Exploring the Vibrant Charms of Cuba: A Guide on to Navigate the Travel Requirements

I truly wanted to go to Cuba for my birthday this year.  We had a group of friends that wanted to and my kids were on board.  My kids really wanted to see the country of their grandparents.  I still have my Mom’s address book and I wanted to take copies so we could visit the families residential locations.  I would have loved to find the department stire windows where my parents met and the cemetery were some of my family is laid to rest.

The dream came tumbling down when I saw how difficult it can be to get to Cuba.  Americans can travel to Cuba but not as tourists and there are several considerations before embarking on a trip to Cuba.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the situation regarding travel to Cuba can change, so it’s always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information from official sources such as the U.S. Department of State or the Cuban Embassy.

Currently, Americans can travel to Cuba under specific categories, including family visits, official government business, journalistic activity, professional research, educational activities, religious activities, public performances, sports competitions, and humanitarian projects. These categories allow for different types of travel with various requirements, so determining which category applies to your situation is essential.  Here are all the reasons that allow travel to Cuba:

The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba include:

• Family Visits
• Journalistic Activity
• Professional Research and Meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious Activities
• Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Exhibitions, Athletic and Other Competitions
• Support for the Cuban People
• Humanitarian Projects
• Activities of Private Foundations, or Research or Educational Institutes
• Official Business of the U.S. Government, Foreign Governments, and Certain Intergovernmental Organizations
• Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information
• Authorized Export Transactions

Travel from the US to Cuba is limited.  American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, jetBlue, and United are the only airlines that I could find that travel to Cuba.  There only a few airports that eligible U.S citizens traveling to Cuba can find non-stop service from the following airports:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas
• Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida
• Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida

If you are eligible to travel under one of these categories, you will need to plan your trip accordingly. This may involve getting the necessary documentation, such as a visa or permit, and making arrangements for accommodations and transportation. Additionally, you will likely need to keep records and follow certain guidelines during your stay in Cuba.

As of my knowledge up to July 11, 2023, here are some general travel requirements for visiting Cuba. Please note that travel requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to consult official sources or contact the Cuban embassy for the most up-to-date information.

1. Visa: Most travelers will need a tourist visa, also known as a tourist card or Cuban visa, to enter Cuba. You can usually obtain this card through travel agencies, airlines, or the Cuban embassy/consulate in your country. Make sure to check if your nationality is eligible for visa exemption or if you need to apply in advance.

2. Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Cuba.

3. Health Insurance: All visitors are required to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay in Cuba. This can be obtained either through a travel insurance policy or by purchasing a Cuban health insurance policy upon arrival.

4. COVID-19 Requirements: As of May 12, 2023, the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

5. Currency: Cuba has a specific currency system where tourists generally use the convertible Cuban Peso (CUC) or the Cuban Peso (CUP). It’s recommended to bring some cash with you, as credit and debit cards issued outside of Cuba might not be widely accepted.

It’s also important to note that financial transactions can be a bit more complex when traveling to Cuba, as there are restrictions on the use of U.S. credit and debit cards. Therefore, it’s advisable to have cash on hand, either in U.S. dollars or euros, to cover your expenses during your stay.

The U.S. government has implemented a set of regulations known as the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to govern financial transactions with Cuba. Under these regulations, American travelers are required to adhere to specific guidelines. While I can provide some general information, please keep in mind that these regulations might evolve over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or consult with a travel agent for the most up-to-date information.

Here are a few key points regarding financial restrictions for American travelers to Cuba:

1. General licenses: In the past, American travelers had to apply for specific licenses to visit Cuba. However, under the current regulations, general licenses are available for certain travel categories. This allows visitors to travel to Cuba without obtaining a specific license, as long as their travel falls within one of the authorized categories.

2. Authorized travel categories: These categories include family visits, educational activities, religious activities, humanitarian projects, professional research, public performances, and more. It’s important to make sure your travel purpose aligns with one of these categories.

3. Financial transactions: American travelers are allowed to spend money in Cuba, but there are restrictions on certain financial transactions. Travelers are advised to use non-U.S. financial institutions, such as credit cards issued by international banks, to avoid any potential issues. It’s recommended to do thorough research and consult with your bank before traveling.

4. Cash transactions: It’s advisable to carry enough cash during your travel to cover expenses, as some U.S. credit or debit cards may not work in Cuba. ATMs and banking services might have limitations, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.

Please note that the information provided here is general in nature and subject to change. It’s always best to consult official resources, such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning your trip.

There are insurance requitments for traveing to Cuba.  Squaremouth recommends travelers visiting Cuba buy a travel insurance policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage. Squaremouth has a Cuba Travel Insurance page which provides more information and specific policy recommendations for travelers planning to visit the country.  This informaation is current.

Remember, it’s always best to check with official sources such as the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date travel requirements before planning your trip.