Traveling to Cuba in 2024
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Traveling to Cuba from the US is something that can be confusing as the policies and procedures change frequently. In 2024, it is discouraged, but still technically possible to travel to Cuba from or through the US if you follow some specific parameters.
Americans traveling to Cuba from or through the US for tourism are not allowed. There are, however, 13 reasons that travel to Cuba from or through the US is permitted.
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activities
- Professional research or professional meetings
- Educational activities
- People-to-people exchanges (for travel-related transactions purchased before June 5, 2019)
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic or other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
American travelers might qualify to use the “support for the Cuban people” category as a reason to visit Cuba. Anyone who does this must provide a detailed itinerary of the planned visit. Your itinerary must detail how it will fulfill the terms of support for the Cuban people as well as how it will contribute to Cuba’s local economy. This itinerary may be requested by the Cuban government or the Cuban authorities when you enter Cuba.
While you are in Cuba, exercise common sense. Avoid illegal drugs, follow directives of the local police, use reputable tour operators, monitor local media, avoid any areas that are experiencing a surge in violent crime, and in general, follow Cuban law.
Are there overwater bungalows in Cuba?
An acceptable itinerary might include the following: staying in casas particulares (locally run guesthouses), patronizing Cuban-owned businesses, taking Cuban-run tours, visiting independent museums and galleries, and eating at locally owned restaurants.
Reasons for travel are self-qualifying, meaning that when you purchase your airfare, you’ll be asked to state your category in a signed affidavit before checkout.
US travelers are required to keep a copy of their itinerary and all travel receipts (including your airline ticket) from Cuba for five years. American citizens are forbidden from staying in Cuban government-run hotels, they can stay in casas particulares. Direct flights make recordkeeping easier by showing direct entry from the US.
What you need to travel to Cuba
- A valid passport is required to enter Cuba
- Valid visa or Cuba tourist card which can be obtained through your airline and will cost you somewhere between $50-100 USD (for non-Cuban-born travelers). You can buy a tourist card online or at Miami (MIA) before departure. This allows for a single-entry 30-day stay in Cuba.
- Health insurance that covers Cuba which costs $25 and is typically included in your airfare. Make sure this policy includes medical evacuation.
- Cash (few US-issued credit and debit cards are accepted in Cuba so it’s essential that you travel with an adequate amount of cash for the duration of your trip)
You can visit Cuba in 2024, but regulations change frequently, so be sure to check for travel restrictions that affect travellers before booking your airline ticket.
Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.
