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Entry to Cuba: Visas & Travel Requirements

Traffic by the Capitol building, Havana

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Stay updated with the latest travel information for your trip to Cuba!

Embarking on a journey to Cuba? Here's your guide to the latest visa requirements and travel protocols. Whether you're coming from North America, Europe, or elsewhere, we've got you covered.

Cuba visa application form

What are the visa and entry requirements to Cuba?

US Citizens

Planning a trip to Cuba as a US citizen? There are special regulations you need to be aware of. While tourism trips to Cuba aren't yet authorized, general licenses have been issued for a variety of travel categories. If you meet the requirements of the general license under which they plan to travel, you won't need to apply for another permit from the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department) for your trip.

However, it's important to note that the US Embassy in Havana and the State Department in Washington D.C do not process visa applications for trips to Cuba. If you need to apply for a visa or have any questions regarding your specific case, you should contact the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C.

And remember, certain activities may not be allowed, so it's best to check with the US embassy for information on organizations or businesses in Cuba that U.S. citizens are not allowed to engage with due to economic sanctions or other legal restrictions.

Canadian Citizens

As a Canadian citizen, you'll need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in Cuba. Make sure your passport's expiration date isn't near to avoid any travel hiccups. Depending on your trip's purpose, you may need different types of visas. If you're traveling as a tourist, you'll need a tourist visa, which can be obtained from tour operators, airlines, or a Cuban government office in Canada.

European Citizens

If you're a European citizen planning to travel to Cuba, remember that visa protocols can vary depending on your country of residence. For most European citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. Some countries, like Spain, require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months.

It's also important to note that if you plan to travel to the United States after visiting Cuba, you'll need a visa. This is because the electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) is not sufficient for those who have traveled to Cuba before. This visa must be obtained at the Consulate General of the US Embassy in your place of residence.

Given the varying requirements, it's a good idea to contact your tour operator or travel agency to understand the specific visa requirements for your travel.

Latin American Citizens

For Latin American citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. You'll also need to obtain a tourist visa or tourist card for your trip. This can be processed at tourism agencies or airlines, which usually handle its issuance.

The visa is generally issued for about 90 days and can then be extended. It's also important to note that you should have travel insurance with medical coverage. 

Visa Costs: What to Expect

Visa costs can vary depending on where it's issued. Generally, prices range between $20 and $80. If you apply online, additional charges may apply, and prices can range from $110 to $150.

Jose Marti International Airport in Havana

What items can I bring to Cuba?

When packing for your trip to Cuba, you can bring personal effects, including personal phones and computers, free of charge. The range of objects you can bring to Cuba is quite wide, from musical instruments to televisions. However, some items may be subject to charges depending on Customs regulations.

Some items can be brought into the country without having to pay any import taxes. These include used personal objects, art and literature books, music discs, manufactured pharmaceutical products, and wheelchairs, among others.

However, it's crucial to be aware of prohibited items. While some of these, like explosives, drugs and narcotics, and blood derivatives, may seem obvious, others might surprise you. For instance, literature, articles or objects that are considered obscene, pornographic or that attack the general interests of the nation are also prohibited.

If you attempt to bring into the country articles that are not allowed for import, the General Customs of Cuba can exercise administrative sanctions. This means that Customs can seize those imported articles whose entry is prohibited in Cuba, as well as products that have been entered with a fraudulent declaration.

Travelers on a beach in Varadero

Photo: Unsplash

Health and Vaccinations

Before you embark on your journey to Cuba, it's important to ensure you're up to date with routine vaccines. This includes vaccines against chickenpox, tetanus, influenza, rubella, and polio. In the current climate, being vaccinated against COVID-19 is also essential.

Additionally, consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. If your trip to Cuba includes exploring nature or venturing into rural areas away from the city center for activities such as outdoor camping, the rabies vaccine is also recommended. Travelers are also advised to consider the typhus vaccine.

Can I bring my pet to Cuba?

If you're planning to bring your pet to Cuba, there are a few requirements you need to meet. Make sure your pet has the necessary vaccines and an official health certificate. You'll also need to request a travel certificate for your pet from the Consulate or Embassy of Cuba in your country.

Written by Teresita Padrón .

Published July 2023.

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Cuba Entry Requirements: Complete Guide for Travelers [2024]

For most travelers, even travelers from the United States , entry to Cuba is as simple as landing on the island and passing through immigration. However, it’s important to be aware of a few important entry requirements to Cuba before planning your trip to Cuba – you’ll need to prepare for them before arriving!

We travel to and from Cuba frequently and have helped thousands of travelers visit the island over the past few years. Keep reading for all the information you need about current Cuba entry requirements you’ll need to be aware of for your visit to the island.

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 .

What Are Cuba’s Entry Requirements?

In order to enter Cuba, all travelers must meet the following requirements. While most of these requirements don’t require too much preparation or forethought, it’s important to be aware of these entry requirements for Cuba and prepare for them.

• A Valid Passport
• A Cuban Tourist Visa (also known as a Cuban Tourist Card )
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• A Completed D’Viajeros Travel Form

There are certain exceptions to this list for Cuban-born and Cuban-resident travelers. Travelers who were born in Cuba or who are Cuban permanent residents do not need a tourist visa. Cuban-resident travelers don’t need comprehensive travel insurance, though Cuban-born travelers may.

Health Requirements for Entry to Cuba

Cuba no longer has outstanding entry requirements related to the pandemic and no longer requires any testing or vaccination before arriving in the country. When you complete the D’Viajeros Travel Form required before you’re arrival, you’ll note that the form asks about vaccination status. However, vaccination is not required to enter the country.

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

Cuba Entry Requirements

The current entry requirements for Cuba are straightforward. However, there are steps that you must take to prepare in advance. With this in mind, it’s extremely important to be aware of all the details of the Cuba entry requirements before touching down on the island.

Let’s look at the entry requirements for Cuba in more detail.

1. A Valid Passport

Having a valid passport is the most straightforward requirement for entering Cuba. Keep in mind that your passport must have at least six months of validity when you arrive on the island. If your passport has less than six months of validity upon your arrival, you may be denied entry to the country.

2. A Cuban Tourist Visa / Cuban Tourist Card

Everyone visiting Cuba who is not Cuban-born or a permanent resident of Cuba needs to present a Cuban tourist visa upon arrival in the country. Don’t worry – getting a Cuban tourist visa, which is also known as a Cuban tourist card , is a straightforward process that you even complete on the day of your arrival if you’re pinched for time.

Most travelers purchase their Cuban tourist visa at the airport prior to departing on their flight to Cuba. For travelers arriving on a flight from the United States, tourist cards cost between $50-100 and are pink, while travelers arriving on flights from most other countries will get a green tourist card that usually costs around $25-40.

If you have a bit more time and want to streamline the process, you can also use a service like EasyTouristVisa to order your Cuban tourist visa in advance. EasyTouristVisa will ship the Cuban tourist visa directly to your home prior to your departure to Cuba.

Make sure to check out our extensive guides should you need any further clarity on Cuban tourist visas and tourist cards:

• A Traveler’s Guide to Cuban Tourist Visas
• A Traveler’s Guide to Cuban Tourist Cards

Travelers from a select few African and Asian countries will need to apply for a Cuban tourist visa before arriving in the country – make sure to check with the Cuban embassy in your country before you travel if you are unsure about the rules of entry from your country of origin.

3. Comprehensive Travel Insurance

One of the most important Cuba entry requirements is comprehensive health insurance that would cover a traveler in the case of a health emergency during their stay in Cuba. This is the entry requirement for Cuba that requires the most forethought, as shopping for and purchasing a travel insurance policy valid in Cuba can be more challenging than you might think.

The vast majority of travel insurance companies do NOT cover travel to Cuba , meaning that even if you have a blanket travel insurance plan, it likely won’t cover you in Cuba. This is particularly true for travelers from the U.S. who are traveling to Cuba – even fewer companies cover U.S. travelers.

We always recommend traveling with  Visitors Coverage  (though this company doesn’t cover travelers from certain U.S. states) or  Insubuy , which covers travelers from every U.S. state and most other countries.

You need to carry proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage when entering the country – make sure to check out our guide to travel insurance coverage for Cuba for more details.

Many times, proof of insurance coverage isn’t specifically requested by immigration authorities when they stamp your passport, but you must have it. If you don’t have proof of coverage, you may be made to purchase a plan at the airport – at the cost immigration officials see fit.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance for Cuba

4. A Completed D’Viajeros Travel Form

In 2023, completion of the D’Viajeros Travel Form formally became a requirement for travelers entering Cuba. This straightforward online form can be completed up to 48 hours before your arrival in Cuba but is a requirement for travelers before arriving on the island.

The form usually takes less than ten minutes to complete and covers basic information like passport number, flight information, and information for customs.

Once the form is completed, save the PDF form it generates to present to immigration when you enter the country. You can print the form or save it in a digital wallet – either version is accepted.

Read More: A Traveler’s Guide to the D’Viajeros Travel Form for Cuba

Plan a Trip to Cuba

• 47+ Best Things To Do in Havana
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Cuba Entry Requirements for U.S. Travelers

U.S. travelers don’t have any additional entry requirements for Cuba. Travelers from the United States need to have a valid passport, Cuban tourist visa, comprehensive travel insurance for Cuba, and a completed D’Viajeros Travel Form, just as any other travel would.

Remember, limitations on U.S. travelers in Cuba (like restrictions about staying in specific hotels or how you can spend your money on the island) come entirely from the government of the United States, not the government of Cuba. Once you’re on the island, you’re seen in the eyes of the Cuban government as you would be if you were from Canada, the United Kingdom, or any other foreign country.

Looking for some more clarity on travel to Cuba from the United States? We have plenty of guides about that! Check them out here:

• Can Americans Travel to Cuba?
• Support for the Cuban People Guide – Legal Travel Guide to Cuba

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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Travel to Cuba

U.s. to cuba travel policy.

Flying to Cuba from or through the U.S. for tourism is not allowed. There are 13 permitted reasons for travel:

• Family visits
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activities
• Professional research or professional meetings
• Educational academic activities
• People-to-people exchanges (for travel related transactions purchased prior to June 5, 2019)
• Religious activities
• Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or other competitions and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
• Travel related to certain authorized export transactions

Federal regulations on travel to Cuba Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

If you aren't traveling for one of the 13 reasons, there are 2 other ways to enter Cuba:

• With a license issued by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
• As a Cuban National returning home

Apply for an OFAC license Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

If you don't qualify for one of the 13 permitted reasons, have an OFAC license or identify as a Cuban national returning home, you will not be permitted to travel to Cuba.

Additional travel requirements

Everyone entering Cuba must have a visa and health insurance with coverage in the area. For insurance, a $25 fee is added to your ticket price.

Special visa requirements apply to Cuban-born travelers, regardless of citizenship.

Preparing for travel

What to bring.

• Valid passport
• Valid visa, travel card or Cuban passport

You can buy a travel card online or at Miami (MIA) before departure.

Buy travel card Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Few U.S.-issued cards are accepted in Cuba and service isn't guaranteed. Contact your bank before traveling.

Online check-in for flights to Cuba is unavailable. You must check in at the airport to provide reason for travel – allow up to 3 hours to complete the process. If you're flying from Miami (MIA), look for the 'Cuba Ready' booth by Checkpoints 1 and 2 to check your documents and get your boarding pass stamp.

Changes to bag limitations for checked bags have been updated as of March 14, 2023. Bag fees may apply for checked bags.

• Checked bag policy
• Bag limitations

Connections

When you get to the gate at your connecting airport, look for the 'Cuba Ready' booth to check your documents and get your boarding pass stamp.

Cuba Tourist Card: 5 Ways to Get the Cuba Tourist Visa in 2023

If you go to Cuba for tourism, you almost certainly need a Cuba Tourist Card or Tourist Visa. But there is the green and the pink Tourist Visa, which one should you get? What if you are flying from the US?

This article will cover everything you need to know about the Cuba Tourist Visa, including how to apply for the right one, depending on where you are flying from.

What Is the Cuba Tourist Card?

The Cuba Tourist Card (“ Tarjeta del Turista “), also known as Cuba Tourist Visa, temporarily permits foreign nationals to visit Cuba for leisure.

If you travel to Cuba for non-tourism purposes, you will need a regular visa .

Who Needs a Cuba Tourist Card?

Almost everyone traveling to Cuba for tourism needs a Cuba Tourist Card (“Tarjeta del Turista”). The only countries exempt from the Cuba Tourist Card are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia, China, Dominica, Grenada, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Mongolia, Namibia, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Serbia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

How Long Can You Stay in Cuba With the Tourist Card?

The Cuba Tourist Card grants visitors a maximum stay of 90 days in Cuba. However, travelers can extend it to 180 days while on the island.

How Long Is the Cuba Tourist Card Valid For?

The Cuba Tourist Card does not expire before entering the country. Therefore, you can travel at any time after getting the visa.

Is the Cuba Tourist Card a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry Visa?

The Cuba Tourist Card is a single-entry visa.

Pink or Green: What Cuba Tourist Visa Should You Get?

An interesting fact about Cuba is that Cuban Tourist Cards come in pink and green colors. The color depends on the country of origin you’re traveling from.

If you travel directly from the U.S. to Cuba, you’ll need a pink Cuban Tourist Card.

Travelers who fly to the island from a non-U.S. airport must bring a green Cuba Tourist Card. For example, if you are a Canadian flying to Cuba from the Toronto Pearson Airport, you need the green version.

Knowing the distinction between the two colors is easy, but knowing which one to buy can be trickier, especially if taking a multi-leg flight.

Before buying your card online, look at your itinerary and check the last airport you depart from: this airport determines which color card you need.

FYI: pink cards are pricier than green cards because of the rocky relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.

What Cuba Tourist Card Do You Need if Traveling From the U.S.?

If you fly to Cuba from the US, you’ll need a pink version of the Cuba Tourist Visa.

If you fly from a third country, you’ll need the green Tourist Card, even if you’re an American citizen!

Remember that the U.S. government has a few other stipulations for American travelers. For example, before you head to Cuba, you must declare a travel category, like Support for the Cuban People . It sounds tricky, but we promise that our article for Americans traveling to Cuba makes it easy.

What Are the Cuba Tourist Card Requirements?

The application process is easy, and you only need to fulfill a few requirements . Here’s what you need to get a Cuba Tourist Visa:

• Valid passport
• Application form
• Travel itinerary
• Travel health insurance (we recommend Insubuy for comprehensive travel medical insurance for Cuba )

If you only have the first two, you can still get started with your application. You’ll only need your itinerary and travel insurance when you arrive at the airport in Cuba.

How Much Does the Cuba Tourist Card Cost?

You can expect the Cuba Tourist Card to cost anywhere between $35 and $100 U.S. dollars, depending on where you get it. While the card’s price isn’t high, you may have to pay additional airline or shipping fees if you order it online.

Look at the section below for a more detailed price breakdown for each option.

How to Get a Cuba Tourist Card?

You can get the Cuba Tourist Visa online, from your airline or travel agency, or at the Cuban embassy in your country. There’s no right or wrong way, but you’ll probably find that some methods are easier or less expensive than others.

Here are the four ways to get a Cuba Tourist Card for your upcoming trip:

1. Buy it Online

This is by far the easiest way to get your Cuba Tourist Card. Sites like EasyTouristCard make ordering quick and convenient from the comfort of your home.

You can purchase it well ahead of time and have it mailed to your address within a week, so you don’t need to worry about picking it up at the last minute.

You’ll also be able to skip the Tourist Card line at the airport, so you have to stand in one less line before arriving in sunny Cuba.

2. Buy it From Your Airline

Some airlines allow you to purchase the Cuba Tourist Card directly from them. Every airline handles the Tourist Card process differently, so we recommend checking in with your airline of choice to ensure you’re on the same page.

Some airlines have you pick up your tourist card at the gate before boarding your flight, while others hand out the card mid-flight. If you need to pick up your card in person, pad in some extra time if there’s a line.

The cost of the Cuba Tourist Visa is usually bundled in with your flight, but the price itself (shown in USD) varies from airline to airline.

• American Airlines : $85.00 ($50.00 visa price + $35.00 processing fee). Buy your card online or at the gate in Miami before departure.
• Southwest : $75.00 ($50.00 visa price: + $25.00 processing fee). Order online or via phone and pick up your card at the Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) or Tampa (TPA) airport at the check-in or departure gate.
• Delta : $50.00. Purchased at the gate.
• Jet Blue : $50.00. Purchased from JetBlue at gateway airport.
• Air Canada : Passed out during the flight.
• United Airlines : $75.00 ($50 Visa price + $25 processing fee).

3. Buy it From Your Country’s Cuban Embassy or Consulate

This is the hardest way to buy the Cuba Tourist Visa since you have to go in person with the necessary paperwork . Price varies depending on the embassy, but you can expect to pay between $35 and $75 for the card.

4. Buy it from your travel agency

Traveling through an agency or tour company can be extremely helpful since they’ll take care of most of the details for you – as long as they’re reputable. Most travel agencies will bundle the Cuba Tourist Card into their existing Cuba travel packages.

5. Get it upon arrival

Technically, you can get the Cuba Tourist Visa at Havana Airport , or any other Cuban airport, for about $25 (you can’t purchase it in Cuban currency or U.S. dollars). However, you can’t even board your flight in most cases if you don’t have a Cuba Tourist Card.

If somehow you manage to get to Cuba without a card, prepare yourself for the experience of navigating the Cuban infrastructure, which could entail long lines, empty booths, and slow service. This will be a true test of your patience since you won’t be able to leave the airport until your Tourist Card is in hand.

Not Too Complicated, Right?

We hope this guide to getting the Cuba Tourist Card makes the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Bottom line: if your airline or travel agency didn’t include the Tourist Visa, it’s better to purchase it online. If you are flying from the US, get the pink one; if not, apply for the green one.

Have you recently traveled to Cuba with a Tourist Visa? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Essential Travel Logistics For Cuba

Cuban Tourist Card –  If your  Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa)  isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through  EasyTouristCard . 

Travel Health Insurance –  Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba via  Insubuy . Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.

Essential Items to Pack –  Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Water bottle with filter
• Mosquito repellent
• Pin adapter (for Europeans)
• Travel guide
• Spanish-English phrasebook
• Suggested Reading: The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times

Read our complete packing list for Cuba .

Find Accommodations –  Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner , which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.

Book Your Flight –  Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner , our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba.

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About the Author

Tour republic.

Tour Republic is a marketplace where you can discover, book, and review the very best experiences Cuba has to offer. We are a team of tourism professionals and journalists who have partnered with Cuban entrepreneurs to provide travel experiences that can transform your trip into a life-changing adventure. We also share our profound love for Cuba through in-depth travel guides, myth-busting articles, and captivating narratives. Whether you want to explore Cuba's wonders or understand its intricacies, our blog posts are your gateway to the heart of this extraordinary country.

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15 comments.

I want to go to the country

I am burundi citizen residing in saudi arabia, am willing to visit cuba but i can not buy online the cuba tourist card because they show me that the shipment is not possible. can you help me

Hello, About how long does it take for the online green visa to be approved?

i am citizen of Azerbaijan can I travel from US to Cuba or from Cuba to US?

Travelling to Cuba from Ontario, Canada with Air Transat. What is our process for the travel card? January 8, 2022

I am Singaporean. Flying to Havana via Paris. Do I need the tourist card?! Is it true that Singaporean exempted?

Watet bottle with filter ????

Can we not buy bottled water in Cuba??

yes you can, and some of your accommodations will arrange for it in advance. So, you just tell them how many bottles, and you pay your host

If I’m a citizen of the Philippines but traveling from the US, do I need to get a visa of Cuba?

Unfortunately, if you are traveling from the US, you will have to abide by the same rules as US citizens. So, you may consider a different route of travel.

Thank you – such a clear explanation, and the only one that answered every question for me!

I successfully made it to Cuba from Miami after years of doubts.

Can I use either the pink or green card ? I’m entering through jamaica and returning straight to the us

Hi, I have gone to the Cuba embassy in Mexico but surprisingly the visa they gave me is the same with the visa tourist after checking the one on your website here. Please are you sure they will allow me entry and will I still need to buy a cuba tourist card again. Your answer is greatly appreciated

Am a Nigerian tourist in Mexico, will I need a visa or just tourist card to go to Cuba from mexico, please kindly inform

Hi Adebisi, You will probably need a visa to Cuba. I would advise you to contact the Cuban embassy in Mexico to get a more accurate answer.

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Where To Get A Cuban Entry Permit

Published: October 30, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Mirella Bergeron

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Welcome to the mystical and vibrant island of Cuba! With its rich history, colorful culture, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are setting their sights on this Caribbean gem. However, before you can embark on your Cuban adventure, it’s important to understand the process of obtaining a Cuban entry permit. Whether you’re planning a leisurely vacation or a business trip, this article will guide you through the various ways to acquire a Cuban entry permit.

A Cuban entry permit, also known as a tourist visa, is a requirement for most foreign visitors entering Cuba. It grants you permission to enter and stay in the country for a specified period of time, typically up to 30 days. The Cuban entry permit is an official document that must be obtained prior to travel, and failure to obtain one may result in denial of entry at the Cuban border.

The process of obtaining a Cuban entry permit may seem daunting at first, but fear not! In this article, we will explore several options that you can consider to obtain your Cuban entry permit. Whether you prefer to handle the process independently or seek the assistance of a travel agency, there is a method that suits your needs.

Understanding Cuban Entry Permit

Before diving into the various methods of obtaining a Cuban entry permit, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what it is and why it’s necessary. A Cuban entry permit, also known as a tourist visa, is a document issued by the Cuban government that allows foreign visitors to enter and temporarily stay in Cuba.

The Cuban entry permit is typically valid for a period of 30 days, although extensions may be granted for an additional 30 days, depending on the purpose of your visit. It is important to note that the Cuban entry permit is not a substitute for a passport. You will still need a valid passport to enter Cuba, and your entry permit will be affixed to a page in your passport upon arrival.

One of the most common misconceptions about the Cuban entry permit is that it can only be obtained through a Cuban embassy or consulate. While this is certainly one way to acquire the permit, there are other options available, such as applying through a travel agency or even obtaining it upon arrival in Cuba.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Cuban entry permit is different from a Cuban visa. A Cuban visa is required for visitors coming to Cuba for purposes other than tourism, such as business, education, or journalism. If you are unsure whether you need a Cuban entry permit or a visa, it is recommended to consult with the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a Cuban entry permit is and why it is necessary, let’s explore the different methods of obtaining one. Whether you prefer to plan ahead and apply through a travel agency or take a more spontaneous approach by obtaining it upon arrival, there is a method that will suit your travel needs.

Applying for a Cuban Tourist Visa

If you are looking to obtain a Cuban entry permit prior to your trip, one of the most common methods is to apply for a Cuban tourist visa. This can be done through a Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country or through a travel agency that specializes in Cuban travel.

When applying for a Cuban tourist visa, you will typically need to submit certain documents, including a completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, proof of travel insurance, and a return ticket. Additionally, you may be required to provide proof of accommodation or a letter of invitation from a Cuban host if you are staying with a local.

It is important to note that the requirements and application process may vary depending on your country of residence. It is recommended to check with the Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country for specific instructions and requirements.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can either submit your application in person or through mail, depending on the instructions provided by the Cuban embassy or consulate. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates, as visa processing times can vary.

Applying for a Cuban tourist visa through a travel agency is another convenient option. Many travel agencies specialize in Cuban travel and can assist you in obtaining your Cuban entry permit. They will guide you through the application process, help you gather the necessary documents, and submit the application on your behalf.

One of the advantages of applying for a Cuban tourist visa through a travel agency is that they are well-versed in the application process and can provide guidance and support along the way. They can also save you time and effort by handling the administrative tasks involved in obtaining the visa.

Whether you choose to apply for a Cuban tourist visa through a Cuban embassy or consulate, or through a travel agency, it is important to start the process well in advance to ensure that you have your entry permit before your travel date. By planning ahead and meeting the requirements, you can smoothly obtain your Cuban entry permit and embark on your Cuban adventure with peace of mind.

Obtaining a Cuban Entry Permit through a Travel Agency

If you prefer a hassle-free approach to obtaining your Cuban entry permit, enlisting the services of a travel agency can be a convenient and efficient option. Many travel agencies specialize in Cuban travel and can assist you in obtaining your entry permit.

When choosing a travel agency, it’s important to select a reputable and reliable agency that has experience in handling Cuban entry permits. Research online reviews and recommendations to ensure you are working with a trustworthy agency. Additionally, consider agencies that have a good understanding of Cuban regulations and can provide you with the necessary guidance throughout the process.

Working with a travel agency has several benefits. First, they will have a good understanding of the application process and requirements, making it easier for you to gather the necessary documents. They will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you provide all the required information and meet any specific criteria set by the Cuban government.

Another advantage of using a travel agency is that they typically have established relationships with the Cuban authorities, which can expedite the processing of your entry permit. They have firsthand knowledge of the required paperwork and can help you navigate through any potential obstacles that may arise during the application process.

To begin the process, you will need to provide the travel agency with all the necessary information, such as your personal details, travel dates, and any specific requirements or accommodations you have. They will then guide you through the required paperwork and assist you with filling out the application forms.

Once your application is complete, the travel agency will submit it on your behalf to the Cuban authorities. They will keep you updated on the status of your application and handle any additional documentation that may be required. This saves you time, energy, and potentially reduces the stress associated with the application process.

Once your Cuban entry permit is approved, the travel agency will either send it to you via mail or provide you with the necessary documents to pick it up in person. Be sure to review the permit carefully, making sure all the information is correct, and keep it in a safe place along with your passport.

Obtaining your Cuban entry permit through a travel agency can be a seamless and stress-free process. By entrusting your application to experienced professionals, you can focus on planning the rest of your trip and have peace of mind knowing that your entry permit is in good hands.

Getting a Cuban Entry Permit through a Cuban Embassy or Consulate

Another common method of obtaining a Cuban entry permit is by applying directly through a Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country. This option is ideal for those who prefer to handle the application process independently and have direct communication with Cuban officials.

To get started, you will need to locate the nearest Cuban embassy or consulate in your country. Visit their website or contact them directly to gather information about the application process, required documents, and any specific guidelines or fees.

Typically, when applying for a Cuban entry permit through a Cuban embassy or consulate, you will need to complete an application form, which can often be downloaded from their website. Provide accurate and up-to-date information, including your personal details, travel dates, and purpose of your trip.

In addition to the application form, you will generally be required to submit other supporting documents, such as a valid passport with at least six months of validity, proof of travel insurance, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation in Cuba. Some embassies or consulates may also request a letter of invitation from a Cuban host if you plan to stay with a local.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can either submit your application in person at the embassy or consulate or send it through certified mail. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth process.

After submitting your application, it may take several business days for the embassy or consulate to process your request. Keep in mind that processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

If your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will affix the Cuban entry permit onto a page in your passport. Review the permit carefully upon receipt to ensure all the information is correct. In some cases, you may be requested to pick up your passport and permit in person, while in other cases, it may be mailed back to you.

If your application is denied, the embassy or consulate will provide you with reasons for the denial. It is advisable to review the requirements again, correct any issues, and reapply if necessary.

Obtaining a Cuban entry permit through a Cuban embassy or consulate requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the requirements set forth by the Cuban government. By following the instructions provided and submitting all the necessary documents, you can successfully obtain your entry permit and prepare for your journey to Cuba.

Applying for a Cuban Entry Permit Online

With advancing technology, applying for a Cuban entry permit online has become a convenient and popular option for many travelers. This method allows you to complete the application process from the comfort of your own home and eliminates the need to visit a Cuban embassy or consulate in person.

To apply for a Cuban entry permit online, you will need to find a reputable and authorized website that provides online visa services for Cuba. These websites are typically affiliated with the Cuban government and have been authorized to process entry permits on their behalf.

Once you have identified a reliable website, you will need to create an account and provide the necessary information, such as your personal details, travel dates, and purpose of your visit to Cuba. It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid any complications during the application process.

After completing the application form, you will be required to upload scanned copies or digital versions of the supporting documents, such as your passport, proof of travel insurance, return ticket, and proof of accommodation in Cuba. Make sure that the scanned copies are clear and legible.

Once you have submitted your application and uploaded all the required documents, you will need to pay the processing fee using a valid debit or credit card. The fee may vary depending on the website and the type of service you choose, so make sure to check the payment details before proceeding.

After submitting your application and payment, the online visa service will process your request and verify your documents. This may take several business days, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any potential delays.

If your application is approved, you will receive a digital copy of your Cuban entry permit via email. You will need to print out this document and carry it with you during your trip to Cuba. It is essential to keep it safe and present it to the immigration officers upon arrival in Cuba.

Applying for a Cuban entry permit online offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to complete the process from anywhere in the world. It is important to ensure that you choose a reliable and authorized website to avoid scams or fraudulent activities. By following the instructions and providing the required documents, you can easily obtain your Cuban entry permit and prepare for your Cuban adventure.

Obtaining a Cuban Entry Permit upon Arrival in Cuba

If you haven’t had the opportunity to obtain a Cuban entry permit prior to your trip, don’t worry! It is possible to obtain one upon arrival in Cuba. This option is particularly beneficial for those who have last-minute travel plans or prefer to handle the entry permit process upon reaching their destination.

When you arrive in Cuba, you will need to proceed through immigration control. At the immigration counter, you will be required to present your valid passport along with other necessary travel documents.

Upon reviewing your passport, the immigration officer will provide you with a Cuban entry permit. This permit, also known as a tourist card, will be attached to a page in your passport. It is important to keep this permit safe and secure, as you will need it for validation during your stay in Cuba and upon departure from the country.

In order to obtain the Cuban entry permit upon arrival, it is important to ensure that you meet the requirements set by the Cuban government. This typically includes having a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance, and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cuba.

It is important to note that the availability of obtaining a Cuban entry permit upon arrival can vary depending on your nationality and the type of travel. Some countries have agreements with Cuba that allow their citizens to obtain the permit upon arrival, while others may require you to obtain the permit prior to travel.

If you are unsure whether you can obtain the entry permit upon arrival or if you want to avoid any potential complications, it is recommended to apply for the entry permit in advance through a Cuban embassy or consulate or via an authorized online visa service to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Cuba.

Obtaining a Cuban entry permit upon arrival provides flexibility and convenience for travelers who have not been able to obtain one in advance. By meeting the necessary requirements and presenting the required documents to the immigration officers, you can quickly obtain your entry permit and proceed to enjoy the wonders of Cuba.

Obtaining a Cuban entry permit is an essential step for most travelers planning to visit this captivating Caribbean island. Whether you choose to apply for the permit through a travel agency, a Cuban embassy or consulate, online, or opt to obtain it upon arrival, there are options available to suit your preferences and travel needs.

Applying for a Cuban entry permit through a travel agency offers convenience and expert guidance throughout the application process. Their knowledge and experience can alleviate the stress of gathering the required documents and ensure a smooth and efficient process.

For those who prefer to handle the application independently, applying through a Cuban embassy or consulate in your country is a viable option. By following the instructions provided and providing accurate information, you can obtain your entry permit from the official Cuban authorities.

Applying for a Cuban entry permit online grants you the flexibility to complete the process from anywhere in the world. With authorized websites, you can submit your application, upload the required documents, and make the payment conveniently online.

In the event that you haven’t obtained a Cuban entry permit before your trip, obtaining one upon arrival in Cuba is possible in certain circumstances. Ensure that you meet the requirements set by the Cuban government and have the necessary documents to secure your entry permit at the immigration checkpoint.

Regardless of the method you choose to obtain your Cuban entry permit, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure all the required documents are in order. By doing so, you can avoid any last-minute complications and enjoy a seamless entry into the vibrant and captivating island of Cuba.

Remember to always check with official sources such as Cuban embassies or consulates, authorized travel agencies, or reliable online visa services for the most up-to-date information and requirements regarding the Cuban entry permit process.

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the various methods available, you can confidently and efficiently obtain your Cuban entry permit and embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Cuba.

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

TRAVELING TO CUBA IS EASY WITH CUBA UNBOUND

Updated december 2023.

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

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

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

Support for the Cuban People

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

US Regulations Regarding Flights and Hotels for Travel to Cuba

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

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

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Here's a simplified list of Cuban entry requirements:

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

CUBAN TOURIST CARD or TRAVEL VISA

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

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

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

RECREATIONAL TRAVEL STILL PROHIBITED

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

MEDICAL INSURANCE

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

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

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

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

The 12 Categories of Permitted Reasons for Travel to Cuba

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

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

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

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

Support for the Cuban People and People to People Educational Travel

• Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Custom Tours
• Browse All Tours

• Entrepreneurs
• Festivals & Events
• Family Travel
• Celebrations
• Solo Travel
• Affinity Groups
• Educational Groups
• Corporate Groups
• Yoga Groups
• Heritage Groups
• Photography Workshops
• Events & Conferences
• U.S.-Cuba Travel Rules
• Visa and Travel License
• Best Hotels in Cuba
• Why Visit Cuba
• When to Visit
• Where to Go
• Experience Gallery
• Meet the Cuban People
• Why Candela?
• Our Promise
• Safety First
• Meet Our Team
• Destination Specialist
• You Are Family
• Social Impact

How to Get to Cuba

• Cuban Souvenirs: What You Can Bring Back
• The Ultimate Cuba Packing List
• Food in Cuba
• Cuba and the Art of Tobacco
• Money in Cuba

US Travel to Cuba

Yes, You Can Travel to Cuba!

It is legal and very easy for Americans to travel to Cuba. There are simply a few extra restrictions for Americans visiting Cuba compared to other destinations. 

U.S. Travel License: Support for the Cuban People

There are 12 U.S. Travel Licenses that Americans may use to visit Cuba. The most popular is “Support for the Cuban People”. This license requires a full-time schedule of cultural experiences that support local entrepreneurs in Cuba. “Support for the Cuban People” is a general license, meaning it does not require pre-approval from the U.S. government.

All Cuba Candela tours are 100% compliant with U.S. travel rules. We ensure that your itinerary complies with the “Support for the Cuban People” license and we maintain all required documents and records of your trip on your behalf. Travelers who wish to visit Cuba without a tour company may do so. If you wish to travel on your own, learn how to do so with the “Support for the Cuban People” license here . 

The Cuban Tourist Visa

All travelers visiting Cuba must purchase and fill out a Cuban tourist visa (also called an entry permit, tourist card or travel card). The visa is a blank form with five fields to be filled in with a pen and is very easy to obtain. You may purchase a visa directly from your airline on the day of departure, with cash or a credit card. 

Cuba Candela Luxury Tours include a Cuban tourist visa sent directly to travelers prior dates of departure. Clients booking a Standard Tour with Cuba Candela may purchase a visa at the airport on their day of departure.

Restricted Entity List

Americans are not allowed to spend money at Cuban government-owned businesses listed on the Restricted Entity List . This includes restricted hotels, such as the Manzana Kempinski and Iberostar Grand Packard. Review the restricted list here and bring a printed copy with you to be safe. Restricted Entities are easy to avoid.

You may book your flight to Cuba directly with your preferred airline, just as you would to any other destination in the world. You may be asked for your purpose of travel before completing the booking. Your purpose of travel is “Support for the Cuban People.” American travelers must fly into Havana under the current U.S. travel rules. All of our tours begin in Havana. Charter flights are prohibited for American travelers.

Beach Access is Limited

At this time, Americans are not allowed to travel to Cuba and spend leisure time on a beach at a government owned resort. Although we do offer legal beach visits, Cuba should not be considered for travelers interested in a beach vacation. Cuba is best for travelers seeking a culturally rich, historical, fun and unique experience.

Hotel and Accommodation Options

We partner with private hotels and villas offering 4 and 5-star luxury options for our guests. Currently, the U.S. travel rules prohibit Americans from staying at government-owned hotels in Cuba. These restrictions have not affected our operations. 

Travel to Cuba Under the Biden Administration

A change in the U.S. Presidential Administration often signals a change to U.S.-Cuba travel rules. Based on comments from the Biden administration, we expect a new Cuba policy with fewer travel restrictions for Americans. Cuba Candela continues to monitor U.S. travel rules and will update this page to reflect future changes.

Privacy Overview

Cuba Travel Restrictions and Warnings: What You Need to Know

Brent Winebrenner / Getty Images

The ability for Americans to travel freely to Cuba has been a hotly contested topic since the 1960s, with conservative administrations routinely placing embargos on American tourism and progressive administrations oftentimes lifting those restrictions and allowing forms of transit between the two countries.

In June 2017, the United States Department of State policy explicitly banned tourism to Cuba from the U.S., even on the "people-to-people" programs (licensed guided tours). A June 2019 announcement from the U.S. Department of State furthered restrictions, declaring that the U.S. additionally "no longer permits visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, and private and corporate aircraft."

However, there are some exceptions to these laws that permit travel for families and students who book travel on commercial airlines. Knowing the history and current travel restrictions, advisories, and rules regarding travel to Cuba is ultimately essential to planning a trip to this Caribbean destination.

History of Travel Restrictions to Cuba

The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba. Initially, the American government limited sanctioned travel to journalists, academics, government officials, those with immediate family members living on the island, and others licensed by the Treasury Department.

In 2011, these rules were amended to allow all Americans to visit Cuba as long as they were taking part in a "people-to-people" cultural exchange tour. The rules were amended again in 2015 and 2016 to effectively allow Americans to travel solo to Cuba for authorized reasons, without getting prior approval from the U.S. State Department. Travelers were still required to prove that they engaged in authorized activities if asked upon return.

In the past, authorized travel to Cuba typically took place via charter flights from Miami as scheduled flights by U.S. airlines had long been illegal. However, President Barack Obama's Cuba travel rules opened up direct flights from the U.S. to Havana and other major Cuban cities beginning in the fall of 2016. Additionally, cruise ships once again started calling on Cuban ports.

Some U.S. citizens—tens of thousands, by some estimates—skirted the U.S. travel regulations by entering from the Cayman Islands,  Cancun , Nassau, or Toronto, Canada. In the past, these travelers would request that Cuban immigration officials not stamp their passports to avoid problems with U.S. Customs upon returning to the U.S. However, violators faced fines or more severe penalties.

2017 Travel Restrictions to Cuba

On June 16, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a return to the strict policies surrounding American travel to Cuba that existed before President Obama softened the country's stance in 2014. This edict restricted Americans from visiting the country as individuals under the "people-to-people" program, and most travel would be done by guided tours run by licensed providers. 

Visitors were also required to avoid financial transactions with military-controlled businesses within the country, including certain hotels and restaurants. With these changes, some airlines stopped flying to Havana, while others continued to do so; cruise ships continued to take passengers to Cuba and offer group tours from the ships.

Under the 2017 rules, Americans could still travel to Cuba independently under some of the 11 categories of allowed travel, including travel for humanitarian purposes and in "support of the Cuban people." Tourists could also still conduct transactions while visiting local restaurants and shops as long as they are not affiliated with the dis-allowed government entities. In fact, in doing so they were "supporting the Cuban people."

2019 Restrictions for Travel to Cuba

On June 4, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced new travel restrictions on United States citizens traveling to Cuba:

"Going forward, the United States will prohibit U.S. travelers from going to Cuba under the previous ‘group people-to-people educational’ travel authorization. In addition, the United States will no longer permit visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, and private and corporate aircraft."

These regulations only permitted travel from the United States aboard commercial airlines, largely for Cuban families, military service members, and other licensed and authorized travelers.

State Department Advisory for Cuba

In addition to the 2019 travel restrictions, the United States Department of State issued a Level 2 Advisory on August 23, 2018:

"Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to attacks targeting U.S. Embassy Havana employees resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff. Numerous U.S. Embassy Havana employees appear to have been targeted in specific attacks. Affected individuals have exhibited a range of physical symptoms including ear complaints and hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, and difficulty sleeping. Attacks have occurred in U.S. diplomatic residences (including a long-term apartment at the Atlantic) and at Hotel Nacional and Hotel Capri in Havana."

In response, the U.S. Embassy in Havana reduced its staff, and restricted family members from accompanying U.S. government employees who work in Cuba. Only U.S. diplomatic staff were affected by the attacks. No tourists were involved.

Spending Money in Cuba

If you are allowed to visit Cuba, it's still not easy to spend American dollars there. U.S credit cards generally don't work in Cuba, and exchanging dollars for convertible Cuban pesos (CUC) includes an extra fee that's not charged to any other international currency.

As a result, many savvy travelers take Euros, British pounds, or Canadian dollars to Cuba, which get a fair exchange rate. Ultimately, though, you'll still need to bring enough cash for your entire trip if you're traveling from the U.S. since American credit cards and bank cards likely won't work where you're going.

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• Travel Advice
• General Information

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? 2024 Complete Guide

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 June 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

Cuba Travel Restrictions & Requirements

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

Cuba Entry Requirements 

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

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

Cuba Travel Insurance Requirements 

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

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

Visiting Cuba From the U.S.

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

What Airports Fly to Cuba From the U.S?

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

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

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

Travel Tips When Visiting Cuba

Currency: The currency used in Cuba is known as the Cuban Peso. One US dollar is equivalent to roughly 25 Cuban Pesos. Credit cards and debit cards are commonly accepted in major cities, but cash is typically preferred.

Language: Spanish is the official language of Cuba, but you may find most locals speaking a unique variety of Spanish known as Cuban Spanish. English is not commonly spoken throughout Cuba.

Accommodations: As of December 2020, US travelers are not permitted to stay in Cuba’s government-run hotels. Instead, most Americans that visit Cuba will stay in a casas particulares, a home-sharing program similar to Airbnb.

Embassy: There is a U.S. Embassy located in Havana. The embassy may be able to assist with issues with your Cuban visa or help arrange emergency transportation back to America.

The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022

May 20, 2022 • 5 min read

It may soon be easier for Americans to visit Cuba © Matt Porteous / Getty Images

The Biden Administration took several steps toward thawing US-Cuba relations on May 16, 2022, after five years of tightened restrictions. While the measures don’t fully restore the openings of the Obama era, they mark an encouraging start for struggling Cubans and aspiring US travelers.

What has changed?

Of direct interest to US travelers is the Biden Administration’s promise to expand authorized travel in support of the Cuban people. This includes opening up flights to airports beyond Havana (which were closed to US aircraft during the Trump era) and reinstating group people-to-people travel and other categories of group educational travel. Both measures will be good news to US travel agencies who have battled with increased red tape since 2017.  

As yet, there is no word that the US will reinstate individual people-to-people travel, the category that led to a huge influx of US visitors to Cuba between 2016 and 2017. Nor have any Cuban state entities been removed from the US’s restricted list, meaning it’s still difficult for Americans to legally stay in Cuban hotels.

The directives have also lifted limits on family remittances (previously capped at $1,000 a quarter) to provide help in facilitating family reunions and supporting independent Cuban entrepreneurs.

Getting to Cuba from the US

Flying to Havana is one of the easier parts of the Cuba conundrum. As of May 2022, there are approximately a dozen flights a day between the US and Havana departing from the Florida cities of Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Operating airlines include American Airlines , Southwest Airlines , and JetBlue .

More Cuban airports will likely open up to US flights in the coming months.

The 12 categories of travel licenses for US citizens

US law states that US citizens can only travel to Cuba on a ‘general license’ based on one of 12 different approved categories , which include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances and exhibitions, and the vague sounding 'support for the Cuban people.' Licenses are self-qualifying (there’s no long-winded paperwork), but you’ll be asked to state your category of choice in a signed travel affidavit when booking travel to Cuba. More details are available online from the US Treasury .

The vast majority of current visitors are Cuban Americans entering under the ‘family travel’ category. Independent travelers with no affiliations can qualify under the conveniently vague ‘support for the Cuban people’ category, which is the easiest option for people looking to explore the island. However, bear in mind that before you travel, you’ll need to draw up a detailed itinerary of your plans. Additionally, on your return, you’ll be required to keep all your travel receipts for five years.

The Cuba tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed Tourist Card — which serves a similar function to a tourist visa. These are usually available through your airline (ask when booking). Alternatively, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85, including processing fees.

Health protocols for travel to Cuba

Pre-travel COVID-19 tests and vaccination certificates are no longer required to enter Cuba from the US. Random COVID-19 tests may still be administered at the airport but there’s no mandatory quarantine unless you test positive. Departing US passengers will need a negative rapid-antigen test to re-enter the US. Tests can be procured at Havana’s José Martí International Airport before departure.

All arriving travelers must fill out an online D’Viajeros form containing information relating to public health and immigration.  You’re also required to take out medical insurance that includes cover for COVID-19; this may be included in the cost of your air ticket from the US. Health officials make spot checks at the airport.

Booking travel to Cuba through a travel agency

If it’s your first time traveling to Cuba, it is highly recommended that you enlist the services of a specialist US-Cuba travel agency. Both Cuban Travel Services and Marazul offer comprehensive on-the-ground information and can help organize flights and accommodation.

Alternatively, you can join an organized trip, which takes a lot of the hassle out of traveling to Cuba. Long-time US-Cuba specialists, Insight Cuba are offering a three-night ‘Weekend in Havana’ and a seven-night ‘Classic Cuba Tour’ in 2022.  

Where to stay in Cuba

American citizens are not currently allowed to stay in Cuba’s government-run hotels or use most state-owned enterprises. Instead, it’s best to opt for private accommodation such as apartments, B&Bs and homestays (known in Cuba as casas particulares ). Airbnb has lots of listings of accommodations that are open to US citizens.

For restaurants, stick to private paladares (family-run restaurants, often in the owner's home) where the food quality is better. To get around, use private guides and taxis. In doing so, you’ll be enthusiastically ‘supporting the Cuban people.’

Money tips for Cuba in 2022

Credit cards linked to US banks don’t work in Cuba and the US dollar was taken out of circulation in June 2021. American travelers are best off arriving with plenty of cash in a non-US currency – the euro is the most favored foreign currency and is accepted by most private businesses, from casa particulares to restaurants and taxi drivers, meaning you won’t have to buy many Cuban pesos (which are worthless outside Cuba).

Beware: The Cuban economy is in a state of extreme flux. The current euro-peso black market exchange rate is over four times that of the banks.   

In November 2021, Cuba introduced a tarjeta prepago (prepaid card) designed primarily to aid US travelers with American credit cards. You can purchase and pre-load a tarjeta prepago at a bank in Cuba or at the airport and use it to buy goods that can otherwise only be paid for with a credit card, such as medical services, cigars, and bus tickets. Cards can be loaded with amounts equivalent to US$1000, US$500 or US$200. However, you can only pay for the card in a non-US currency. Euros, Canadian dollars, and pounds sterling are all accepted, cash only.

This article was first published Dec 17, 2020 and updated May 20, 2022.

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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.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Cuba Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 5, 2024, cuba - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to  crime .

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

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

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

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

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

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

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

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All the New Cuba Travel Restrictions, Explained

In June, the Trump administration announced new measures for travel and trade to Cuba that barred Americans from visiting the island via cruise or under the “people to people” visa, formerly two of the most popular ways to travel to the island. Then, in October, Trump announced that he would be cutting flights from the United States to most Cuban airports, which finally rolled into effect on December 10.

Got a trip planned? Unsure how this will affect cruises and air travel to the island? Read on.

What are the new rules around travel?

The new regulations from the Department of the Treasury that took effect on June 5 stated that Americans will no longer be able to travel to Cuba by cruise ship, nor under the “people-to-people” visa, which educational and cultural group trips often fall under. Also included in the new restricted methods of travel are passenger and recreational vessels, including yachts, and private and corporate aircraft, meaning additional authorization will now be required. Flights to all international airports on the island, apart from the one in Havana, have been suspended indefinitely . “This Administration has made a strategic decision to reverse the loosening of sanctions and other restrictions on the Cuban regime," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a release .

I’ve got a trip coming up. Do I need to cancel?

It depends. If you are flying directly into Havana for a “group people-to-people” trip—like a three-day weekend booked through a travel specialist—your vacation will go on as scheduled, according to the new rules. The single caveat? You must have “already completed at least one travel-related transaction” like booking a flight or reserving a hotel or Airbnb before June 5, 2019, according to the Treasury’s release . If your trip has you flying from the U.S. directly into a Cuban city that isn't Havana, you'll need to rework your plans to fly into Havana given the new flight suspensions (if you booked your own flight, reach out to the airline directly).

Boats and ships of any kind now need special authorization from the U.S. government to make port in Cuba—and many cruise lines are actively working to get that license ahead of upcoming voyages.

If you were on a cruise through the Caribbean and the cruise line hasn’t received a license, it will likely replace any Cuban stops with another nearby port. It’s the flexibility cruise travel affords when new regulations, weather, or factors like water levels upend an itinerary. “The beauty of sea travel is that we have the flexibility to adjust our itineraries,” says a spokesperson for Virgin Voyages, which launches its first sailings next year. “We are currently working with CLIA [Cruise Lines International Association] and the regulatory authorities to assess how this new change will impact our itineraries that stop in Cuba.”

That said, if you were going on a cruise where the Cuban ports were the entire point of the trip and your itinerary is changed, then you’ll likely want to cancel. If you purchased travel insurance , you’re in luck as an itinerary change or frustration over the new regulations will likely get you a near-full refund. If not, contact your cruise line to see what options you have for cancellation .

If you are planning on taking a " support for the Cuban people " trip in which you'll fly directly in and out of Havana, there's no need to cancel or alter your plans.

So who else is allowed to go?

There are currently 12 approved categories of authorized travel to the island nation: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; educational travel; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; 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; and certain authorized export transactions.

One note: a number of media outlets have named people-to-people trips as “educational” endeavors—which, thanks to cultural immersion and conversations with Cubans themselves, they truly are. But, these are not educational trips under the “activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes” category, so school trips are still a go under the new restrictions.

Is this the only reversal the Trump administration has made in recent years?

No. They’ve been steadily changing policies put in place by the Obama administration, which loosened restrictions on the island. In an April announcement, the Trump administration simply said it would be “limiting non-family travel to Cuba,” with few details, in a move that caused a wave of confusion and uncertainty for travelers. It was one of several confusing announcements the administration has made, including President Trump saying that he’d be " canceling " all Obama-era regulations just months after taking office in 2017.

Tell me about air travel—what will change?

U.S. airlines who currently fly to the island—including JetBlue, American, and Delta—will no longer fly into nine of the country's airports, making Havana the only point of entry for travelers flying from the States. This marks a near-complete reinstatement of the flight restrictions the Obama administration lifted in 2016. Given that most American travelers currently fly into Havana as it is, this change is likely to have the greatest impact on Cuban Americans who frequently fly back to visit family.

Once on the island, American travelers can still use non-American carriers (like COPA or LATAM) to fly between Havana and other cities like Camaguey and Cienfuegos.

What does this all mean for the Cuban people?

Under the April regulations, remittances—which were previously unlimited in frequency and amount under the Obama administration—will be capped at $1,000 per person every three months. Limiting non-family travel to the island will also hurt Cuban citizens, many of whom depend on money from tourists to supplement their official monthly salary, which is a median of $32, according to an April 2017 report from Cuba’s National Statistics and Information Office. Of course, the suspension of flights between the U.S. and all Cuban airports outside Havana will mean restricted access (and likely longer travel times and higher costs) for anyone interested in flying those routes.

"What we are leading the Cuban people toward is a darker day where there will be less economic opportunity, there will be less of a middle class, and essentially just very hard times to come for the people of Cuba," says Fernando Cutz, who helped shape Latin America policy on the National Security Council in both the Trump and Obama administrations, according to NPR .

This article was originally published in April 2019. It has been updated with new information. Additional reporting by Megan Spurrell and Meredith Carey.

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Travel Guide

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Entry Requirements & Customs in Cuba

All travelers to Cuba must possess a valid passport, a return ticket, travel insurance policy with medical coverage, and a visa or tourist visa. Unlicensed U.S. citizens may be allowed a stay of up to 90 days upon entry. British citizens are granted 30 days upon entry. This can be extended for another 30 days within Cuba. Canadian citizens are granted a visa for 90 days. This can be extended for 90 days only.

For Residents of Australia -- Contact the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada -- Contact the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

For Residents of Ireland -- Contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).

For Residents of New Zealand -- Contact the Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).

For Residents of the United States -- To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 877/487-2778 ) for automated information.

Tourist visas are generally issued by the ticketing airline or travel agent. (If you book a flight with Air Canada, the visa is included in the price.) In a worst-case scenario, the visa can usually be bought on the spot upon clearing Customs.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, tourist visas cost around US$23/C$23, depending upon the issuing agent, and are good for up to 90 days although Customs agents will sometimes issue them for just 30 days, or until the date of your return flight, unless you request otherwise. They can be extended for another 30 days (90 days for Canadians) once you arrive in Cuba for an additional minimum CUC$25 fee. (The fee is related to your length of stay.) In order to extend your tourist visa, you must personally go to any immigration office in the country. An additional 90-day extension for Canadians can be granted once at any immigration office for a cost of approximately CUC$25. For further information in Canada, contact the Cuban Embassy at www.embacubacanada.net, the Cuban consulate in Toronto at [email protected], or the Cuba tourist board in Canada at www.gocuba.ca.

In the U.K ., if you buy a ticket for an independent flight, you will need to purchase a separate tourist visa. Some travel companies are charging exorbitant costs for this (up to £50). While the visa is also available from the Cuban Embassy in London for £15 plus postage (www.cubaldn.com), the cheapest, most efficient and reliable place to get a visa is directly from www.visacuba.co.uk. U.K. citizens are granted entry for 30 days. This can be extended once at any immigration office for an additional 30 days for CUC$25. It is then possible to request another 30 days but this must be referred to the provincial immigration office and there is no guarantee of success.

Note that when seeking a tourist visa extension, you need to purchase bank stamps ( sellos para la visa ) for the value of the extension you need before going to the immigration office. To avoid making unnecessary journeys, ask your hotel or casa particular to call the local immigration office and ask the price of the extension before heading to a branch of the Banco de Crédito y Comercio, the only bank authorized to sell the stamps.

In the event you need a specific work visa, or if your travel agent or airline will not provide you with the tourist visa, you should contact the Cuban consulate or embassy in your home country.

For Residents of the United States -- While it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba, most are prohibited from spending any money in Cuba. This, in effect, is the "travel ban." The complicated prohibition, which allows for various exceptions, is governed by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). For more information, visit www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/cuba/cuba.pdf.

The Treasury Department grants certain licenses. Some of these licenses are implicit, such as those for full-time journalists and government workers on official business. Other licenses must be applied for on a case-by-case basis with the U.S. Treasury Department. Since September 2009, Cuban Americans can now visit close relatives in Cuba for as long as they and want as often as they want, subject to per diem payment restrictions (http://aoprals.state.gov), currently US$179 per day for stays in Havana. See the U.S. Treasury Department rules for definition of close relative.

Travel arrangements for licensed travelers can be made by an authorized Travel Service Provider (TSP), and travel can be made directly from U.S. gateway cities on regular charter flights. There are hundreds of authorized TSPs. A couple of the most dependable are ABC Charters (tel. 305/263-6829; www.abc-charters.com) and the helpful Tico Travel (tel. 800/493-8426 in the U.S. or Canada, or 954/493-8426; www.destinationcuba.com). If you are unsure about the legality of any other service provider, visit www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/cuba/cuba_tsp.pdf.

Be careful about signing on for a "fully hosted" trip. According to the regulations, a U.S. citizen can travel to Cuba without violating the Treasury ban provided he or she does not pay for any goods or services, including food and lodging, or provide any services to Cuba or a Cuban national while in the country. This provision had been widely used by U.S. citizens to buy packages from Canadian, Mexican, or Bahamian tour agencies. However, the Treasury Department has caught on to this tactic and has declared any "fully hosted" trip that is clearly for pleasure or tourism is in violation of the regulations.

Failure to comply with Department of Treasury regulations may result in civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States. For more information, contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Treasury Annex, Washington, DC 20220 (tel. 202/622-2000; www.treas.gov/ofac).

As far as Cuba is concerned, U.S. travelers are welcomed with open arms. In fact, as an aid to those seeking to circumvent the Treasury ban, Cuban immigration does not actually stamp U.S. passports, or any for that matter (but you should ask the officer to be sure) -- instead, officers stamp the tourist visa. For current information on Cuban entry and Customs requirements, you can contact the Cuban Interests Section (tel. 202/797-8518 ).

Visitors from Australia should contact the Consulate General in Australia (tel. 02/9698-9797; http://embacuba.cubaminrex.cu/Default.aspx?tabid=349).

Visitors from New Zealand should contact the Cuban Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand (tel. 04/472-3748; http://embacuba.cubaminrex.cu/Default.aspx?tabid=5903).

Unlicensed Travel -- It is estimated that as many as 200,000 U.S. citizens travel to Cuba each year without a Treasury Department license. The vast majority of travelers use third-country gateway cities like Toronto, Montreal, Cancún, Mexico City, Nassau, George Town on Grand Cayman, or Kingston in Jamaica, and are never questioned or bothered by U.S. authorities upon return.

What to Do If You Get Busted -- Officially, U.S. citizens who violate the ban face up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 in criminal fines, and $65,000 in civil fines, but according to the Treasury, penalties range from $3,000 to $7,500. Just 21 people were penalized in 2006. If you are stopped upon returning from an unlicensed trip to Cuba and directly asked by the Customs and Immigration agents, you should give as little information as possible. United States citizens cannot be compelled to provide self-incriminating information. Furthermore, you cannot be denied reentry into the U.S. for traveling to Cuba. You will likely face a long and uncomfortable search and questioning session, and be sent on your way. This will probably be followed by the receipt of a pre-penalty notice from the OFAC. The letter will request specific information to prove or disprove your alleged travel to Cuba, and to threaten the various fines and penalties. At this point, you should contact the Center for Constitutional Rights (tel. 212/614-6470; http://ccrjustice.org), which runs the Cuba Travel Project and works in conjunction with the National Lawyers Guild (www.nlg.org/cuba) to provide legal assistance to U.S. citizens facing prosecution for traveling to Cuba. Typically, after the initial pre-penalty letter, the OFAC offers to settle the case for a reduced fine in the neighborhood of $1,500 to $2,500. Many travelers have opted to go this route. A very, very small number of cases have ever fully gone to trial.

Some operators and guidebooks recommend lying if asked whether or not you were in Cuba. If you lie, you then place yourself at risk for perjury charges, which in the end are easier for the United States government to prosecute and are potentially more serious. I recommend you say little or nothing about your travel to Cuba, but I don't recommend that you lie. Remember, under U.S. law you have the right to refuse to incriminate yourself.

For Cuban Nationals -- The Cuban government doesn't recognize dual nationality of travelers from other countries who are Cuban-born or are the children of Cuban parents, particularly those who chose exile in the United States. The Cuban government requires some individuals whom it considers to be Cuban to enter and depart Cuba using a Cuban passport. Using a Cuban passport for this purpose does not jeopardize one's foreign citizenship; however, you will probably have to use your home country's passport to exit and enter that country. Other Cuban nationals and exiles just need a visa, but acquiring this visa is more complicated than acquiring the simple tourist visa used by most other travelers.

If you are Cuban-born or the child of Cuban-born parents, you should check with the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country of residence, as well as your local immigration authorities. In Canada, contact the Cuban Embassy, 388 Main St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 1E3 (tel. 613/563-0141; www.embacubacanada.net); there are also consulates in Montreal and Toronto. In the U.K., contact the Cuban Embassy, 167 High Holborn, London, WC1 6PA (tel. 0207/240-2488; www.cubaldn.com). In the U.S., contact the Cuban Interests Section, 2630 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202/797-8518 ).

What You Can Bring into Cuba -- You may bring in all manner of personal effects, including video and still cameras, personal electronic devices, jewelry, and sports equipment. In addition, visitors may bring in up to two bottles of liquor, a carton of cigarettes, and up to 10 kilograms of medications, provided they are in the original packaging. You may now import personal laptops, flash sticks, MP3 players, DVD players, film cameras, and sports equipment, as well as walkie talkies, satellite equipment, and GPS mechanisms. By law you may only import up to CUC$1,000 worth of any merchandise, and there is a 100% duty on all but the first CUC$50 worth. In practice, most visitors can freely bring in reasonable quantities of basic goods, like dried foods, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and household supplies, without them being taxed or confiscated.

Note: You may bring unlimited amounts of cash, but you must declare quantities in excess of US$5,000, as you may have trouble exporting large quantities of cash, if discovered upon departure. For current and more detailed information, check out www.aduana.co.cu.

What You Can Take Home from Cuba -- Travelers may export up to 50 cigars with no questions asked. Larger quantities can be exported, provided you show proof that they were bought in official Habanos S.A. outlets. There are restrictions on certain works of art, books, publications, and coins. Consult www.aduana.co.cu for further information. Travelers are officially limited to bringing home two bottles of rum or other spirits, although this limit is rarely enforced. Still, if the Customs officials deem your purchases to be of a commercial nature, you could face fines or confiscation.

To export works of art, you will need a permit from the Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales (National Register of Cultural Heritage), Calle 17 no. 1009 between Calles 10 and 12, Vedado (tel. 7/831-3362 ). Theoretically, any reputable gallery or shop will provide you with this permit along with your purchase. Those buying artwork bought at the new artesanía market in Havana can purchase the permit for CUC$2 at a kiosk in the building.

Note: There's a CUC$25 departure tax. You must pay this in cash, so be sure to have it on hand.

For information on what you're allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov). Note: U.S. travelers bringing back Cuban-made goods will be considered in violation of the Treasury embargo and their goods will be confiscated. It is also illegal for U.S. citizens to import Cuban products even if they never stepped foot on the island. It does no good to try to convince the Customs agent confiscating your stogies that you bought them in a cigar shop in Canada or Mexico or Costa Rica.

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L8 (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise, Crownhill Court, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BZ (tel. 0845/010-9000; from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152; www.hmce.gov.uk).

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service, Customs House, 5 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City, ACT 2601 (tel. 1300/363-263; from outside Australia, 612/6275-6666; www.customs.gov.au).

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington, 6140 (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

Since May 2010, all visitors to Cuba must carry proof of medical insurance in order to enter the country. You must have all the vaccines recommended for international travel (tetanus, polio, diptheria, hepatitis A, and cholera). Vaccinations for yellow fever and cholera are not required unless you are arriving from a country where they are prevalent.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Cuba Entry Requirements

Preparing for a trip to Cuba involves more than grabbing your passport and favorite travel bag. Here’s a list of what you must do, as well as suggestions for things you ought to do, before hopping on a plane or boat to Havana.

If you're accustomed to island hopping at the drop of a hat, understand that you will not be able to travel to Cuba at the drop of a hat. The best time to go to Cuba isn't simply a matter of weather, it's also a matter of when you will be permitted to enter the country. As a nation with a communist government , gaining entry into Cuba requires special permission. The details of entering Cuba are outlined below:

Travelers to Cuba must present a valid passport. To avoid having to update any travel documents during your stay, make sure your passport is valid for the entirety of your trip (ideally several months longer).

Tourist visas are also required for all visitors. Entering Cuba without government authorization — your 30-day tourist visa — is illegal, and can result in arrest and serious jail time. If that’s not the kind of wild trip you’re looking for, apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of Cuba.

Canadian citizens can enter Cuba without a visa if the trip is for tourism purposes, but they must have a visa for any business travel.

Medical Insurance

Vaccinations are not required to enter Cuba, though they are always recommended. An immigration officer will check for proof of medical insurance when you arrive. Cuba does not accept U.S. insurance policies. Call your insurance provider to see if you’re covered overseas, or apply for insurance with Cuba’s Travel Insurance organization, Asistur S.A.

Make sure you have full coverage during your trip – not just during your time in Cuba. Read " Going Abroad? This is Why Travel Insurance is A MUST! " Then, get your personalized quote here .

U.S. Citizens need a special license to enter Cuba

It’s important to note that the U.S. government still does not sanction tourism to Cuba. Travel must fall into one of these 12 categories to be considered legal:

Family visit

Official government work

Professional journalism

Professional research (via a business)

Educational activities

Religious purposes

Public performances (i.e., music, theater), workshops, exhibitions, athletic competitions, or aiding a clinic

Directly helping Cuban people

Humanitarian reasons

Research on behalf of a private foundation or a university

Exportation, importation, or informational exchange

Certain transactions (like export) may be considered for authorization.

To learn more about traveling to Cuba as a citizen of the United States, read " How to Legally Travel to Cuba As An American ."

Traveling to Cuba with minors

To prevent child abductions, countries including Cuba have established entry and exit checkpoints. At these checkpoints the parent or guardian will need to provide documentation of his or her relationship to the child. This is not an official requirement of entry into Cuba, but it is recommended that travelers in question have those documents on hand, for an easier entry or departure, and to avoid potential hassles.

Register your trip

A recommendation from the U.S. Embassy in Havana: register with the American Citizens Services Unit before your trip. Visit the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) website to register, or register in person at the very beginning of your visit at the U.S. Embassy of Havana. In a country where Internet isn’t exactly easy to come by, and your cell phone plan will not work, alerting the embassy to your basic travel plans can help your loved ones get in touch with you in case of an emergency, and help the U.S. Embassy find you and potentially rescue you in case of a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Canada offers a comparable service called Registration of Citizens Abroad, with a simple sign-up process to keep Canadians safe in their world travels. Both STEP and the Canadian program also offer travel alerts, so travelers can have up-to-the-moment advisories on security risks. This allows them to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

When you enter Cuba you must provide proof of your departure.

Do your research

This isn’t an official requirement, of course, but ensure that you know the rules that will affect you before your visit. OFAC (Office of foreign assets control) has certain regulations — for example, persons authorized to travel to Cuba may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption. Authorized travelers may also return to the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba as accompanied baggage for personal use. OFAC considers “personal use” of an imported item to include giving the item to another individual as a personal gift, but not the transfer of the item to another person for payment or other consideration. Find up-to-date information on the U.S. Treasury's website.

Read our extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions by travelers visiting Cuba. You can always ask an Anywhere expert to answer your questions and concerns via chat, phone call, or a travel planning request .

When you finally arrive in Cuba, you will (technically) have multiple options for getting around . However, much like gaining entry, this island nation is not without its quirks — it's also not as tiny as travelers seem to think it is when they actually try to traverse it. When traveling around Cuba, we recommend that you book private transportation. If you plan on flying whilst on the island, be sure to book your flights in advance, you do not have to pay a departure tax in Cuba anymore, it is now included in the cost of your airfare.

The most seamless way to plan

Making money as an influencer in Cuba is hard. These dancers found a way

I n late December, half a dozen members of the Cuban dance troupe Los Datway gyrated and twirled to a reggaeton song in a colonial tenement house in central Havana, an iPhone pointed at them as they rehearsed their choreography. Since the group posted a video paying homage to Argentina after the South American nation won the World Cup in 2022, the group’s Instagram account has amassed over 40,000 followers and attracted international coverage from outlets like Mexico’s La Jornada newspaper and French-Congolese site Africanews.

Although the attention has translated to advertising deals with local shops and choreographing gigs with other artists, Los Datway has struggled to make money directly from digital platforms while in Cuba, home to the world’s slowest internet. What’s more, online payment services like PayPal and Stripe are banned as part of the U.S. commercial embargo , and Instagram and YouTube monetization features are unavailable for creators on the island.

Los Datway was born in 2016 when Darién López, a backup dancer for the popular Cuban reggaeton duo Yomil y El Dany, recruited two friends to practice moves in the neighborhood. “I had social media accounts but couldn’t use them because I had no phone,” López, who goes by Chaiky, told Rest of World. Instead, he used a friend’s phone to start posting photos and videos of their dance routines online.

It would take López a full night and a trip to downtown Havana, where the chances of getting a clear signal were better, to upload a video. Even then, it might happen that “a whole day goes by and the video doesn’t get published,” he added.

After winning a dancing challenge by Dominican singer Ozuna and Cuban rapper Ovi in 2021, Los Datway started adding more members to its troupe, which is now made up of 18 dancers and four producers. But there is high turnover. “Some of our dancers are no longer in Cuba,” said López. With 117,000 Instagram followers of his own, López has partnered with local apparel shops to promote their clothing in his videos.

Because online payments from U.S. companies are not available in Cuba, members of Los Datway cannot pay to promote their Instagram account from the island. Instead, they focus on improving the quality of their videos in order to increase their visibility abroad. “It’s a bit harder for us to access the newest” phones, Christian Anderson Delis Guerra, a 23-year-old Los Datway dancer, told Rest of World .

Apple products are unofficially sold and resold on the island, but procuring, operating, and maintaining one can still be a challenge . Basic tools to repair phone screens require an import permit, downloading apps or software updates is complicated because Cuban IP addresses are blocked, and setting up a new Apple ID with two-factor verification requires a non-Cuban phone number.

Monetizing platforms is also a challenge. In most parts of the world, YouTube pays creators about $0.018 per ad view after they hit 1,000 followers and join the platform’s partner program, according to Influencer Marketing Hub , a Copenhagen-based company that specializes in research around the social media and influencer marketing industry. But those monetization tools are disabled in Cuba.

For Los Datway and other artists on the island to make money off their content, they need someone living abroad to provide a foreign address to the platform, receive payment, and wire it back to Cuba. “It’s complicated to actually receive the money,” Zamir Muñoz Hernández, a creator with thousands of views on YouTube, told Rest of World .

The challenges for artists on the island go beyond monetization. Los Datway dancers have to download songs onto their phones to avoid interruptions when practicing their routines. But buying songs, or any digital product, is a hassle, as digital payment systems like Stripe don’t operate in Cuba.

If the dancers want to buy a song from Spotify or YouTube, Cubans are unable to pay for it, Antonio Ramírez Romero, a DJ who goes by ToonAi and works with Los Datway, told Rest of World . Like many others in the country, Los Datway dancers stream and download music through tools like Telegram links, where they find pirated versions of the songs, or Snaptube, a Chinese-based app that rips music files from YouTube videos and allows users to keep the audio files on their phones.

To avoid copyright restrictions, Los Datway dancers use remixed songs. “We have to make our own remixes or special editions so Instagram doesn’t remove our songs,” Ramírez Romero told Rest of World . He said theplatform blocks videos that violate geographical restrictions, so ToonAi is meticulous.

A Meta spokesperson did not respond to questions from Rest of World. Instead, they sent a link to an Instagram page that states the terms of use of the platform’s licensed music library. “Meta is obligated to uphold our agreements with the rights holders of the music that's available in our licensed music library,” it states. “Licensed music may also not be available in certain countries or regions.”

Los Datway’s fame has been a slow burn. Its members believe that if social media removed restrictions for people in Cuba, their popularity would explode. “One of our latest videos has over 272,000 plays. If Instagram features worked well in Cuba, we could easily have 500,000,” López told Rest of World.   ▰

Natalia Favre is an Argentinian photographer and visual storyteller based in Cuba and Argentina.

Daniela Dib is a Rest of World reporter based in Mexico City.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Cuba travel advice

Latest updates: Health - Travel health notice for Oropouche fever in the Americas added.

Last updated: June 17, 2024 11:23 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, cuba - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel.

Resort areas - Take normal security precautions

• Cayo Largo del Sur
• Cayo Santa Maria
• Guardalavaca

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Theft generally occurs in crowded places such as:

• tourist areas
• public buses
• night clubs

It can also occur in isolated areas.

Theft from hotel rooms, particularly in private accommodations ( casas particulares ), and from cars is common.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep electronic devices out of sight
• Carry valid identification at all times
• Keep a digital and a hard copy of your ID and travel documents
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Violent crime

Incidents of violent crime are not frequent, but assaults may occur. They mainly occur during a burglary or robbery.

• Stay in accommodations with good security
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
• If threatened by robbers, don't resist

Credit card and ATM fraud may occur.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Some businesses may try to charge exorbitant prices, namely taxis and classic car rentals. Disputes about overcharging may lead to violence.

• Always confirm prices before consuming or taking up a service
• Avoid running a tab
• Avoid leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill to make sure it’s exact

Some hustlers specialize in defrauding tourists. Most of them speak some English or French and go out of their way to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cigars. Some have used violence in their efforts to steal tourists.

Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers also operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport. Thefts of luggage from taxi trunks have occurred.

In bars, sex workers, including minors, may be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who refuse their advances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been the victim of theft after engaging in sexual relations, and some of them have faced child sex accusations.  

• Use reputable tour operators and registered taxis only
• Avoid independent street vendors
• Be wary of strangers who seem too friendly

Overseas fraud

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including:

• bottled water
• public water supply
• hard-currency

Fuel shortages are currently critical and affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. Intermittent shortages of tap water provided by municipalities happen, including in Havana and in resorts.

Hotels and resorts, that often use generators during power outages, may not be able to maintain their services. Fuel shortages may also affect government services.

Local authorities enforce the rationing of food and medications, which could also affect travellers.

Shortages may lead to disruptions to other essential services. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.

• Plan accordingly
• Bring some basic necessities with you such as toiletries and medication
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Make sure you always have access to a complete emergency kit

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly outside of Havana and touristic areas.

Obtaining services during an outage is challenging.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of sexual harassment

Incidents of sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts.

If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and seek medical assistance. You should also report the incident to Cuban authorities and ensure that local police provide you with a Comprobante de Denuncia. This document confirms that a report has been filed.

A criminal investigation will likely not be possible if no formal complaint is made to Cuban authorities before you depart the country.

Police officers may speak only Spanish.

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor. Connections are unreliable and may be intermittent.

Some Canadian cell phones may not work, even in large cities. Internet access is limited across the island.

Local authorities control telecommunications. They may block access to mobile phone and Internet in case of civil unrest or before demonstrations.

• Don’t rely on your mobile phone for emergencies, especially outside major cities
• Subscribe to and install a VPN service before leaving Canada
• Avoid travelling alone
• Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary

Online transactions

Online banking or shopping may be challenging in Cuba, if at all possible. Most Cuban websites are unsecure. Many are inaccessible.

Some travellers, who bought their travel package online on a travel website in Canada, found out on arrival in Cuba that their hotel received no reservation or payment.

• Avoid online shopping
• Check with the hotel if they accept online reservations and payments if you plan to book online

Demonstrations

Demonstrations sometimes occur, even if taking part in them may be illegal. Local authorities will break up political demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government. They may also block access to the Internet, including social media, without notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic, public transportation.

• Don’t participate in demonstrations
• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents, and riptides are common. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags to warn of hazardous conditions.

• Never swim alone or after hours
• Don’t swim outside marked areas
• Monitor weather warnings
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards.

If you undertake adventure sports, such as diving:

• choose a reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• don’t use the equipment if you have any doubts about its safety

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the navigation rules
• make sure life jackets are available for all passengers
• follow safe practices for all water activities such as jet-skiing, water-skiing or fishing
• don’t overload your boat capacity
• carry a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road safety standards are poor throughout the country. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Road conditions

Road conditions are poor throughout the island, with the exception of the Central Highway, which runs west to east across the country. Driving may be dangerous due to:

• poorly maintained roads
• lack of signage
• Inadequate lighting
• roaming livestock
• horse-drawn carts
• pedestrians
• slow-moving traffic

Most Cuban cars are old and in poor condition. They often lack standard safety equipment. Some cars and most bicycles don’t have functioning lights.

Driving habits

Some drivers don’t respect traffic laws. Many of them, driving an electric vehicle for which licence and registration are not required, are inexperienced and unqualified. Drinking and driving is also common.  

If you choose to drive in Cuba:

• do so defensively at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• travel in groups when possible
• never pick up hitchhikers, who have been known to assault drivers

Public transportation

City buses are scarce, overcrowded and poorly maintained. Bus service is not reliable.

Incidents of pickpocketing are frequent.

Tour companies offer good bus service between airports and the all-inclusive resorts. Buses used for organized day trips from hotels are usually in good condition.

Official taxis are generally reliable.

Old-model private vehicles offered as taxis are not equipped with standard safety features. They have no insurance coverage for passengers in case of an accident.

• Use only registered taxis
• Avoid flagging a taxi down on the street
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Agree on a fare before departure, as taxis are not equipped with meters

The rail network is comprehensive, connecting most of the island, but it’s unreliable and slow. Train service is limited to Cuban nationals only.

Health incidents

The Government of Canada continues to investigate the potential causes of unexplained health incidents reported by some Canadian diplomatic staff and dependents posted to Havana.

There is no evidence that Canadian travellers to Cuba are at risk.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Cuban authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Cuba.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Family visa: required Business visa: required

Tourist card

Canadian tourists travelling to Cuba need a visa, known as tourist card. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. The tourist card is generally included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines providing direct flights from Canada. If you go to Cuba on your own or transit via another country, you are responsible for obtaining the tourist card from a Cuban government office in Canada. You may also buy it at some airports in Canada and in the United States.

Length of stay

As a Canadian tourist, you may stay in Cuba for up to 6 months.

However, you must obtain an extension of stay if you intend to stay longer than the initial 90-day period allowed by the standard tourist card.

D’Viajeros traveller information portal  – Government of Cuba

Arrival form

You must provide information on your arrival in Cuba via an online form within 72 hours before entering the country.

Once done, you will receive a QR code by email.

You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to authorities upon arrival.

Health insurance

You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

• an insurance policy
• an insurance certificate
• a Canadian provincial health insurance card

If you don’t have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn’t satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you may have to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company upon arrival. This insurance may have limited coverage. Local authorities may refuse your entry to the country.

Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won’t pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.

Cuban authorities won’t let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, which are payable by credit card only. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

• Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford
• Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays

More on Travel insurance

Other entry requirements

Customs officials will ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof that you have a place to stay if arriving with “air only” tickets

Dual citizenship

If you’re both a Canadian and Cuban citizen, you must:

• present your valid Cuban passport to the immigration authorities to enter Cuba
• have a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada

If you were born in Cuba, you should contact a Cuban government office in Canada before you leave to ensure compliance with Cuban regulations, regardless of your current citizenship. Failure to do so may result in your being refused entry into Cuba or being detained upon entry.

Canadian permanent residents

You will not be able to leave Cuba if you are a Canadian permanent resident and are without a valid permanent resident card. If your card is lost or stolen, you must contact the Canadian Embassy in Havana to obtain a travel document that will allow you to leave the country. This procedure can take up to 10 working days. Once the document is ready, you'll need to make an appointment with the immigration section of the Canadian Embassy in Havana to collect it before returning to Canada.

Permanent resident travel document: How to apply

Health screening

You may be subjected to a medical screening or interrogation by public health authorities when you enter or exit Cuba, or when reporting for domestic flights.

You may be subject to a mandatory quarantine for medical observation for up to 7 days if local authorities believe that:

• you have come in contact with a suspected carrier of one of these viruses
• you’re arriving from a country with a known epidemic
• Children and travel

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Oropouche fever in the Americas - 17 June, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability.

The health system is government-owned. The Cuban government operates hospitals and clinics throughout the island.

Medical professionals are generally adequately trained. However, facilities are in poor condition. They lack basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment. Hygiene practices may be inadequate.

Medical services are also available at most hotels and international clinics located in resort areas, where doctors and nurses provide initial emergency medical care reserved for foreigners. Health care provided in those clinics is usually better than services offered in public facilities.

Mental health care facilities are extremely limited. There are no hotlines available for this type of care in the country.

Emergency and ambulance services are limited. Response times may be slow, especially outside tourist areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

 Many prescription medications may not be available in Cuba.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring enough of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a paper and an electronic copy of your prescriptions

Cuba faces severe medicine shortages, including antibiotics and common pain killers. In addition of your prescription medication, you should also bring your own basic medicine in sufficient quantities to last beyond the length of your intended stay.

Public health authorities implement insect control measures including periodic fumigation and aerial spraying.

• Consult your doctor before traveling to see if the situation could affect you, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• Stay away from a nearby fumigation process

Death abroad

Standards of mortuary services in Cuba differ from those in Canada. Cultural and religious beliefs are not taken into consideration. Autopsies are mandatory.

There is one funeral home and one morgue in the country which cater to foreigners. Both are located in Havana. Only these facilities have the authorization to issue appropriate documentation to accompany human remains. Timelines for the repatriation of human remains are long and costly.

The capacity for refrigeration is limited, as well as the availability of coffins and urns. Embalming materials and techniques are unlike those in Canada. Embalming may not be an option in some circumstances.

Ensure your insurance includes coverage for the repatriation of human remains.

Death Abroad Factsheet

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Cuba accede the Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Cuba on the Serving of Penal Sentences. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Cuba to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Cuban authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Cuban criminal justice

The criminal justice system in Cuba differs significantly from that in Canada. Charges are not laid until the investigation is complete. If you’re arrested in Cuba, you will likely be detained during the entire period of investigation. You should expect long delays to resolve your case. You will not be allowed to leave the country during this period.

Cuba’s constitution allows the death penalty, but since 2003, the country has effectively had a moratorium on carrying out death sentences.

Investments

Private property rights in Cuba are strictly controlled. Only Cubans and permanent residents can buy a property in Cuba or register a privately owned vehicle. Be wary of strangers or acquaintances offering to purchase these items on your behalf. If you plan on making investments in Cuba, seek legal advice in Canada and Cuba. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Don’t transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Child sex tourism

It's a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Cuba.

Local authorities are actively working to prevent child sex tourism. Tourists, including Canadians, have been convicted of offences related to the corruption of minors aged 16 and under.

Prison sentences for this type of crime range from 7 to 25 years. Release on bail before trial is unlikely.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

 To get married in Cuba, you must provide several documents including:

• your birth certificate
• a copy of your passport
• your decree absolute certificate if divorced
• a death certificate for your spouse and a marriage certificate if widowed
• an affidavit of your single status if you have never been married before

All documents must be translated into Spanish, certified, authenticated and legalised by the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.

 Consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada if you wish to marry in Cuba, including to a Cuban national.

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Marriage overseas factsheet

Drones are prohibited.

They will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.

Photography

Professional photographers require a visa to work in Cuba. They may also need a permit to import their equipment.

It’s forbidden to photograph, including with drones:

• military and police installations or personnel
• harbour, rail and airport facilities

Military zones and any other restricted or heavily guarded areas are not always identified.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Cuba.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Cuba, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cuba.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cuba by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cuba to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Imports and exports

Personal effects and medicine.

Tourists are allowed to enter Cuba with personal effects but items entering the country for donations may be subject to import rules. They could be seized and taxed in accordance with local legislation. This includes:

• new or used material goods
• personal care products
• medications

Cuban customs officials have the authority to decide what they deem to be for the tourist's personal use. They may apply steep tariffs for personal baggage exceeding the allowable weight.

You may export:

• up to 20 cigars without documentation
•  up to 50 cigars if they are in their original container, closed and sealed with the official hologram

If exceeding these amounts, you must provide a guarantee of origin certificate.

Failure to comply with this regulation will lead to the seizure of the cigars without compensation.

Art objects

Art objects, including artifacts and paintings purchased in Cuba, must be accompanied by an export permit. It’s usually provided by state-owned galleries.

In the absence of such a permit, items must be registered with the Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales.

Ministry of Culture – Government of Cuba

Electronic devices

Electronic devices with GPS technology may be confiscated upon entry and returned upon departure.

Satellite telephones are forbidden.

Electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers

You cannot bring electronic cigarettes or personal vaporizers to Cuba.

Customs officials will seize these items upon arrival.

Black market

Street vendors may offer you black-market goods, such as cigars, or ask to change dollars for Cuban currency.

Engaging in black-market transactions is illegal and can lead to difficulties with the Cuban authorities.

Cuban Customs Administration  – Government of Cuba

Boat traffic

The U.S. government closely monitors boat traffic in the Straits of Florida. It will seize any vessel not bearing a licence from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) if it believes it’s headed for Cuba.

You’re subject to these measures if you dock your Canadian-registered boat in Florida. You’ll be exempted if you are simply en route to Cuba via the U.S.

If travelling by boat to Cuba from the US:

• Make sure to know the regulation related to docking and port controls
• Expect thorough search and interrogations

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Traffic accidents

Traffic accidents have led to arrest and detentions of Canadians in the past.

Accidents resulting in death or injury are treated as crimes. The onus is on the driver to prove innocence. If you’re found to bear responsibility in a traffic accident resulting in serious injury or death, you may face up to 10 years in prison.

If you’re involved in an accident:

• don’t leave the scene
• don’t move your vehicle
• call the police

While car insurance is mandatory for foreign drivers and foreign-registered vehicles, it's not for Cuban citizens. As a result, most local drivers don't carry a car insurance. You shouldn’t expect compensation for vehicle damage or personal injury from a Cuban driver following a car accident.

Vehicle rentals

Car insurance coverage in Cuba differs from that in Canada.

Rental agencies are government-controlled. If you’re found to be at fault in an accident, the rental agency will nullify your coverage and seek compensation to cover the cost of repairs.

Cuban authorities can prohibit you from leaving the country unless the rental agency receives payment or until all claims associated with an accident are settled.

Contract agreements don’t cover occasional drivers. As a result, the signatory is responsible for all people driving the vehicle.

• Be cautious if you rent a vehicle in Cuba
• Avoid renting a scooter; thieves target them and you may be responsible for the cost of its replacement
• Make sure to obtain a receipt when returning a rental vehicle

The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP).

Credit cards issued by U.S. financial institutions or affiliated with U.S. banks are not accepted in Cuba.

Canadian credit cards are increasingly accepted at restaurants and hotels. However, the system is unreliable and bank cards may not work or may stop working without notice.

ATMs are rare and also unreliable. Each withdrawal is limited to 5 000 CUP, when possible.

You may obtain credit card cash advances at banks, hotels or a state-run exchange bureau, but in CUP only.

When travelling to Cuba, you should plan to bring enough currency to cover the duration of your stay. You should also plan for small bank notes to facilitate daily transactions such as, street food, taxis and tips.  

You can easily exchange Canadian and American dollars, as well as euros for CUP at:

• the money exchange bureaus in Cuba’s international airports
• major hotels
• official exchange bureaus

It’s illegal to change money on the street or anywhere else other than authorized entities.

You cannot go through Cuban customs with more than 5 000 CUP.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to October.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

Earthquakes

Cuba is located in an active seismic zone.

Earthquakes may occur. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 106
• medical assistance: 104
• firefighters: 105

Consular assistance

Guardalavaca, Varadero

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Cuba, in Havana, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Bob Menendez and Biden’s Cuba Policy

With the ultra-hawkish senator disgraced, what’s stopping Biden from resuming normalization of relations with Cuba?

by Robert Kuttner

June 25, 2024

John Lamparski/Sipa USA via AP Images

Supporters of ending the U.S.-imposed embargo on Cuba rally in front of the United Nations headquarters, October 29, 2022, in New York.

The fall of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the now-suspended chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will produce many benefits, including the likely replacement of the corrupt Menendez with progressive Congressman Andy Kim, who won the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat. But one benefit that has not gotten much notice is that Menendez’s ouster will remove a prime obstacle to normalization of relations with Cuba.

With Democrats having the narrowest of Senate majorities, Menendez, whose family emigrated from Cuba in 1953 before Fidel Castro’s revolution, has repeatedly used his power to warn Biden against any normalization. He bragged in a November 2021 interview with Telemundo that he had blocked the administration from liberalization of Cuba policy. “On the contrary,” he said, “President Biden has tightened our policy against the regime.” And in a recent documentary film called Hardliner on the Hudson , Menendez described himself as the enforcer of a policy of zero liberalization. “If you want my support, I don’t want you making any policy changes on Cuba without consulting me,” he said of Biden.

What would normalization look like? We have been here before, under President Barack Obama.

More from Robert Kuttner

As a candidate for president, Obama courageously argued that the U.S. policy of isolating and impoverishing Cuba with an economic embargo had failed. Obama appreciated that the sanctions were not hurting the regime; they only increased suffering on the part of ordinary Cubans. They also had driven Cuba further into the arms of the Russians as their protectors and had not compelled any political or economic liberalization.

As president, Obama delivered . Just weeks into his new administration in 2009, he relaxed restrictions on remittances and travel. The Cuban government, now under Raúl Castro, reciprocated by liberalizing Cuba’s state-controlled economy.

A new private sector prospered and Cuba enjoyed a boom. The number of self-employed workers tripled between 2009 and 2013.

Then in 2014, Obama and Castro announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations including the reopening of embassies, culminating a 15-month process of secret negotiations brokered by Pope Francis. The agreement included an exchange of prisoners, including intelligence officers. Cubans were permitted to travel abroad, and commercial air service between the U.S. and Cuba was restored.

The embargo against commerce with Cuba, a policy dating to the Kennedy administration, was written into law by the Helms-Burton Act of 1996. But Obama found ways to permit increased commerce to Cuba consistent with the law. He had an ally in the farm lobby, which benefited from increased agricultural exports. Obama also ended the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, which had made it extremely difficult for Cuba to have normal banking relationships to finance imports and exports.

The embargo against commerce with Cuba was written into law by the Helms-Burton Act of 1996.

In 2016, Obama traveled to Cuba, the first U.S. president to visit the island since Calvin Coolidge in 1928. In a major address, with Raúl Castro sitting in the audience, Obama urged both countries to pursue further liberalization and normalization.

It all added up to a stunning reversal of a self-defeating policy. Some in the hardline Cuban American community were outraged, but others were supportive, since the policy allowed them to visit relatives and send remittances, and generally improved the lives of those in Cuba.

But all of this was undone by President Trump. The embargo is now tightly enforced; open travel to Cuba has ended, diplomatic relations are frozen, and Cuba is back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The Cuban economy has suffered accordingly. Since 2021, the number of Cubans seeking refuge in the U.S. has increased to some 500,000 migrants. They have no special status and most have to join the flow of other refugees, paying smugglers to help them get to Central America and then to the Mexican border. The Trump reversion has exacerbated the increased flow of migrants and the attendant problems from that.

In 2020, campaigning for president, Biden promised to restore the Obama policies. But only token reversals have been forthcoming. Cuba is still branded a state sponsor of terrorism; normal diplomatic relations are still suspended, and the economic blockade continues to be fully enforced.

Only in May did the Biden administration make some token adjustments to allow Cuban private entrepreneurs with no connection to the regime to open U.S. bank accounts and to do online banking. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the new measures “limited” and said they “do not reverse the cruel impact and economic strangulation imposed on Cuban families by the genocidal blockade and inclusion in the list of state sponsors of terrorism.”

With Bob Menendez having lost his influence, one major obstacle to Biden carrying out his campaign pledge on Cuba is now presumably gone. So what is Biden waiting for?

My sources suggest two explanations. In the 2022 midterms, some Biden campaign strategists thought the Senate seat of Marco Rubio, another ultra-hard-liner on Cuba, might be vulnerable, and they didn’t want to give Rubio any ammunition. As it turned out, Rubio won handily. There are some who think Florida might be in play this year, so why rock the boat. That also seems wishful.

But the more disappointing explanation is that Biden is of the generation who saw the Castro regime as implacable enemies, and the policy of diplomatic isolation and economic blockade as necessary realpolitik. The same Biden who fondly recalls the labor-Zionist Israel of his youth recalls the Castro of the 1962 missile crisis.

Obama had it right, and Menendez’s displeasure is no longer an excuse. It’s time to resume normalization of Cuba relations.

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Man caught with loaded gun at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport security checkpoint

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A Cuba, N.Y., man was stopped by security officers at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on June 25, when they detected a handgun in the man’s carry-on bag at the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security checkpoint. The .45 caliber gun was loaded with four bullets.

The gun was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. An alert security officer was operating the X-ray unit at the checkpoint when they detected what appeared to be a firearm.  A Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy was notified and responded. Upon arrival, they opened the bag for a closer inspection and the loaded firearm was discovered. The traveler had a valid New York State pistol permit and the weapon was confiscated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

It was the third firearm that the security team at the airport has intercepted at the checkpoint so far this year. In 2023, four firearms were detected at the checkpoint.

Guns are not permitted through the security checkpoint and now the man faces a stiff financial civil penalty from TSA. The penalty for carrying weapons can reach a maximum of $15,000.

“It continues to be disappointing that a licensed and trained New York State pistol permit holder arrived at the checkpoint with a loaded gun, which introduced a potentially dangerous situation that he brought about himself. It’s inexcusable,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York.

“With that said, I appreciate the diligence the officers who detected the firearm at the checkpoint and also recognize the quick response of law enforcement,” he added. “As a result, a deadly weapon was prevented from getting onto an airplane.”

Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case. The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website .

Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and gun owners have a duty to ensure they are not violating any local firearm laws. Additionally, contacting the respective airline could reveal any additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online . Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app , which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA . Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).