How to travel to Cuba: travel tips from an expert. Photo of classic colonial architecture houses and a bright green classic American car.
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How to travel to Cuba: Must-know Tips From An Expert (2024)

It is not like traveling to Cuba is brain surgery – BUT it can be very rewarding to research some expert Cuba tips for travel when you are going to this particular destination for the first time.

I have traveled to Cuba regularly for five years and have some tips for how to travel there. Things like researching the rules and regulations for your nationality, visas, vaccines, cash, Wi-Fi, transport, and accommodation will help you avoid holiday troubles.

Planning and preparing will also improve your overall travel experience and make sure you get to have all the fun stuff.

Affiliate disclosure: I only recommend tours, services and purchases I know and love on this website.
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Cuba Tips For Travel Planning

Havana Cuba
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Cuba is a bucket list destination for many people, which I absolutely understand – and I agree. I first arrived in 2019 and was quickly mesmerized.

You probably know about the revolution in 1959, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, the US invasion, and maybe the missile crisis in 1962?

And the blockade and the international sanctions that have been going on for almost 60 years.

The history, as well as the current international and domestic situation, will impact your stay, which is why planning before a trip to Cuba is so important.

Find out as much as you can beforehand to make sure everything goes smoothly and the holiday is all yours to enjoy.

Cuba Tips For Travel | How To Get A Visa For Cuba

Cuban authorities offer a variety of visas to visit Cuba, including for business people, students, health travelers, and journalists, to name a few.

The most common is the tourist visa – also called a Cuban tourist card.

Cuban Tourist Card (Tourist Visa)

A Cuban tourist card is not difficult to get. You buy a Cuban tourist card, you don’t need to apply for one, as it is a formality.

You can stay in Cuba for 90 days on one tourist card, which you can also extend while in the country for another 90 days.

Also read: How to get a tourist card for Cuba By An Expert (Easy Guide)

Cuba Tourist Card Online

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Cuban tourist cart

A Cuban tourist card, also called a tourist visa, can be purchased at the Cuban embassy in your country, from selected airlines, tour companies, or an online provider.

Easy Tourist Card is the one I use. They will provide you with a Cuban tourist card that you buy and pay online and have worldwide tracked delivery in 1-3 days.

Tourist Card From A Cuban Embassy

If you check out the website of the Cuban embassy in your country, you will find out how to buy a Cuban tourist card from them, and they will send it to you.

The price may vary between countries; for example, the Cuban Embassy of Norway charges $45 for a 90-day tourist visa.

Cuban Tourist Card From Airline & Agent

You can buy a Cuban tourist card from your selected travel agents or at some airports.

The price may be higher, but it is convenient and requires no extra work beforehand. Please check with your airport of origin or travel agent if that is an option for you.

If you fly American Airlines from Miami to Cuba, you can easily buy your tourist visa next to the check in counter. American Airlines has daily flights from Miami to Havana.

In the worst-case scenario, if something goes wrong, you should be able to buy a Cuban tourist card at the airport when you arrive. However, I would not recommend that as your plan A, as there may be relevant factors connected to your nationality or travel origin.

I have never tested this myself, so I can not vouch for this option.

How To Fill In The Cuban Tourist Card

You will receive the visa as a blank form, and you will need to fill in the details yourself before arriving at your Cuban destination airport.

A tourist visa is valid for a 90-day stay and can be extended in Cuba for a total of 180 days. You only have one entry on your visa, so if you travel out of and back into the country within the visa period, you will need to buy a new one.

How To Extend A Cuban Tourist Card

A Cuban tourist card can be extended at one of the many local immigration offices in Cuba by showing up, and some selected hotels also offer the service.

The process of visa extension when in Cuba is a little peculiar.

You will need to go to a post office and buy $25 (625 CUP) worth of postal stamps (the price for a tourist visa extension) and bring them to the office of immigration. This is your form of payment when you go to get your visa extended.

In Havana, the immigration office is in the Vedado neighborhood on Calle (street) 19 between Calle J and K. You do not need an appointment to go here; you just show up and stand in line.

To extend your visa, you also need to show:

  • The booking confirmation of where you are staying
  • Your travel insurance
  • Your passport
  • Possibly your COVID-19 vaccine status

Cuban Tourist Card For US Citizens

There are some different rules that apply to US citizens or anyone flying via a US airport.

The most important factor is that US citizens can not legally go to Cuba as tourists and must instead choose between 12 authorized reasons for visiting Cuba.

These 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; and
* Certain authorized export transactions.

The most common reason for a visit for American citizens is “support for the Cuban people”.

Please go to your Ministry of Foreign Affairs web page for US travel advice to Cuba to check your options.

US citizens and travelers flying via US airports need a pink Cuban tourist card, not the standard green issue. If you fly from or via the US, make sure your Cuban tourist card is in the correct category.

You can now make your health declaration for entry to Cuba online on this page.

This only takes a few minutes and is ready instantly, but at some airports, you will have to show the approval at check-in in the form of a QR code sent to your email immediately after submission.

The best thing to do is to complete this form before check-in.

Travel To Cuba From The US
The view of Parque Central in Havana from Iberostar Parque central rooftop bar and restaurant, on a bright sunny day.
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Parque Central Havana

If you are a US citizen departing from airports other than Miami, I recommend you make sure you have a little extra time in case you encounter someone who is not familiar with the regulations.

I had had issues traveling from the US to Cuba only one time, when I departed from Memphis, TN, flying via Miami to Havana.

This resulted in me losing my flight, as the check-in guy used more than 30 minutes to verify that I was eligible to travel to Cuba, and by that time, the check-in had closed.

Check airfares to Cuba with Skyscanner!

How To Get A Cuban Visa For Other Reasons

Other visas you can apply for to go to Cuba are:

  • Family visa. This is applicable if you want to visit family, friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, or spouse. You need to submit the name and address of the person you want to visit, but you do not need to have your accommodation at this address. This visa is valid for 90 days, and you can also apply for an extension for another 90 days – a total of 180 days. The Cuban Embassy in your country can help you with the application.
  • Journalist visa. This is issued for foreign journalists traveling to Cuba for work purposes. The journalist has to request authorization for this type of visa from the press office at the Cuban Embassy. Once authorized, they may apply for the visa at the Cuban consulate.
  • Business visa. This is issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to Cuba to conduct business. As with the Journalist Visa, the applicants have to get authorization for a Business visa from the commercial office at the Embassy of Cuba before applying for the visa itself at the consulate.
  • Cuba work visa. This is issued to foreign nationals who have a work contract with a Cuban company or organization, such as technicians and scientists.
  • Student visa. To be eligible for a student visa, you need to be enrolled in a learning institution that validates such a visa. Taking a short language course normally does not validate a student visa.
  • Cuba medical treatment visa. This is issued to foreigners who travel to Cuba for treatment in a Cuban medical institution.
Check Visa Regulation With Governmental Pages Online

For more in-depth information about visas to Cuba, you may get information at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or google your query.

Your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will probably also have updated travel advice for Cuba on its official web page.

Again, if you are a US citizen, you can visit the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs web page for information.

Below is an example of an approved family visa valid for 90 days. This type of visa will be inserted into your passport.

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#image_title

Which Countries Do Not Need Visa For Cuba?

There are currently 18 countries whose citizens do not need a visa to visit Cuba.

Citizens of these countries can visit Cuba with only a passport but are still subject to different rules and regulations for their visit. This includes the duration of the stay for the visa-free visit, which varies.

A minimum of $50 per person per day will be checked upon arrival in Cuba for visitors of the nationalities listed below from visa-exempt countries:

EXEMPT FOR 90 DAYS WITHOUT A CUBAN VISA:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Russia
  • Serbia

EXEMPT FOR 60 DAYS WITHOUT A CUBAN VISA:

  • Grenada
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

EXEMPT FOR 30 DAYS WITHOUT A CUBAN VISA:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Belarus
  • Mongolia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Singapore

EXEMPT FOR 28 DAYS WITHOUT A CUBAN VISA:

  • Barbados
  • Dominica

UNDISCLOSED PERIOD OF TIME:

  • Namibia

Cuba Tips For Travel Vaccinations & Health

Different countries or regions may have different requirements for vaccines and health advice when traveling to Cuba.

General Cuba tips for travel vaccinations you may consider should encompass Hepatitis A and diphtheria/tetanus. For longer stays, you might also consider the vaccine for typhoid fever.

Further vaccines to consider are measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shots. Hepatitis B vaccination is relevant if you have new intimate relationships, are planning to get a tattoo or piercing, or have had any medical procedures done.

Zika outbreaks have been reported in Cuba. For further information on recommendations regarding Zika, please visit the CDC Zika Virus page.

Check with your national governmental travel advice on your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs web page if anything, in particular, applies to you.

Normal pharmacy items may be hard to find in Cuba, so it is smart to bring a small travel pharmacy with common remedies you are likely to need.

For example, painkillers, stomach pills, mosquito repellent, and ointments are likely to be needed on a holiday in the Caribbean.

Covid In Cuba Now

Cuba is completely open for travel.

Also, there are no requirements for a PCR test or valid vaccine certificate to enter Cuba, but you need to fill out an online personal health declaration form before arrival.

As a traveler, you will be responsible for a health event, so make sure you have travel insurance in order (see more below on travel insurance).

Check the WHO site for information about Cuba travel.

Cuban Climate And Weather

When Is Hurricane Season In The Caribbean? Tropical storm on a Caribbean beach
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The Cuban climate pretty much has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season is also referred to as the hurricane season.

Hurricane season officially runs for six months, from June 1st to November 30th, but in June or July, the odds of a tropical storm are very low. The highest risk of hurricanes is highest between mid-August and early October.

When a tropical storm is approaching, the locals prepare by closing stores and putting up protection on doors and windows.

If this happens while you are there, ask your hotel or host for advice on what to do and what measures to take.

Temperatures are decent all year round, but in the summer months, you may encounter “excruciating heat” of 34-35 degrees Celcius or more, combined with the Caribbean humidity.

During the months between October and March, the temperature spans from (10) to 15 degrees Celcius to 30 degrees Celcius; the air can still be humid, and the water temperature is more chilly.

Check out the world climate guide Climates For Travel for more information on Cuban weather.

Cuba Tips For Travel & Superior Cuba Packing List

There are a few important things that are smart to put on your Cuba packing list for your holiday that you need to know. Cuba’s temperatures and climate are one factor; it is hot and humid all year, but summertime ROCKS both.

Also, Cuba is still a rather closed society deprived of common commodities. There are a lot of things you will not be able to buy, not even in Havana.

Common pharmacy, hygiene, and cosmetic items are examples of things that are hard to find.

Remember Travel Insurance For Cuba!

You need valid travel insurance for Cuba for the duration of your stay, as you need it for all destinations.

In Cuba, you must make sure your travel insurance covers health issues and medical treatment should you need it. For this travel season, your travel insurance must have general health coverage.

When you arrive in Cuba, you may be asked to provide documentation on your travel insurance. This has happened to me only once.

If you do not have one at this point, you will be required to register and buy a Cuban travel insurance package at the airport before you can get any further.

Medical Travel Insurance (IMG) scores 4.6 on Trustpilot, and offers 16 different travel insurance plans for different types of travelers.

“Although one hopes never to use travel insurance, IMG was a godsend throughout our ordeal. We couldn’t have done it without your continued assistance.”
JOAN D. UNITED STATES

If something happens to you in Cuba, there are international hospitals that will take care of you until your eventual repatriation.

Bookmark the US Government list of hospitals in all major destinations in Cuba.

Your Arrival In Cuba & Passport Control

Remember to fill out your personal health form that you need to show along with the passport control in Cuba. You can do that online on this page.

When arriving at your Cuban airport, you will be asked to display your passport, your visa for Cuba, and possibly a filled-out custom disclosure form that you will be provided with during your flight.

You might also be asked to show proof of travel insurance, which is mandatory to enter Cuba.

Be prepared to explain the nature and duration of your stay at passport control. They might also ask you about your departure date, so be prepared to show your ticket out of the country as well.

The departure date should not exceed 90 days from your entry date if you travel on a tourist visa.

Do not panic if the lines and luggage seem to take forever; things may go smoothly or take time. It is all normal.

The efficiency of Cuban airport is variable; be prepared to wait for your luggage for 30 minutes up to a few hours.

Checked-in luggage may also be scanned when you exit the baggage claim area when you leave, so make sure you comply with the rules and regulations regarding what you are allowed to bring into Cuba.

Airport Code For Havana Cuba

José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba, is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the heart of the city.

This airport serves as Cuba’s main gateway to the world and is the largest airport in the country, handling over 5 million passengers annually. numerous airlines from various countries operate at this airport.

The airport’s IATA code is HAV, and the ICAO code is MUHA respectively.

Getting Online In Cuba

It is a lot easier to go online in Cuba than just a few years ago, as the coverage of Wi-Fi hotspots and Wi-Fi in hotels and casa particulares is expanding fast.

When you arrive in Cuba, however, you will be offline as your foreign phone will not connect to the 4G network, and you can not buy Wi-Fi scratch cards at the airports.

When you get to your casa or hotel, you might have complimentary Wi-Fi at your accommodation, or you might buy cards at your accommodation.

If not, you need to get yourself an Etecsa scratch card (€1 for 1 hour at the official price, more expensive in the street).

Then go to a Wi-Fi hotspot (hotel or park), open Wi-Fi on your phone, connect to Etecsa, and insert your username and password from the cars, and you will be online.

Be aware that there are a lot of pages and services you will be excluded from when you are trying to enter from a Cuban server due to ongoing sanctions.

If it is important to you to enter all your social media, bank, or other services that might be banned, I recommend you get yourself a VPN service before your Cuba trip.

Cuba Tips For Travel & Transportation

In Cuba, there are bus companies, taxi options, train services, domestic flights, bike-, and car rentals.

Cuba Bus Services

Several companies in Cuba offer bus services, but you would be wise to stay with the national intercity bus company Viazul.

They are relatively reliable and have a relatively good-standard bus park. You can also book bus tickets online from home or in Cuba and pay securely online with your credit card.

You should just be at the bus station one hour before departure. Remember to bring your passport (and water and snacks)!

Note: US credit cards are not valid in Cuba, so you cannot pay with a US credit card or withdraw money from Cuban ATMs.

Transport From The Airport

As there are no airport express trains or buses, you can either find a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange for someone to pick you up.

If you are traveling with a travel agency, you need to check if they are providing you with transport from your airport.

The Jose Marti International Airport is located just outside of Havana, a 30-ish minute taxi trip from the city center.

If you are arriving in Havana but going to other destinations, the Viazul bus company does have departures from Jose Marti Airport to other destinations. Viazul also operates from the airports at Varadero and Holguin.

There are normally plenty of taxi drivers available outside the arrival gate. The price to be taken to the door of your hotel/casa in Havana is €25-30.

If you pre-book a pick-up at the airport from your casa particular, the price normally also will be €25-30.

Taxi in Cuba

There are several ways to go about taking a taxi in Cuba. In the cities, you can hail one on the street, but know that there are no meters or online payment.

Make sure you agree on the price of where you are going before getting in.

For short distances, like within Old Havana or city centers, you can also get a bicycle taxi; you find them roaming around or waiting in parks or street corners (700-1000 CUP for around 5-6 blocks).

For long-haul taxis, you can do the same, but you can also book (and sometimes pay) online for these taxi trips.

The Complicated Cuba Currency Situation

After January 2021, only the Moneda National, also called Cuban Peso or CUP, is valid in Cuba.

Changing your money into CUP can only be done in Cuba. The Cuban currency is NOT traded internationally; it is illegal to take out of Cuba and cannot be acquired from banks outside the country.

You should bring a lot of cash to change into CUP in Cuba, mainly in euros or dollars, which can be exchanged in exchange offices.

You can also change with local Cubans, and they will give you a better price than the official offices do. Be aware that counterfeit money does exist, although it is uncommon.

There are ATMs (cajeros) easily available in Cuban cities, but you can only withdraw the Cuban Moneda Nacional, CUP. No foreign currencies are available in Cuban ATMs.

You can also use your credit card in Cuban MLC stores (governmentally-owned shops). In these stores, you can pay with credit cards only, not cash.

Again, be aware that American credit cards are not valid in either restaurants, shops, or ATMs.

Tipping In Cuba

Tipping in Cuba, or giving propina as it is called in Cuban, is very welcomed.

Also, tipping in Cuba is quite normal everywhere, like in a store or to a taxi driver, not just in a restaurant or café. So, if you feel like giving a little extra to anyone who is serving you somewhere, please do!

Where Should I Stay In Cuba?

Accommodation is available in Cuba in all sizes, standards, and types. It all depends on your preferred destination, budget, and/or what kind of experience or holiday you want.

If you want to live in a fancy big (or small) hotel and do not mind paying the bucks, that is easy, and there are many online providers where you can research and book your stay.

Large hotel chains have several hotels and resorts across Cuba. T

Choosing large hotels and resorts as your accommodation will probably give you a great beach holiday, but it will distance you from getting to see and experience much about what the country and people have to offer.

Choosing to stay at a Casa Particular on the other hand may not provide you with the “hotel luxury”, but will give you a more authentic feel of the Cuban culture and way of life.

What Is A Casa Particular?

A casa particular is a privately owned home rented out by a Cuban family, where you can live like a Cuban, closer to the real Cuba!

Why Choose A Casa Particular?
a typical room in a casa particualr with decorations and strong colors in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
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Cuban casa particuar in Cienfuegos

If you don`t just want to hang poolside but want a more authentic experience, this can be a good option for you.

You can book your Casa Particular either through Airbnb, Hostelworld, Expedia, or with travel agents specializing in Cuban travel.

There are also a lot of actual hostels in Cuba that you can also find on Hostelworld. If you are a younger traveler and/or on a budget (and like to be social), this might be perfect for you.

By choosing this option, you will probably get to know like-minded travelers from all over the world, but not many Cubans, if that is relevant to you.

How Is The Food In Cuba?

Cuban food has a bad reputation, a myth that is no longer valid. Tou can have great food experiences in Cuba, both with local food and international courses.

The problem might be that a lot of foodstuffs are in short supply, and you can expect that restaurants and paladares (privately owned restaurants) often lack several of the items on the menus.

As a short-term traveler, you will be best off eating out at paladares (privately owned restaurants), or at your hotel restaurant.

Eat Breakfast In-House When Possible
Casa Particular rooftop breakfast table in Cienfuegos, Cuba, with fresh juices, coffee, fruits, cheese, ham, and more on a sunny morning.
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Casa Particular rooftop breakfast

Most casa particulares or apartment hosts with Airbnb will offer a very decent breakfast. This is a safe and very convenient service you might want to consider to start your day in the best way possible.

You can buy fruits and vegetables in season from vendors in the streets, and if you wash them, normally, this is a safe option for you. Other foods, such as proteins, meats, fish, and eggs, are harder to get a hold of outside of restaurants and resorts.

In Cuba, it is not recommended to drink water directly from the tap. You can buy bottled water, but it may be in short supply and difficult to find for some periods.

Maybe buy a water bottle with a filter to bring with you?

Is Cuba Safe For Tourists?

In general, Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists, and violent crimes against tourists are not very common.

There are severe penalties for Cubans committing crimes toward foreigners, as much of the country’s revenue comes from tourism.

However, like in many other destinations, you should still be vigilant about petty crimes such as pickpocketing.

You may want to make a copy of your passport to have in your purse (or photo on your phone), and leave your passport in a safe at your hotel or casa particular along with other valuables you want to keep safe.

Close your pockets and bags, and be aware when walking in crowded areas and streets – like you always would.

In case of theft, robbery, etc., you need to report this to the police immediately.

This is important for your insurance claim later, but also, if you lose your passport, you probably need a copy of the police report to get issued a new passport or temporary travel document from your embassy or consulate.

Ask your hotel or your host for advice regarding the specific location you are visiting to find out about “do`s and don`ts” you should be aware of!

The risk of terror attacks in Cuba is assessed as low.

No 1 Cuba Tips For Travel Is To Speak Some Spanish!

This really is one of my most precious Cuba travel tips. In Cuba, most people only speak Spanish.

In the cities, you can find people that speak a little English. On rare occasions, you will meet someone who speaks well, but in general, Spanish rules in Cuba.

This has a lot to do with the fact that all TV and most music and movies are in Spanish or dubbed into Spanish.

The essence of this for you as a visitor to Cuba means that it is SUPER smart to learn some Spanish before you come. There are several ways to go about this, but at least downloading an app or translator is smart.

What are you going to do in Cuba?
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Fun Travel Tips Cuba

The stunning white sands of Varedero beach and the surf on a bright sunny day
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Varadero Beach

Dancing In Cuba

It would almost be a crime to visit any city in Cuba without letting yourself be swept off your feet on the dance floor at least once.

Multiple dance clubs and Casas de la Musica exist, and even if you plan to just go to “watch,” the guys there probably have a different opinion.

The argument that you don`t dance will not keep you off the floor, so you might as well just give in at once.

A lot of tour operators offer salsa classes if you just would like to get a taste of what that feels like. You can book both before or during your stay.

You can learn several of the most popular dances in Cuba, including some classes of Lady Styling if you would like to give your elegance level a Latina-style crash course!

Restaurants And Bars

In the major cities in Cuba, you will find a number of very nice restaurants and bars.

In the smaller places, you will also find a variety of places to eat, but these might be family-run places, not a lot of gourmet restaurants. Not to say that the food might not be super nice!

Throughout Havana, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, or just little cafes behind small doors in the streets. Read my awesome restaurant guide, and check out my best tips on Rooftop bars and restaurants!

El Cafe in Old Havana, with high ceilings, elegant white and light interior, and people enjoying a coffee, snack, or breakfast.
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El Cafe in Old Havana

Watersports In Cuba!

As Cuba is a Caribbean island, it goes without saying that there are miles and miles of beaches and white sand around the island.

Apart from lounging on a beach chair, you can opt for day trips with catamarans, go snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing, and a lot more.

If you are staying in a larger hotel, they either have such services available or will help you book with a tour company or service provider.

NB! Protect Your Skin Against The Caribbean Sun!

SPF, SPF, SPF!

Anyone spending time in climates that can be tough on skin and hair knows the importance of taking care of both.

Number one on the list is of course SPF of at LEAST 30 (or even 50), but also moisture and serums help you keep your skin healthy.

Below is a list of what I use every day to protect my skin in this climate at the age of 47 and counting.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a dermatologist, hence this is my advice based on my own user experience – not education or (my own) science!

FAQs Cuba Travel

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?

This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba.

Americans can choose a reason for Cuba travel among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US Government.

Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?

Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to help the Cuban people”.

American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba.

What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?

You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens here.

The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”. There is no paperwork or application process connected to this; you just choose your reason and state that reason if anyone asks.

What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?

Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba apart from hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and enjoy the Cuban culture.

US citizens need to choose one of the pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba and need to buy the PINK tourist card, also called a tourist visa.

Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.

What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?

You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:

  • Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
  • Tourist card/tourist visa
  • Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
  • Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey

Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?

No, there is no requirement for specific vaccines prior to entering Cuba.

Your country’s health department probably has recommendations for what vaccines you should consider before entering Cuba.

How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?

You can buy a tourist card online from Easy Tourist Card or from the Cuban embassy in your country.

You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure. It is possible to buy a Cuban tourist card at Miami International Airport at the check-in counter with American Airlines and Delta Airlines.

How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?

A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:

  • Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
  • Buy one from your airline if they offer this
  • Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
  • Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country

Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?

Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now.

American citizens need to, in addition, choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling in Cuba.

Recommended Reading



News and Web Pages

oncubanews.com (Spanish)

oncubanews.com (English)

miamiherald.com

independent.co.uk

reuters.com

aljazeera.com

www.granma.cu (not a secure page; visit the page address if you want to)

www.cubatoday.com (not a secure page; visit the page address if you want to)

Wrap-Up Cuba Tips For Travel This Season!

After traveling regularly to Cuba for five years, I have done my best to give you my best tips for travel so you will have hassle-free holiday planning, a journey, and a wonderful holiday.

Hopefully, you now have all you need to plan an epic Cuba holiday!

Related blog posts:

Is Female Solo Travel In Cuba Safe? A Local Woman’s Advice

Cuba Trips From US: How To Travel To Cuba From US

Sensational 7 Days In Cuba Itinerary By A Local

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