Americans Can Travel to Cuba Following Some Simple Rules
Without going into a full history lesson, the relationship between the US and Cuban governments has led to the USA having specific rules for Americans traveling to this beautiful Caribbean island. The U.S. Department of State: “Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited, and U.S. federal regulations restrict travel to Cuba to licensed travelers engaged in certain specified activities.” Note that this has changed over the years so always check the current travel advisories.
While a travel agency can make sure everything is planned and booked according to the USA’s regulations, it often comes with a much higher price. Good news: you can independently plan and book this trip, and I’ll show you how!
Check out my post on visiting Vinales, Cuba.
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story may include affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.
What is different about planning a trip to Cuba?
Americans can’t simply go to Cuba as a tourist — you need to be traveling for one of 12 very specific purposes. For example, “Support for the Cuban People.” Here are some other things know about visiting Cuba:
- The USA does not allow you to use credit cards or debit cards in Cuba — you need to bring cash.
- The USA does not allow you to bring home cigars or alcohol.
- Cuba requires you to purchase a Travel Card — about $100 per person.
- And, of course you need a valid passport.
How to "Support the Cuban People?"
First, do not book any state-owned hotels or resorts. You can find a list with a simple Google search. I found it easiest to book everything through a locally owned excursion company or cases particulars. We used Riding Vinales for a full day horseback riding tour and they also booked our transportation, lodging, and other activities. I highly recommended having your excursion or casa host organize your trip!
DO:
- Document your itinerary and keep it for five years.
- Plan an itinerary with 6-8 hours per day with a local: breakfast at your villa, guided tours, private transfers, farm tours, visit to National Park headquarters, etc.
- Save receipts or take photos of each receipt.
- Stay in casas particulares and have them do your currency exchange.
DO NOT:
- Do not stay in state-owned hotels.
- Do not dine in state-owned restaurants.
- Do not lounge on a beach chair all day.
How to pay for things when your credit cards and debit cards don't work in Cuba?
Cash is king in Cuba. And, they take US dollars so that part is easy. We paid for our tours, accommodations, and lodging at our villa when we arrived. This was helpful so as not to have as much cash in our money belts/purse. Other helpful tips:
- Exchange your US dollar for Cuban pesos at your villa or activity company for the best rate. It seems counterintuitive that paying in USD is more expensive, but when you get restaurant bills in USD and Cuban pesos you will see what I mean.
- Detailed planning will help you know how much cash to bring along + some extra.
- Don’t exchange your cash all at once — you don’t want to get stuck with unused Cuban pesos.
This sounds so simple, what else do you need to know?
- Book an accommodation with hot water, a safe, and air-conditioning.
- Buy your Travel Card ahead of time to save a little money and hassle. We purchased ours for $85 per person + shipping through a link from American Airlines.
- Fill out Cuba’s arrival information two-days in advance of arriving and get the QR code.
- If you bring donations, call them “gifts.”
- Pack some snacks because there aren’t really convenience stores or grocery stores.
- You can get a SIM card just outside of the airport, or connect in some of the restaurants, or enjoy being unplugged!
- If you go to Vinales, be prepared for a long and bumpy ride — so worth it.
- Only use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Visited in November 2023
