods by the end of the year — which is on par with the state, which is estimated to import between $1.7 million and $2 billion. As it is, private sector entrepreneurs must use a state-run company to import. Soon, they will have to go through another state-run company to sell.

Other recent measures include price caps on six popular products, such as chicken and vegetable oil. Some businesses lost money when these went into effect in July.

Private companies will soon have to pay for goods from Cuban bank accounts, which is nearly impossible. Cuban banks have very limited amounts of hard currency to exchange and many companies around the world avoid using Cuban banks, because of the U.S. embargo. Most Cuban businesses use bank accounts in a third country to pay vendors.

Only Cubans and foreigners with Cuban residency who spend more than six months a year on the island can open a business, limiting Cuban Americans who want to invest. And a new national institute will oversee private businesses.

The wave of restrictions comes as Cuba’s economy has been in a downward spiral with less tourism and tightened U.S. sanctions that began under the Donald Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden. Inflation, shortages in medicine and food in state-run stores, as well as hourslong blackouts in many parts of the country due to lack of fuel, have made daily life tough.

Privately owned stores offer relief to those who can afford it, like Cubans who receive remittances from their family abroad. They remain out of reach to Cubans who rely on a state salary or pension. The economic crisis has led to the emigration of more than 1 million Cubans, about 10% of the population, between 2022 and 2023, according to government figures.

Many economists agree the private sector already plays a vital role in the economy and is essential for improving economic conditions.

“What the government should be doing is precisely the opposite,” said Ricardo Torres, a faculty fellow at American University in Washington, D.C., who was previously with the Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy at the University of Havana. “They should be taking measures to incentivize the private sector and give them the security they need to invest more, expand and create more employment.”

He thinks restrictions are being taken because in the public eye, the government wants to blame the private sector for high inflation, something many economists disagree with, and show it is doing something about it. He said he believes the government wants to rein in the private sector because it’s undergoing rapid growth at a level the government is not comfortable with. Meanwhile, state enterprises, a fundamental component of Cuba’s economic model, are less productive.

“They fear the private sector because it’s autonomous, they make their own decisions, and they see that as threat,” Torres said.

Cuba’s government did not respond to a request for comment about its new policies. Officials have acknowledged in the past that the country needs the private sector, but have said that regulations are necessary to curb inflation they blame on the private sector, and also to rout out corruption. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero said during a National Assembly session in July that the regulations are aimed to control the private sector and not shut them down. In the past, he has referred to entrepreneurs as being “millionaires,” something the communist government is uncomfortable with.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said at the same session that “there isn’t nor will there be a witch hunt” against the private sector. He also said the private sector must contribute to the national economy as part of its “responsibility with society.”

The government has reiterated businesses continue to be limited to 100 employees and an individual cannot own more than one business, meaning growth is capped. It stopped approving and registering companies in May.

Cuba’s long road to private enterprise began in 1978 when the government began allowing very rudimentary private business, like barbers working from their home. They called it “trabajo por cuenta propia” and avoided terms associated with capitalism. Throughout the decades, the industries that people were permitted to operate in were expanded little by little. It wasn’t until 2021 that the government officially lifted a ban on private enterprise in place since 1968. Since then, more than 11,200 small- and medium-sized enterprises, known as Mipymes in Cuba, have been registered by the government. There are more than 596,000 small businesses that are not Mipyme. They all comprise the private sector and operate under heavy regulations.

For Cubans, even Biden’s move allowing Cuban entrepreneurs to open bank accounts in the U.S. has been fruitless. So far, it does not appear that any U.S. banks have allowed Cubans to open accounts, according to Ricardo Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group.

“With the presidential election looming and the fact that it takes a few months for banks to put together a compliance program for the Cuban market, everyone seems to be adopting a wait and see approach,” he said.

If Trump wins, the expectation is that Cuba will once again be put under maximum pressure sanctions, making banks reluctant to open accounts to Cuban entrepreneurs. If there is a continuation of current U.S. policy under a Democratic administration, then some banks may be willing to open commercial bank accounts to Cuban entrepreneurs. Personal bank accounts are already accessible to Cuban individuals.

A small-business owner in his late 20s who wanted his name withheld because he fears the government will misinterpret his statements, co-owns a small store with his business partner selling some food and household items like detergent.

He says the feeling of hope he had when he opened the store in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana a few months ago is fading with the new restrictions.

“This doesn’t help us advance, and in the long run, it will set us back and it will harm us and the population,” he said. “The government should not get involved with things that should be within our control."

Orlando Matos reported from Havana and Carmen Sesin reported from Miami.

Orlando Matos is an NBC News producer based in Havana, Cuba. 

Carmen Sesin is a reporter for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.