2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Casas particulares Beaches Travelling around Self drive Families Tips Responsible tourism All our Cuba guides

Vacations for US Citizens in Cuba

Whether you're keen to check out the vibrant streets of Havana, relax on the country’s sublime beaches or just get to know the Cuban people, travel to this Caribbean nation is still straightforward from the United States, despite President Trump's increased travel restrictions, announced in November 2017. Read our guide to find out more information about how US citizens can travel to Cuba.

Home\Caribbean\Cuba

Vacations for US Citizens to Cuba

For over 50 years Cuba was pretty much off limits to US citizens thanks to a 1962 trade embargo. Then, after Barack Obama’s 2014 reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, travel restrictions loosened, and major airlines began offering direct flights from the US.

Donald Trump's administration then rolled back some of these changes making it harder for US citizens to travel to Cuba. In 2019, the US Treasury Department placed further restrictions on US citizens by halting educational 'people-to-people' chaperoned group tours run by US tour operators. Travelling to Cuba by cruise ship, private yacht and fishing vessel also became much harder for US citizens.

Commercial flights from the US continue to be permitted. Tours run by non-US holiday companies also continue to be permitted. Independent travel is also allowed as long as travellers stay in homestay accommodation - casas particulares - and support the Cuban community.

So, it’s still perfectly possible for Americans to travel to Cuba – whether travelling on a tour or independently - as long as they support the Cuban community and use a non-US tour operator. What’s more, US citizens will find a warm welcome and people keen to engage and share their stories on the street and in their own homes.

If you are worried about travelling to Cuba or just keen on finding out more information, please get in touch so we can put you in contact with one of our specialised Cuban tour operators.

See all our Cuba Holidays

Give us a call

Our Cuba Holidays

Choosing your category

As was the case under Obama, all US citizens visiting Cuba have to travel under one of 12 categories; and while in Cuba they can’t have dealings with businesses on the US State Department’s Cuba Restricted List – all of which have links to Cuban military's business arm, Grupo de Administración Empresarial (GAESA). Official rules also state that they’re required to document their trip to prove they were in Cuba for one of the 12 reasons.

If you’re keen to travel around Cuba you’ll need to book a holiday with a non-US tour operator under the 'Support for the Cuban People' category. This will ensure that the tour follows regulations, including a full schedule of cultural activities.

Visiting under the Support for the Cuban People category is a more flexible way to travel. You can visit Cuba independently or with the help of a non-US tour operator, as long as you use privately owned businesses (casa particulares and local restaurants, for example), and avoid transactions with businesses on the restricted list. Under this option, you’ll be able to design an itinerary yourself, the activities you can take part in are more varied, and you don’t need to travel in a chaperoned group - as was the case with people-to-people group tours.

Taking an
organised tour

Taking an organised tour

While it’s certainly possible to travel under your own steam, having a tour operator organise your trip is a far easier option, whether you want an individual tailor made tour or to travel in a small group. It’ll help you avoid the hassle and uncertainty of designing your own compliant itinerary, as this is done for you – and the operator will help you sort out the required documentation, too. All of Responsible Travel's Cuba tour suppliers for US citizens offer trips under the Support for the Cuban People category.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Cuba or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Call us until 5.30pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us until 5.30pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Visas

Every US traveller needs a visa (known as a tourist card) issued by the Cuban government. You can either buy the tourist card in advance from an authorised US agency (your tour operator will be able to recommend one) or buy it at the airport when you check in for your flight to Cuba. As long as you’ve been travelling under an approved category there should be no problem having a Cuban stamp in your passport.

Flights & insurance

You can still buy direct flights from the US to Cuba. Airlines plying the route include JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, United and Southwest. When buying your flight, you’ll have to certify that your travel is authorised under one of the approved categories.

All overseas visitors to Cuba must have a travel insurance policy in place with sufficient cover for medical evacuation by air. Although some US health insurance policies cover you when you’re abroad, you should buy separate health insurance for Cuba. In most cases your tour operator will be able to provide this for you or point you in the direction of a reliable supplier; alternatively, you can buy Cuban government medical insurance when you arrive at the airport.

Flights & insurance

Money

Cash is king in Cuba, and credit and debit cards issued by US banks, as well as American Express travellers’ cheques, don’t work here, so you’ll need to bring money with you. If you’re worried about carrying large amounts of cash, choosing an organised tour where all accommodation and activities and many meals are included can be an easier option.

The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUP) is a handy currency for US citizens as one CUP is equal to one US dollar. Do note, however, that there is a 10 percent charge on exchanging US dollars here, on top of the regular currency exchange fee.

More about Cuba

Best time to visit Cuba

With temperatures hovering between 20 and 35C, and the water bathtub warm all year round, Cuba has a classically cosy Caribbean climate...

Cuba travel guide

Few nations have the romance of Cuba; a beautiful, tropical island that fought its way out of capitalism led by charismatic comrades...

Cuba itineraries

Cuba is bigger than you think. If you’re planning to spend a week or two here then take a look at our interactive map to help you choose a route...

Things to do in Cuba

Cuba's charms are not all cultural; its natural wonders have been recognised by UNESCO, including the ethereal, karst-filled Valley of Vinales...

Cubas casas particulares

Casas particulares in Cuba are the original Airbnb: homestays with Cuban families in a network that stretches across the country...

Beaches in Cuba

Cuba has 5,700km of coastline, so there are quiet beaches, beaches for water sports, reefs to snorkel, deserted coves and family friendly facilities...

Cities in Cuba

Our favourite cities are Havana, with its classic Malecon, 'Pearl of the South' Cienfuegos, and labyrinthine Camaguey, designed to confuse pirates.

Travelling around Cuba

Our mini guide reveals the pros and cons of public and private transport, self drive options and classic cars when planning your Cuba holiday...

Self drive holidays in Cuba

A self drive holiday in Cuba offers independence, flexibility and an extra little pinch of adventure, as you explore at your own pace.

Scuba diving holiday in Cuba

Diving in Cuba reveals a marine culture that is just as fascinating as the one on land: a rainbow of reef fish, sponges and turtles.

Guide to Cuban Salsa dance holidays

Salsa in Cuba derives from other dances such as son, mambo and cha-cha-cha, all infused with distinctive Afro Cuban beats.

LGBT Cuba holiday advice

Communism may hold the promise of equality for all, yet as Cuba’s LBGT community can attest, this is far from the truth.

What is the food like in Cuba?

Cuban food is bad, isn’t it? According to our travellers, by staying in casas particulares and eating in paladares, you’ll experience a different story.

Revolutionary Trail

Cuba’s Revolutionary Trail traces the story of one of the 20th century’s most significant events.

Cuba with kids

As with most Latin countries, Cuba welcomes children with open arms. But it does so without malaria, altitude or crime; this is a fab family spot.

Cuba travel advice

We have asked destination experts to share their insider Cuba tips and anecdotes with us, from what to eat and pack, to staying in casas particulares.