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. And while the Trump administration has rolled back some of these changes, it’s still perfectly possible for Americans to travel to Cuba – whether travelling on a tour or independently. What’s more, US citizens will find a warm welcome and a people keen to engage and share their stories.
Our Cuba Holidays
Cuban casa holiday
Go local in Cuba staying in friendly family B&Bs throughout.
From
£1198
15 days
ex flights
Cuba holiday, culture and nature
A mix of nature and culture; discover what makes Cuba tick
From
£1425
15 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural tour, 9 days
Fun and legal tour for American travelers
From
US $1600 to US $2000
9 days
ex flights
Trekking holiday in Cuba
Hiking and exploring the unspoiled national parks of Cuba
From
£270 to £580
4 days
ex flights
Cuba tour, The Revolutionary Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries
From
£1925
10 days
ex flights
Classic Cuba cycle holiday
Cycle Cuba - Beaches, Mountains and Revolution!
From
£1999
15 days
ex flights
Self drive Cuba family holiday
Family holiday Cuba for parents & children
From
€1590 to €2990
15 days
ex flights
Small group tour to Cuba
Discover the fascinating diversity of Cuba
From
US $1130 to US $1245
20 days
ex flights
Cuba self drive holiday
Get a taste of the real Cuba on your own road trip!
From
£1445
15 days
ex flights
Classic Cuba holiday, 11 days
Get into the Cuban swing over just ten days.
From
£1145
11 days
ex flights
Cuba highlights holiday
Explore Havana, visit tobacco hills & doze on dreamy beaches
From
£735
8 days
ex flights
Cuba adventure tours
Authentic Cuba using guesthouses and local guides
From
US $425 to US $490
8 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural holiday
Immerse yourself in Cuban culture on this 8 day adventure
From
US $690
8 days
ex flights
Cuba small group holiday, 8 days
Explore the history and the nature of the Caribbean wonder
From
US $2350
8 days
ex flights
Cuba highlights and beach holiday
Balance Cuba’s culture & natural beauty with sunny paradise.
From
£1585
15 days
ex flights
Discover Cuba holiday, 15 days
Experience the real Cuba on this 15 day cultural adventure
From
US $1360
15 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural holidays, 15 days
Fun and legal way to experience Cuba's diversity
From
US $2250 to US $2550
15 days
ex flights
Skyline Trail cycling tour in Western Cuba
Cycle the spectacular Syline Trail through Western Cuba
From
£1199
8 days
ex flights
Cuba tailor made holiday, nature and culture
Explore the highlights of Castro's Cuba
From
£2390
14 days
ex flights
Cuba small group vacation
Authentic small group trips to Cuba
From
US $2400 to US $2600
9 days
ex flights
Small group backroads and beaches tours to Cuba
Explore off the beaten track locations
From
£1599 to £2685
9 days
inc UK flights
Scuba diving and tour in Cuba
Scuba diving and roundtrip Cuba with homestays and/or hotels
From
€995 to €1790
15 days
ex flights
Cuba tour, small group
Discover the old and new faces of Cuba
From
£2230 to £2590
21 days
ex flights
Mexico & Cuba Tour
Fun, sun, history and culture in Mexico and Cuba.
From
£3610 to £4225
22 days
ex flights
Cuba on a Shoestring small group holiday
Discover Cuba, from historic Havana to Trinidad
From
£638 to £785
8 days
ex flights
Choosing your category
Choosing your category
As was the case under Obama, all visits by US citizens to Cuba should involve meaningful interactions with Cuban people and help to strengthen civil society in Cuba. US citizens have to travel under one of 12 categories; and while in 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 visit Cuba under either the People to People Travel or Support for the Cuban People category. The former involves taking a chaperoned group tour sponsored by a US organisation, accompanied by a US representative to ensure that the tour follows regulations and documents activities, and with a full schedule of cultural activities.
Visiting under the Support for the Cuban category is a more flexible way to travel. You can visit Cuba independently or with the help of a 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 group. As with Person to Person tours, all activities and transactions should be documented.
Taking an
organised tour
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. Tour operators offer trips under both the Support for the Cuban People and the Person to Person categories.
Our top Cuba Holiday
Cuban casa holiday
Go local in Cuba staying in friendly family B&Bs throughout.
From
£1198
15 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Cuba or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Visas
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
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.
Money
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
With temperatures hovering between 20 and 35C, and the water bathtub warm all year round, Cuba has a classically cosy Caribbean climate...
Few nations have the romance of Cuba; a beautiful, tropical island that fought its way out of capitalism led by charismatic comrades...
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...
Cuba's charms are not all cultural; its natural wonders have been recognised by UNESCO, including the ethereal, karst-filled Valley of Vinales...
Casas particulares in Cuba are the original Airbnb: homestays with Cuban families in a network that stretches across the country...
Cuba has 5,700km of coastline, so there are quiet beaches, beaches for water sports, reefs to snorkel, deserted coves and family friendly facilities...
Our favourite cities include Havana with its classic Malecon, Cienfuegos - the 'Pearl of the South', and labyrinthine Camaguey - designed to confuse pirates...
Our mini guide reveals the pros and cons of public and private transport, self drive options and classic cars when planning your Cuba holiday...
A self drive holiday in Cuba offers independence, flexibility and just that extra little pinch of adventure, as you explore at your own pace...
Diving in Cuba reveals a marine culture that is just as fascinating as the one on land: a rainbow of reef fish, sponges, turtles and gorgonians...
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...
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...
We've explored some of the big issues facing this little island, from the end of communism to the dual currency; donating goods and keeping an open mind...
Find all of our Cuba guides in one place, for different types of Cuba holidays we offer such as scuba diving or walking in Cuba.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Nick Kenrick] [Top box: vxla]
[meaningful interactions: Gareth Williams]
[Chaperoned group tour: Mary Newcombe]
[Casa particlualr: Dirk van der Made]
[Taking an organised tour: Mary Newcombe]
[Visas: Fredrik Enestad]
[Flights - Delta airlines: Delta News Hub]
[Money: Mauro Parra-Miranda]
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