I’m planning a trip to the Caribbean and I’ve always been interested in visiting Cuba because of its rich history, culture, and architecture. However, I’m a U.S. citizen and I know there have been various restrictions and changes in policy over the years regarding travel between the United States and Cuba. I’ve heard conflicting information from different people – some say Americans can’t go to Cuba at all, others mention something about specific categories of authorized travel, and I’ve also heard about people going through third countries like Mexico or Canada. I’m confused about what the current laws actually are. Can U.S. citizens legally travel to Cuba? If so, what are the requirements, restrictions, or specific categories I would need to qualify under? Are there particular types of travel that are permitted while others aren’t? Do I need special licenses or documentation? And are there any restrictions on spending money there or bringing back goods?

Can U.S. citizens legally travel to Cuba?

Yes, U.S. citizens can legally travel to Cuba, but with restrictions.

Current Legal Framework

U.S. travel to Cuba is regulated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. While tourism is prohibited, travel is permitted under 12 authorized categories.

The 12 Authorized Travel Categories

1. Family visits – Visiting close relatives who are Cuban nationals or residents

2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations

3. Journalistic activity – Professional research and media coverage by journalists

4. Professional research and professional meetings – Attendance at professional meetings, conferences, or participation in professional research

5. Educational activities – Includes:

   • People-to-people educational travel (must involve full-time schedule of educational exchange activities)
   • Academic studies and research
   • Participation in educational programs sponsored by Cuban educational institutions
   • Teaching, scholarly research, or professional meetings at Cuban academic institutions

6. Religious activities – Participation in religious activities by religious organizations

7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

8. Support for the Cuban people – Activities designed to support civil society in Cuba and the Cuban people’s entrepreneurship

9. Humanitarian projects – Activities related to the provision of support to the Cuban people

10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials

12. Certain authorized export transactions

Requirements for Travel

Self-Certification

Travelers must self-certify that their trip fits one of the 12 authorized categories. They must maintain a full-time schedule of activities related to their chosen category and keep records for five years.

Documentation

• Valid U.S. passport
• Cuban tourist card (visa), typically provided by airlines or obtained through Cuban consulates
• Proof of category eligibility (receipts, itineraries, etc.) must be retained for 5 years

Travel Arrangements

• Direct flights operate from several U.S. cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, New York, Charlotte, and others
• Cruise ship travel was prohibited in June 2019
• Private yachts and aircraft face restrictions

Financial Restrictions

Spending Limits

• No specific daily spending limit, but expenditures must be consistent with authorized travel activities
• Cannot spend money at businesses on the Cuba Restricted List, which includes many military and government-controlled entities

Prohibited Entities

The State Department maintains a list of Cuban entities with which direct financial transactions are generally prohibited, including:

• Many hotels operated by Cuban military or intelligence services
• Certain stores and tour operators
• Government-controlled businesses

Payment Methods

• U.S. credit and debit cards have limited acceptance
• Cash (U.S. dollars, Euros, or other currencies) is often necessary
• ATM access is extremely limited for U.S. cardholders

Historical Context

Pre-1960s

Unrestricted travel between the U.S. and Cuba

1963

Travel restrictions implemented under the Trading with the Enemy Act following the Cuban Missile Crisis

2011-2016 (Obama Administration)

• Significant easing of travel restrictions
• Expansion of general license categories
• Reinstatement of people-to-people educational travel
• Direct commercial flights resumed
• Cruise ship travel authorized

2017-2020 (Trump Administration)

• November 2017: Restrictions tightened, requiring individual people-to-people travel (group tours no longer qualified under general license)
• June 2019: Cruise ship and private aircraft travel banned
• Cuba Restricted List expanded
• Educational group travel limited
• Remittances restricted

2021-Present (Biden Administration)

• May 2022: Some restrictions eased
• Group people-to-people educational travel reinstated
• Increase in flight frequencies authorized
• Remittance limits relaxed
• Family reunification processing resumed

Practical Considerations

Health Requirements

• Proof of health insurance that covers Cuba (Cuban or third-party insurance available at airport)
• Vaccination requirements vary

Length of Stay

• Tourist cards typically valid for 30 days
• Extensions possible through Cuban immigration authorities

Enforcement

• Violations can result in civil penalties up to $65,000 per violation
• Criminal prosecution possible in egregious cases
• OFAC conducts audits and investigations based on documentation requirements

Common Travel Categories Used

People-to-People Educational Travel:

• Must involve meaningful interaction with Cuban people
• Full-time schedule of educational activities required
• Cannot include free time or leisure activities as primary purpose
• Must be organized by authorized organizations or self-organized with detailed itinerary

Support for the Cuban People:

• Staying at private accommodations (casas particulares)
• Eating at privately-owned restaurants (paladares)
• Using private transportation
• Engaging with independent Cuban entrepreneurs

Regional Variations

• Havana: Most visited destination, most infrastructure
• Viñales: Agricultural region, popular for ecotourism
• Trinidad: Colonial architecture, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Santiago de Cuba: Cultural and historical significance
• Varadero: Beach resort area (most hotels on restricted list)

Airlines Operating U.S.-Cuba Routes

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Airlines (seasonal)

Cuban Entry Requirements

• Valid passport (must be valid for duration of stay)
• Cuban visa (tourist card or other appropriate visa)
• Proof of medical insurance
• Completed health declaration (may vary)
• Return ticket

Record-Keeping Requirements

Travelers must retain for 5 years:

• Specific records demonstrating the travel category
• Receipts for all transactions
• Itineraries and schedules
• Names and contact information of Cuban nationals with whom you met
• Description of activities undertaken