Yes, Americans Can Still Visit Cuba. Here’s How

Cuba, a stunning Caribbean island, boasts a rich culture and a complicated history. However, for many Americans, it has remained somewhat out of reach for decades. With challenges such as severe hurricanes, travel restrictions during the pandemic, shifting U.S. State Department travel advisories, and constantly changing trade and tourism regulations, it’s understandable that many Americans are uncertain about the legalities of visiting Cuba.

As of early 2024, the straightforward answer is: Yes, U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba. However, you’ll need to navigate some requirements, as (technically) traveling to Cuba solely for leisure is not permitted. For those interested in planning a trip to Cuba, here’s what you should know before setting off.

Is travel to Cuba permitted?

The history between the United States and Cuba has been anything but stable. After the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s and the subsequent rise of Fidel Castro’s government, diplomatic relations quickly soured. In 1960, the U.S. enacted a trade embargo against Cuba, effectively cutting off most economic and political ties.

Since then, the U.S. government has imposed strict restrictions on travel between the two nations, implementing various policies designed to deter or prohibit its citizens from visiting Cuba. Complicating matters further, these policies have often shifted with each presidential administration. Access to the island was more open during the Carter, Clinton, and Obama presidencies, while it became more restricted under George W. Bush and Trump.

In 2014, travel to Cuba became notably easier for Americans when President Obama announced a series of measures aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations and easing travel restrictions for specific purposes (more details on that later). Furthermore, in 2016, commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba resumed for the first time in over fifty years.

However, the Trump administration made it considerably more challenging to visit Cuba. During his tenure, President Trump implemented over 200 measures against Cuba, which included restricting which Cuban airports could receive flights from the U.S., prohibiting cruises from docking in Cuba, and eliminating the most common visa category that allowed U.S. citizens to make legal visits to Cuba (known as “people-to-people” travel).

Then in May 2022, President Biden’s administration declared its intent to reverse many of the restrictions imposed on Cuba during Trump’s presidency and to work on broadening authorized travel options. Under this new directive, regular passenger and charter flights are once again permitted to fly to any Cuban airport (with airlines announcing new routes). Additionally, officials indicated that the “people-to-people” travel category, used by many tours and travel companies to bring U.S. visitors to Cuba, will eventually return, though a timeline for this has yet to be established.

Guide for American Citizens Traveling to Cuba

According to U.S. law, individuals wishing to visit Cuba must qualify for a “general license” under one of 12 designated categories.

The U.S. government currently authorizes travel to Cuba under the following 12 categories:

• Visits to family
• Official business for the U.S. government, foreign governments, and specific intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic endeavors
• Professional research and meetings
• Educational programs
• Religious missions
• Public performances, workshops, clinics, athletic competitions, and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian initiatives
• Activities conducted by private foundations or educational/research institutions
• Importing, exporting, or transmitting information or informational materials
• Specific authorized export transactions

Licenses are self-declaring, which means that when you buy your airline ticket, you'll need to specify your category in a signed affidavit prior to checkout.

When former President Obama first relaxed travel restrictions to Cuba, it opened the door for leisure travelers to embark on self-directed trips under the educational activities category known as “people-to-people.” Nowadays, the most popular category is “support for the Cuban people,” as it offers the most flexibility.

Details of the “support for the Cuban people” license

To meet the criteria for independent travel under “support for the Cuban people,” travelers must declare this category (when asked) during flight and accommodation bookings. Additionally, travelers should create an itinerary demonstrating how their trip aligns with the category’s requirements and supports the local economy in Cuba. (While this itinerary might be requested upon arrival, it’s not always mandatory.)

A suitable itinerary under the “support for the Cuban people” category might include staying in casa particulares (locally owned guesthouses), shopping at Cuban-owned businesses, taking tours led by locals (like classic car excursions or architectural walking tours), visiting independent museums and galleries, participating in cultural music and dance classes, and dining at locally owned eateries and markets. (For tailored recommendations and local resources, check out Dinogo’s Cuba Travel Guide.)

Travelers can explore independently under this category, but it’s crucial to maintain a record of your itinerary and receipts. The U.S. government may request these documents up to five years after your trip.

Is it still possible to travel to Cuba with organized tour companies?

Although the Trump administration’s stricter regulations on travel to Cuba completely banned organized “people-to-people” tours, many tour operators have adapted their offerings to comply with the “support for the Cuban people” license, according to Tom Popper, president of the U.S.-based tour operator InsightCuba. Other companies that provide “people-to-people” trips, including GeoEx Adventure Travel, Flash Pack, Intrepid Travel, and G Adventures, have also revised their itineraries to ensure their trips to Cuba are legally compliant with the regulations.

Challenges and considerations when traveling to Cuba

Even with the relaxation of restrictions, traveling to Cuba as an American still poses some obstacles. For instance, U.S. visitors will encounter limited banking services, and American credit and debit cards are generally not accepted (as noted on the U.S. embassy in Cuba’s website), making it essential to carry ample cash. Additionally, internet connectivity in Cuba is sporadic—be prepared for unreliable connections.

How to Obtain a Cuba Tourist Card

No matter the type of license under which you travel to Cuba, you must prepare several essential documents before your departure.

The Cuban government mandates that all travelers entering the country present a valid passport and proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and air evacuation. Additionally, all U.S. travelers—adults, children, and infants—must acquire a Cuba Tourist Card, which allows a maximum stay of 30 days on the island. These Tourist Cards remain valid for 180 days post-purchase, so you’ll need to visit Cuba within six months of obtaining the card. Keep in mind that the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuban visa can be used interchangeably; they refer to the same document.

There are multiple options for purchasing a Cuba Tourist Card. Many U.S. airlines that provide direct flights to Havana—such as United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest—offer Tourist Cards either online or at the airport gate. Prices and purchasing options can differ by airline, so it’s advisable to verify details beforehand.

Websites like Easy Tourist Card enable travelers to apply for and acquire Tourist Cards online, complete with two-day international shipping. Travelers flying directly to Havana from the United States will need to obtain a pink Tourist Card priced at $100, while those departing from non-U.S. airports can purchase a green Tourist Card for $37, even if they hold a U.S. passport.

“U.S. travelers should be aware that travel to Cuba has been regulated since 1963, with changes occurring under each presidential administration since then,” remarks Popper from InsightCuba. “Cuba travel has consistently been a contentious political issue, and regulations can change unexpectedly. I always advise people to visit now—while they still have the chance.”

This article was first published in 2018 and was last updated on March 21, 2024, to reflect the latest information.