mission trips cuba

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Cuba Mission Trips

AGE RANGE: Group Trips Ages 11+

Starting price: $895, trip types: group trips, community overview.

The island of mystery, romance, revolution, and adventure lies only 90 miles from Florida. But this largest of the Caribbean islands remains as distant from the United States economically as it is politically. However, the hard-working people of this Third World country are warm and friendly, welcoming to visitors from the United States. Many have families who have escaped the poverty and repression to find better lives in the USA. And God is definitely working throughout the island!

It is our privilege to join the local churches who practice community evangelism and the establishment of new churches by loving and helping neighbors, and sharing the Gospel of hope, purpose, and truth with them. We learn so much from them, and share great joy in the experience!

Mission Trip Details

Top 3 most common mission trip questions.

If you are hungry for relational ministry, this mission might well be the means to satisfy that craving. Every day, we work alongside local pastors and church members, walking the streets of their mission communities, visiting the sick and elderly, sharing prayer and love with everyone. We visit churches to worship and pray with them, to hear their stories, and to share ours. Perhaps our greatest contribution to the Kingdom work in Cuba is our ministry of love and encouragement to the people of the local churches, and to their leaders.

• “Porch Evangelism”:From an impromptu invitation as we wander through a neighborhood, to a planned visit with our local missionary, an opportunity to crawl up into that welcome, porch shade is a double delight. We escape the heat of the Cuban sun and we meet and get to know interesting people who share their stories and lives with us. Of course, we are welcome to share ours in return. God uses these porch times to touch lives, including ours.
• Baptisms: We are often invited to the baptisms of the people in the churches we partner with, usually in a river or in the sea.
• Sports Outreach:We participate in sports events with the community, sharing Jesus relationally and encouraging other believers.
• Local Church Ministries: We will often get invited to the dedications of local churches or to attend other churches/church events where we can pray, share testimonies, and encourage other believers.

Sample Ministry Schedule

Your hostel is an oasis that makes it much easier to endure the sometimes hot and dusty days. A typical room has two, comfortable beds; a nice bathroom and shower; and air conditioning.

Fly into Havana, or one of the other international airports, and we’ll pick you up at the airport. You’ll arrange your travel with your Missions Advisor about two months before your trip. All local transportation will be provided.

The safety of our participants is a top priority for us. We have both an internal Risk Management team and external Risk Management consultants. We use a multi-pronged approach to risk management – including monitoring information from reporting agencies and relying on the knowledge of our ministry partners. In addition to our own protocols (e.g., students must be with an adult at all times), our ministry hosts and partners will provide trip specific safety guidelines for the particular trip location. Our Project Leaders are trained in risk management and have access to both on-field and home-office support.

Cuba’s government is definitely a Communist dictatorship, but there has for some time been a relaxation in tension between the government and followers of Jesus. Churches are still watched, but it must have become obvious many years ago that Christians are only interested in changing hearts, reconciling them to God, restoring hope, purpose, and life in a Kingdom that is not of this world. Christians in Cuba are simply not political. They are absolutely no threat to their government. In spite of the serious poverty, crime is relatively scarce in Cuba. But you will not be positioned to be threatened by anyone. There is little danger of any kind here. Medical facilities and pharmacies are readily available. While hospital medical equipment is admittedly outdated, it still functions, and Cuban doctors are known worldwide for their excellent care and considerable medical skills.

You will eat freshly cooked food, prepared by cooks from our host partner churches. We will drink only purified water, drinks made with purified water, or imported sodas like Coke. If you have special food needs, it will be necessary to bring with you the foods you can consume. Cuban selection is delicious, but limited to mostly rice, plantains & bananas, beans, yucca, chicken, pork, mangos, guayaba fruit, and wheat breads.

$500 Deposit : This deposit is required to reserve your trip. At this point, you will lock in your trip and we will keep in touch with you going forward about preparation. This deposit is applied to the total cost of your trip.

50% Payment : Half of your total trip cost will need to be paid 3 months before your trip.

100% Payment : The remaining balance is due 2 month before your trip.

An adult Project Leader will be assigned to your team throughout the duration of your trip. They  will stay with you and your team, as well as engage daily with you throughout ministry and daily life activities. This leader will have strong missions experience, leadership experience and a demonstrated competence in the area of discipleship of youth and young adults. In most cases, your project leader will help with facilitating ministry, meals and daily debrief and devotional time. Your Project Leader will be assigned to your trip and you’ll have the opportunity to have conversations with them during the weeks leading up to your trip.

Cuba Trip Options

See all of the mission trip options for our Cuba trips.

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Trip Information

Teams could be serving in Havana, Bayamo, Manzanillo, or Santiago de Cuba.

Available dates  all year long including Spring Break, Summer, and Fall Break.

Trips run Saturday to Friday.

Max group size of 30.

$1439 plus airfare (cost details)

VBS with local church, door to door evangelism and home visits, sports ministry, light construction, and possible camp ministry.

The times are changing in Cuba as travel restrictions have been significantly reduced over the last few years, only to be tightened up again more recently. Cuba remains in a critical transitional state, as these first few years of increased exposure to the outside world could help dictate the culture of the country for years to come. In light of these new changes, Servant Life began partnering with the Eastern Baptist Convention of Cuba in 2016, with the hope of reaching youth and families all across the country with the hope of Jesus Christ. Our trips in Cuba are perfectly safe , as we have mobilized hundreds of people to serve on the island over the past few years. These trips are also perfectly legal both in the eyes of the U.S. government and the Cuban government because we are partnering with accredited religious organizations on the island and send our teams with religious visas (included in the trip cost). Even if the U.S. were to tighten restrictions on the relations with Cuba, religious purposes remain a valid reason for visiting the island.

This network of churches we partner with is mainly on the Eastern side of the island, but it stretches all the way into Havana. When travel to the whole island was more accessible, we have been working in cities like Bayamo, Manzanilla, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba. In light of increased restrictions again in 2019 and beyond, we have shifted more of our work towards Havana. Our partners on the island have a team dedicated to focusing on youth ministry, and Servant Life teams are partnering with both local churches as well as the youth ministry team of the Eastern Baptist Convention. 

What will my team be doing?  

Some teams may help host two day youth camps, but all teams can expect to be part of highly relational ministry. We partner with local churches to share the gospel through VBS style activities with Bible lessons and other fun activities. We also help these local churches strengthen relationships in the community, whether that is visiting the homes (and neighbors) of current members, or meeting new members of the community who may have visited the church or are unchurched. Home visits are also great opportunities for evangelism, with one short-term team reporting they saw more than 100 people believe in the gospel and surrender their lives to Christ during a week of ministry. If a church has specific needs, we may help that church with some painting or light construction projects. There are often opportunities for spontaneous ministry as well; we love to join local youth for pickup soccer games and build relationships with them in this manner. At the end of the week, our teams normally experience a "cultural day" which includes traveling to the coast, going to the beach, and enjoying some of the richness of Cuban culture.

What does a general weekly schedule look like?

Saturday. Travel day. Arrive and get settled in.

Sunday. Worship with local church (adults can preach); lunch with church; meet some members of the community; prepare for VBS.

Monday - Thursday.  Ministry: VBS, home visits, evangelism, light construction.

Friday.  Cultural day: Go to the beach, the market, etc. (for an additional $40 per person or so, we can get a day pass to a resort to enjoy some nice pools and food in addition to the beach; many teams choose to do this). Fly home that evening. (Depending on flight schedules, the cultural day could take place on Sunday or Thursday instead of Friday.)

What does my cost include?

In-country transportation.  From the moment you land at the airport until the moment you leave, we will take you everywhere during the week. You will not need to arrange your own transportation, but teams should be prepared to do some walking as we navigate different villages and communities.

Religious visas.  We will plan to purchase religious visas for your whole team, but we may be limited and some team members may have to come in on tourist visas. The important thing is, with  some  of your team members having religious visas, we will have full clearance to engage in ministry. We will help you secure these visas as they must be applied for through a connection in Cuba.

Housing. Your team will generally stay in hotel-style accommodations with two or three twin beds per room and a private bathroom.

Meals.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day! (Note: You need to pay for your own meals at the airport, while traveling, etc.)

Supplemental Traveler's Insurance. In the event of a medical emergency, you'll be covered with an international policy!

T-Shirt.   Every participant gets an awesome mission trip t-shirt.

Pre-Trip Training Material. We provide training sessions, trip overview documents, assistance from our team of mission trip experts, and communication with in-country missionaries to make sure your group is fully prepared for your trip.

Pre, During, and Post-trip Devotionals.   This 4-week printed missions journal will help every team member grow and encounter Christ.  

Airfare is not included in the trip cost, but will be taken care of by Servant Life's travel agent who gets humanitarian rates and often free baggage. You may book on your own if you prefer to do so, but we ask to approve the itinerary first.

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Home » Destinations » Cuba

Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Cuba

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To most of the western world, Cuba remains a mystery of sorts. Under Communist rule since 1953, Cuba, until recently, has been shut off from most Americans. Today, we can visit Cuba as ambassadors of good will. The people of Cuba are vibrant, imaginative, tenacious and tender-hearted. Their world, so different from ours, has given them a taste of sacrificial faith and genuine community.

A Wonder Voyage to Cuba lets you experience both an active and vibrant local culture and a living faith community. Faith is alive and well in Cuba and you will experience working with a local community in day to day life. Imagine experiencing the culture, the music, natural wonders, and oceanside beauty of Cuba. Cuba is an opportunity of wonder that might not always be available to explore.

• Find out what faith has looked like in Cuba for the last 70 years.
• Do some deep sea fishing off the Cuban coast.
• Explore caves filled with mystery.
• Listen to some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
• Help harvest for those in need on a local farm.
• Help teach English as a second language.

There is not an example itinerary for Cuba, please contact [email protected] for specific information about this Wonder Voyage.

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Legacy in Cuba

*This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.

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Cuba Mission Trip

Location: cuba, dates: october 11 - 18, cost: $1,850 + air.

Serve in the beautiful island of Cuba! Serve students and deaf communities around the city of Havana by encouraging and providing new shoes to them. Walk the beautiful streets of Havana, with Spanish inspired architecture from the 1500’s, enjoy the cars from the 1950’s that populate the streets, and eat some fantastic Cuban food!

Finance Information

The cost of the trip to Cuba is $1,850 + Air and is all inclusive. Samaritan’s Feet books all flights. We arrange ground transportation, meals, accommodations, exit taxes, trip insurance, shoe supplies, etc., which are included in the base cost. We make the process very easy! The only additional funds needed will be for souvenirs or baggage fees for checked personal luggage (if needed). All payments can be made directly to Samaritan’s Feet.

Statements will be sent prior to each due date: Application Approved: $150 deposit due August 2: $925 due September 2: $925 due October 2: Remaining balance due

International & Team Information

Immunizations recommended for travel to Cuba include up-to-date routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus. Visit your local Passport Health office or find more information at CDC.gov. Samaritan’s Feet provides additional travel information and tips during training sessions.

You must be 16 years or older to travel alone. If you are 14-15 years old you must be accompanied by an adult. This trip is under the leadership of Samaritan’s Feet.

Cuba Mission Trip FAQ

What is the purpose of the Samaritan’s Feet Cuba Mission Trip? The purpose of the mission trip is to provide shoes and other basic necessities to children and families in need in Cuba, while also sharing the message of hope and love. We offer mission trips in locations all over the world – Join us!

What is the duration of the mission trip to Cuba? The Cuba Mission Trip is a 8-day trip.

What are the requirements to participate in the Cuba mission trip? Participants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid passport, and complete the required application process.

Do I need to have previous mission trip experience to participate? No, previous mission trip experience is not required. However, participants should be prepared for physically demanding work and cultural immersion. If you are unable to join a mission trip we encourage you to donate to support our work.

What is the deadline to apply for the Cuba Mission Trip? The application deadline is typically 60 days prior to the trip start date. However, it is recommended to apply as early as possible as spots fill up quickly.

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We offer warehouse volunteer shifts on:

Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am-12:00pm

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AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Samaritan’s Feet, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the charity of your choice.

Follow these instructions to start giving to Samaritan’s Feet through your regular Amazon purchases:

Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser. From your desktop, go to Your Account and select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page. Select Samaritan’s Feet.

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Supporting Samaritan’s Feet

First Course The Smith House Salad Mixed Greens, Radish, Carrots, & Cherry Tomato with a Mustard Seed Vinaigrette

Second Course 4 oz. Petit USDA Prime Filet Mignon Served Medium Rare with Standard Sauce & 4 oz. Norwegian Salmon Home-Style Mashed  Potatoes & Steamed Asparagus

Third Course Tennessee Cheesecake Jack Daniels Caramel Sauce & Southern Candied Pecans

Matching Gifts

Many companies have programs through which they will “match” the charitable contributions made by their employees. Through corporate gift matching, your employer can multiply your donation to Samaritan’s Feet, making it go further.

Check with your company’s Human Resources office to see if they offer gift matching. If your employer does offer this program, your Human Resources department should provide you with a matching gift form to send to us, along with your donation. Complete this form and mail it with your donation to:

Samaritan’s Feet International P.O. Box 78992 Charlotte, NC 28271

We offer pick-up and drop-off during the following times:

Monday-Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:00pm

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Planned or Legacy Giving

With thoughtful planning, you can make a lasting contribution to our mission. Your gift can take any of the following forms:

Residual Bequest : after making provisions for your family and friends, the balance of your belongings (legally referred to as your “estate”) is donated to Samaritan’s Feet.

Percentage of your Estate : where a specific percentage of your estate is left to Samaritan’s Feet.

Pecuniary Bequest : where a specific sum of money is donated.

Specific Gift Bequest : referring to any non-cash items such as stock, annuities, property, jewelry, artwork, or other valuables, which can be given to Samaritan’s Feet.

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Want to know more about a planned gift to Samaritan’s Feet? You should make an appointment with your legal or financial adviser. They have all the tools to help you decide what type of request to make. We have partnered with the National Christian Foundation to make it easy for our supporters to donate cash and non-cash assets to us to take full advantage of all tax credits and benefits.

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Cuba 2024 Mission Trips

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Contact us at [email protected] or 833-265-3467 with any further questions.

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9 Mission Trips to Cuba… and Counting

As I embarked on my first mission trip to Cuba, I didn’t think I’d come back multiple times. Not only have I been nine times, but I also plan to return on a future trip. Now, you may be wondering, “With so much work to be done in communities around the world, why Cuba?” There are countless reasons most people would never guess.

The Book of Acts may best be described as a history of the founding and growth of the early church. The house churches in Cuba are how I visualize the early church. There’s something about the nostalgia of that time in history and being a part of a similar movement in another country. Like back then, Cubans are a strong community of believers who rely on God for their every need. That’s why worship services are powerful. People walk away changed, no matter what their spiritual condition was beforehand. Being a part of this experience is a way for me to show my friends and others what The Book of Acts looks like today.

The fellowship that occurs among the volunteers is incredibly deep. It’s more than just eating together, worshiping together, and helping others. When your life is changed by the experience that you share, you form a bond that’s indescribable.

With very little outside help for Cubans, the support we provide makes a significant impact on their lives. I love seeing their joy when we provide basic conveniences, like tile floors or reading glasses. We take these simple things for granted in this country, and our support goes a long way for them.

Whether it’s the phone, laptop, or tablet, being tethered to your screen takes time away from the things that really matter. For me, the mission trip is the ultimate “God vacation.” It’s a time for me to disconnect from modern-day distractions and read the bible, worship, and pray for long periods. It fills my soul in ways that I need, and it’s impossible to do in this country. There’s always someone to get back to or something that needs to be done. Getting away allows me to use my time in more meaningful ways.

I love meeting pastors at their homes, eating the fruit they’ve carefully prepared, sharing simple conversations, and praying together. I feel honored to support such Godly and high-impact leaders in doing God’s work.

For me, that’s what continues to draw me back to Cuba. Maybe you’re thinking about joining or supporting a mission trip. If so, you’ll never regret your decision. Everyone takes away something different from the experience. That’s why I enjoy sharing stories with those who’ve been on the trip with me. You meet new friends and create new memories every time.

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Cuba Mission Trip

Niquero is a remote coastal town in the southeast portion of the island of Cuba. It is a rural location with warm and friendly people who are curious and interested in the gospel. It is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean with a low GDP average. It is a country of great need, and God will use you to make a huge difference in Niquero. The Conference there is very mission minded and fully cooperative in our evangelistic efforts. The area is very ripe for a harvest. Medical work will be very effective in this area, and we will run a clinic in the mornings where professionals can consult with patients. At night, we will conduct evangelism and children’s programming. People of all ages and skill levels are needed.

Travel Information

We will fly into Holguin, Cuba and take a bus to Niquero. Your itinerary should plan to arrive on November 15th. If you choose to arrive earlier than the arrival date or depart after the departure date mentioned above, you will be responsible for payments and arranging any additional nights at the hotel as well as transportation to and from the airport.

Travel Resources

Butler Travel: P.O. Box 40 Grand Ronde, OR 97347 503-879-5005 www.butlertravel.com

Accommodation Details

Accommodations will be at the Niquero Hotel . It is the nicest hotel in town. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Arrangements will be made by It Is Written.

To be announced. (All excursions, if any, will be an additional cost.)

Cuba Facts & Figures

Capital Havana

Population Cuba: 11.3 million Niquero: 41,000

Language Primarily Spanish with some local dialects

Religion Nearly 80% of the country claims Roman Catholicism as their belief system. The remaining portion is primarily Protestant and Evangelical.

Climate The climate is moderate in Cuba in February. The average temperature fluctuates between 78 and 82 degrees.

Currency Cuban Peso. The currency exchange is about 24 Cuban Pesos to 1USD. Many items tend to be cheaper in Cuba than the US.

Power Most outlets are 220 and are fitted for a 110. You should check your items to make sure they can accommodate higher voltages. If not, you will need to bring a converter for items such as curling irons, beard trimmers, etc.

Time Difference Cuba is in the GMT-4 time zone, which is the same as Eastern Standard time zone.

Water Drink only unopened bottled water or other drinks unless you confirm that it is purified.

Entry Requirements

• US Passport not expiring within 6 months of arrival.
• Return flight info.
• Printed Hotel Information.
• Letter of invitation from the Conference (We will provide).

Medical Requirements

Check the recommended vaccines and medicine list and consider visiting your Dr. 4-6 weeks before the trip for any further medical advice you need.

CDC Travel Recommendations

Registration Information

Register Online

Registration Forms and Deposit Due Cuba requires a religious visa for all mission trip participants. The process takes a minimum of 90 days to complete. Therefore, you must apply for the trip and provide your initial deposit of $800 by August 1st.

Final Payment Due October 15, 2023 ($675)

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PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

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Peru - Amazon

Prince Edward Island

Puerto Rico

South Africa

The Bahamas

The Carolinas

The Dominican Republic

Washington, D.C.

Get all the information you need about our mission trips and what your group can expect as they serve on mission with Praying Pelican.

Deepen your youth mission trip by doing ministry built on genuine partnerships, long term relationships, and sustainable ministry.

College students are looking for a place to make a meaningful impact. Amplify that impact by partnering alongside a local church.

Our customizable mission trips allow each person on your team of adults to find a place to serve, regardless of their interests or skills.

Church Sponsorship

A continuous effort to build up, encourage, and assist the local Church 365 days a year.

International

Want to transform a community by supporting a church leader?

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Latest PPM365 Updates

Francis Githinji

Kenya | March 7, 2024

Kenya | February 15, 2024

Kenya | February 8, 2024

Kenya | January 23, 2024

Luis Carlos Armas Vascones

Peru - Amazon | October 28, 2023

Disaster Response

Current Responses

Hawaii: Maui Wildfires

Indian Lake Tornado (3/14/24 Midwest)

Disaster Response (Indian Lake Tornado)

Flooding and Winds

Houston, TX

Greenfield Tornado

When disasters strike, the Church is on the front lines of response and relief efforts, working with local authorities and organizing grassroots efforts to meet the pressing needs of their communities.

Follow along with teams as they serve in disaster areas around the world, and also read about the experiences of past teams who have served in those areas through Praying Pelican Missions. Our disaster trip journals are a great way to stay connected with those support teams as they work locally and internationally to offer encouragement and assist the local Church in what might be their greatest time of need!

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Mission Trip Journals

Follow along with teams as they go on mission, and read about the experiences of past teams who have served with Praying Pelican.

Recent Trip Journals

Apostolic Christian Bible Class

Appalachia | May 28, 2024

Emmanuel Free Methodist Church

Belize | May 28, 2024

Austin Korean Presbyterian Church

Gulf Coast | May 28, 2024

Fulton Church of God (Holiness)

New Life Bible Fellowship Church - Metzger Family

Costa Rica | May 28, 2024

Wrights Chapel UMC

Alaska | May 28, 2024

Caribbean Mission Trips

Vibrant countries, vibrant ministry.

The Caribbean is a special destination for a mission trip: rich history, breathtaking ocean and mountain landscapes, and a vibrant Church create a scenic backdrop for a host of our locations here at Praying Pelican. From Belize to Cuba to Puerto Rico, we have local pastors who are anxiously waiting for mission teams to come and serve alongside them and their communities this year. Your group's Caribbean mission trip will be safe, planned well, and impactful.

Our staff at Praying Pelican will help you every step of the way, from picking a location to renewing your team's partnership for the next year after you return home. Your mission team's ministry opportunities will be tailored to fit the local church's needs and your group's giftings, so you can better serve alongside one another throughout your trip. You can rest easy that your mission trip will be centered around what the local pastor wants and needs for their community, not our own agenda or desires.

In the Caribbean, we are seeing a surge of interest in the Gospel and our pastors are desiring more help reaching their communities for Christ with engaging, relatable ministry such as children's programs, teaching in schools, medical clinics, elderly and shut-in home visits, women's and men's ministries, prayer walking, movie nights, block parties, and more! Check out our full list of Caribbean mission trip locations, where your team can partner with an international church looking for long-term relationships and genuine partnership.

We desire to see sustainable ministry happen and we know that the local church is the most powerful way to ensure that sustainability happens in your partnership community. When we can uplift, encourage, and support the local church, our global Church expands and grows. Come and join us in the Caribbean this year and you'll see exactly what we’re talking about!

Locations Our Teams Serve In

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INTERNATIONAL

Our customizable mission trips allow each person on your team of adults to find a place to serve, regardless of their interest or skills.

Africa's many countries boast a wide array of beauty, culture and needs. Destinations include Kenya and South Africa.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Caribbean—locations include Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Central America—locations include Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

This is your opportunity to serve alongside a local church and experience God in a different culture—from Belize, to Cuba, to South Africa and beyond.

From our hometown of Minneapolis to the island of Puerto Rico, USA mission trips are diverse in service opportunities, cultural experiences, and community needs.

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

By Tony Perrottet

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Even in 2024, the question “can Americans travel to Cuba?” is still frequently asked among US travelers. Few destinations create such simultaneous longing and confusion as this crocodile-shaped island only 95 miles south of Key West . It has held a mythic status since the early 20th century for its vibrant mix of Latin and Caribbean cultures, its hundreds of miles of pristine beaches , its African-influenced music, and its vintage charm; today, Chevrolets and Buicks from the ’50s rattle down Spanish colonial streets in Old Havana that have hardly changed since Ernest Hemingway was knocking back mojitos there.

Yet Cuba has long been a metaphorical forbidden fruit due to political rifts. A web of travel restrictions imposed in the 1960s made it difficult for Americans to make the journey, an idea that still lingers today. And while the limits on tourism were largely lifted in 2016, many still find the prospect daunting.

For some insider knowledge, I spoke to Johnny Considine, founder of the travel agency Cuba Private Travel , a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist , and a long-term resident of Havana. We discussed the steps American travelers need to take when visiting Cuba, as well as the best times to go, what to see, and more.

Tony Perrottet

The writer of this article, Tony Perrottet, is a travel journalist and the author of six books, among them Cuba Libre!: Che, Fidel, and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History . He has visited Cuba about twenty times.

Commercial flights run daily from Miami to Havana, a must-visit city “for its vibrant energy, beautiful harbor, Spanish colonial city center, and Art Deco relics,” says Considine.

Can Americans travel to Cuba in 2024?

Yes, travelers with US passports can travel to Cuba. Considine says that it’s perfectly legal for US individuals to visit Cuba for one of twelve specific purposes defined by the United States Treasury Department, and to travel on one of the many daily commercial flights to Havana, which mostly depart from Miami . All you need to do is tick one motive from an online list that pops up when you purchase your air ticket, of which “support of the Cuban people” is the most appropriate catch-all. (Others like “family visits” and “religious activities” technically have limited application.)

The other important US government condition is that US travelers must spend their dollars supporting private businesses in Cuba, not companies that are government-owned or operated. This has become increasingly easy, Considine says, as the private sector has expanded through the travel industry in recent years, with casas particulares (family-run homes), Airbnbs, and paladares (private restaurants) proliferating. These are the types of enterprises that savvy travelers are more likely to enjoy anyway; they offer better food , more intimate and stylish experiences, and direct encounters with everyday Cubans. You can book directly, of course, but a travel specialist can help identify appropriate businesses—Considine’s company can tailor a trip that is “one-hundred-percent private.”

Why has it been historically difficult for Americans to visit Cuba?

Hungry for foreign exchange, the Cuban government has always welcomed foreign tourists whether they are from the United States, Germany , Australia , or Argentina . The roadblock for Americans has been the US government, which effectively banned US tourists from legally visiting under the trade embargo put in place after the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. (If you’d like to learn more, my book Cuba Libre! recounts the parting of ways between the US and Cuba after Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution, and the ways relations soured as Cuba drifted into the Soviet sphere during the Cold War.)

These restrictions—first imposed in 1963 as part of the bluntly-named Trading with the Enemy Act—were loosened 53 years later by the Obama-Biden administration, allowing direct flights and travel from the US in 2016. To the disappointment of many Cubans, President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric during his administration made many Americans believe that it had again become illegal to travel to the island, causing a drastic drop in US tourist numbers. However, Considine stresses that Trump only paused group and cruise ship travel , leaving intact the key allowances for individual trips that were put in place during the Obama years.

What kind of visas do Americans need to travel to Cuba?

The only document you need is a valid US passport . Cuban entry permits—in other words, a visa—can be purchased at the airport before boarding the flight for $85 ($50 plus $35 service fee; you can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card). They can also be obtained online through private services, although often with hefty extra charges. Airline staff will also ask you to use your phone and scan the barcode for a passenger locator form, necessary to go through Cuban customs.

Viñales is the place to go in Cuba for nature—the small town is lush and surrounded by limestone formations.

When is the best time to visit the most popular destinations in Cuba?

The traditional high season in Cuba has always been winter, December to February , when days are cool and clear, rather like southern Florida. But sun-lovers should consider November and the period from March to May , when it is warm enough for swimming. If you’re traveling to Cuba any time between June and October , be warned: The summer heat is oppressive and hurricanes can hit.

If I am visiting Cuba for the first time, what destinations should I visit and why?

“My holy trinity is: Havana , Trinidad, and Viñales,” Considine says. Havana is a must-see for its vibrant energy, beautiful harbor, Spanish colonial city center, and Art Deco relics. There’s also Trinidad is a perfectly-preserved colonial town at the foot of the rugged Escambray Mountains where, Considine says, “farmers live very simply, raising livestock and cooking with carbon—a way of life that may be gone in five years.” It is also by the south coast, which has diving spots worth checking out.

By Steph Koyfman

By Kaila Yu

By Jahnavi Bhatt

By Matt Ortile

Meanwhile, Viñales is a nature trip. This small town is surrounded by spectacular rounded limestone formations known as mogotes in the heart of Cuba’s verdant tobacco country. “You can do anything there: horse-riding, e-biking, yoga, hiking, and climbing,” Considine says. It’s located only a two-hour drive from the capital’s airport; US travelers can rent a car with dollars, but in practice I suggest booking a transfer to Viñales—and a place to overnight, if you’d like—through a travel specialist like Considine for a smooth trip.

What else should Americans know before visiting Cuba?

“There has never been a better time to go to Cuba than right now,” Considine says. New laws passed in 2021 permit Cuban entrepreneurs to directly import foreign goods from Italian pasta to French soap, Chilean wine to Mexican designer furniture, which has transformed the country. Grocery stores have opened in peoples’ garages, do-it-yourself restaurants offer fine cuisine, and many small family-run casas and Airbnbs have expanded into boutique hotels, many of which are quite sumptuous. For travelers, this has also expanded opportunities to meet Cubans and learn about their lives; all over the island, people are warm, open. and eager to chat.

It’s also important to note that US credit and debit cards are still not valid in Cuba. Bring cash—more than you think you will need, so you don’t run out. These days, US dollars are accepted in most places in Cuba.

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What's outrageous in Miami is the outrage — and TSA's Cuba optics

COMMENTARY The political reaction to an official Cuban tour of Miami International Airport this week was outrageous — but so was the U.S. government's cluelessness about the Cuba issue in Miami.

There are two things that are outrageous about the tour of Miami International Airport that the federal Transportation Security Administration gave a delegation of Cuban officials on Monday.

The first outrageous thing is, well, the outrage — because the tour itself was not outrageous.

It was, by all accounts, a benign exercise in bilateral aviation security cooperation that the U.S. ought to be conducting with Cuba, since about 30 flights move between Miami and Havana on most days.

Given that most of the passengers on those flights are Cuban-Americans, you’d think Miami’s politicians — no matter how much this community understandably despises and distrusts Cuba’s communist dictatorship — would want to make sure airport safety is in sync on both sides of the Florida Straits. The U.S., after all, follows similar joint air safety protocols with other regimes Americans despise and distrust, like communist China’s.

But this is Miami, where it's custom to shoot from the hysterical hip first and ask adult questions later — if ever. So every politico who can find a microphone or a reporter’s handheld recorder is screaming that the Biden Administration just gave masked Marxist ninjas the keys to MIA’s air traffic control tower.

READ MORE: Yes, cruise lines screwed up in Cuba. But engagement built up Cubans' sense of control

Nevertheless, the second outrageous thing is how outrageously optics-oblivious the TSA looks right now. It apparently did not give Miami-Dade County officials, who run MIA, a heads-up that the Cuban apparatchiks would visit secure airport areas like checkpoints.

That matters because the U.S. still has Cuba on its state sponsors of terrorism list. Granted, last week the Biden Administration removed Cuba from its list of countries that don’t help in the fight against terrorism — and there is no reason except Miami politics that Cuba still belongs on the more serious state sponsors list. But TSA should have reassured Miami-Dade officialdom beforehand that these Cuban tours at U.S. airports are beneficial as well as routine.

In fact, they took place even when Donald Trump, every hardline Cuban exile’s divine instrument on earth, was President.

The bottom line: somebody, anybody at TSA should have taken into more sensitive account that this is Miami, for God’s sake! Any issue here that involves Cuba, whether it’s transportation security or ropa vieja recipes, is an anti-comunista powder keg that shameless political climbers can ignite under the slightest pretext to scare votes their way.

TSA should have known that Miami is — understandably — an anti-comunista powder keg that political climbers can ignite under the slightest pretext.

The TSA might have made a mental note, for example, that the Miami fuse is especially short these days when it comes to Cuban espionage. It was only a few months ago the world learned that former top U.S. diplomat and now convicted spy Manuel Rocha was a loyal spook for the Cuban regime for years, including the time he worked at the U.S. mission in Havana.

Cuban-American PTSD

Rocha’s case has heaped a certain PTSD on the Cuban-American community — which still remembers the Cuban spy network that slithered into Miami and was responsible for four Cuban-Americans getting shot down and killed in small aircraft near Cuba by regime fighter jets in 1996.

The TSA might have recalled that historical nugget before hosting a Cuban delegation at Miami’s airport this week without notifying Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava — a Democrat whose re-election effort you’d think the Biden Administration would want to assist this year.

But it undermined it instead by bringing Cuban communists to MIA without pre-advising the locals — on, of all days, May 20, the 1902 Cuban independence day that Cuban exiles celebrate.

In a larger sense, that's a reminder that Beltway Democrats still really don't get the reality that Florida Latinos are not the Latinos the party takes for granted in the rest of the country.

It’s reminiscent of the Biden’s Administration’s move a few years ago to take Colombia’s defunct Marxist guerrilla army, the FARC, off the U.S.’s terrorist list. That was good policy served with bad optics: it failed to consult Florida’s large Colombian community, a bitter swath of whom suffered FARC violence.

Still, all those outraged Miami politicos who are sure TSA exposed MIA to the DGI (Cuba’s spy service) might themselves remember Cuba also has aviation security concerns. It has ever since Cuban exile terrorists carried out the 1976 bombing of a Cuban passenger airliner that killed all 73 people onboard.

That, too, was an outrage.