How to Travel to Cuba on Family Category
Can Americans Still Travel to Cuba? How to Travel to Cuba from U.s. in 2022
Tin can Americans still travel to Cuba in 2022? The curt answer is yeah. However, unlike your friends from Canada and the U.K., Americans are discipline to sure restrictions. Since "tourism" technically isn't allowed, your trip will demand to autumn into an authorized travel category. You'll also be subject to sure financial restrictions while on the island.
In this article, we desire to answer all your burning questions most going to Cuba with a US passport. The entry requirements to Republic of cuba, including those concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. Why the Support for the Cuban People license gives you more than travel flexibility. The practical tips for Americans traveling to Cuba.
In this guide, we cover all of it.
- Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2022?
- The Entry Requirements to Cuba
- The Step-by-Step Guide Travel to Cuba from the The states
- Practical Tips for Americans Traveling to Cuba
- The Latest Updates to Trump's Republic of cuba Travel Policy
- FAQs Nearly Traveling to Cuba from the Us
Tin can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2022?
The unproblematic answer is aye. It'due south perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. However, you lot will need to meet some requirements.
Specifically, you demand a Cuban Tourist Card (a.g.a Cuban Visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba. You are also required to avoid spending coin at some restricted businesses and to keep your travel receipts and records for 5 years.
We'll fill up y'all in on what you need to do, step by step, to legally travel to Cuba from the US.
What Do You Need to Travel to Cuba with a Us Passport?
Here is a list of entry requirements to Republic of cuba that you lot need to comply with earlier you arrive at a Cuban airport:
1. Valid US passport
You can travel to Cuba with your standard U.S. passport. To avoid any issues while going through customs, brand sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your Cuba trip.
2. Cuba Tourist Card
All visitors to Cuba, regardless of country of origin, need to take a special visa called a tourist card. You'll need to have your tourist bill of fare in manus when you board your flight to Cuba.
How practice you get the Cuba Tourist Visa? You've got a few different options:
A) Directly from the airline
The most mutual method visitors go their Cuba tourist card is by purchasing it straight through your airline.
Each company handles the process a bit differently. Some airlines will include the visa cost in the ticket price, while others will accept you buy it separately. The visa itself costs fifty USD on top of a processing fee between 25-35 USD.
Here are travel visa prices from a few major airlines:
American Airlines: 85 USD (l USD visa fee + 35 USD processing fee) if purchased online. 100 USD (50 USD visa fee + 50 USD processing fee) if purchased in-person at Miami (MIA) airdrome
Delta: 50 USD, buy in-person at the gate.
JetBlue: 50 USD, purchase in-person at the gate.
Southwest Airlines: 75 USD (50 USD visa fee + 25 USD processing fee) can be purchased online or in-person at the gate.
United Airlines: 75 USD (50 USD visa fee + 25 USD service charge), purchase in-person at the gate.
Not all flight search engines acquit flights from the US to Cuba. To price out Republic of cuba flights, nosotros recommend using Skyscanner.
B) Buy the Cuba visa online
If your airline ticket doesn't have your travel visa congenital-in, you can buy information technology separately using the site Easy Tourist Card.
You lot can expect to pay around 144 USD for a 30-twenty-four hours tourist carte du jour, which is more than if you lot bought it packaged in with your ticket.
3. Travel insurance for Cuba
Travel insurance is a requirement for all visitors to Cuba. Your insurance needs to cover whatever unexpected medical expenses you may incur during your time on the isle.
That'southward why there are companies that specialize in insurance just for travelers, like RoamRight. With RoamRight, you'll become coverage for any medical emergencies that might pop up during your trip. Information technology also offers coverage for travel inconveniences like trip cancellation and lost or stolen gear. Ane week of RoamRight costs about 50 USD per person.
4. Valid full general travel "license" to Cuba
All Americans traveling to Cuba need a "license", technically referred to as a "full general license," or a category of authorized travel to Cuba. These categories are divers by the Office of Strange Avails Command (OFAC).
In this article, we indistinctively use "license", "travel license", "general license," and "travel category".
Confusingly, fifty-fifty though information technology's called a license, information technology'southward not actually a license like a commuter's license or even a tourist visa. Information technology'due south not a physical document that you need to bring with you to Cuba.
NOTE: Equally of September 2020, there may exist two travel categories that Practice require a physical document: Professional research and professional meetings; and Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.
Getting a Cuba general license means:
- You've chosen i of the U.S. government's 12 categories for legal travel to Cuba.
- You meet all the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your called category.
Confusing terminology bated, getting your Republic of cuba general license is pretty easy. Take a look at our footstep-past-footstep section below.
5. Cuba travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The electric current travel restrictions to Cuba include proof of COVID-nineteen vaccination. You lot likewise need to bring a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours from arrival, regardless of your vaccination status.
Additionally, all travelers will need to complete the Sanitary Argument.
While in Cuba, you must comply with further restrictions imposed by the Cuban authorities to mitigate the spread of the COVID-xix pandemic:
- Social distancing (5 ft) and face masks are required everywhere.
- Yous may be subject to contact tracing questions or random temperature checks.
- There is limited capacity and operating hours at near tourist facilities.
- Large gatherings are non allowed.
- Travel inside and between cities and provinces may exist restricted.
You tin even receive fines for non-compliance! (Although that would be very rare)
How to Travel to Cuba from the U.s. (Legally): Planning a Trip to Cuba
In that location is so much confusion about exactly what you need to do to travel to Republic of cuba equally an American and the current Cuba travel restrictions. Let's endeavor to simplify the process of planning a trip to Republic of cuba from the US:
- Y'all'll have to select the virtually advisable category of authorized travel to Cuba according to your travel purpose.
- You'll need to create a full-fourth dimension itinerary covered by the selected category of authorized travel to Cuba.
- Y'all may accept to book adaptation in Cuba depending on where you stay equally part of your itinerary. Proceed in mind that y'all must non stay at whatever accommodation listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List.
- You must not spend money at certain businesses in Cuba.
- You'll need to keep your records and receipts for 5 years.
Now, permit'due south go further on each step!
Step one. Cull one of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Republic of cuba
The only step in getting your Republic of cuba general license is to declare the reason for your trip, according to the listing of 12 categories of authorized travel to Republic of cuba. If your trip falls into i of the 12 categories, you're expert to go.
The twelve categories of legal travel under the Cuba General License are:
- Family unit visits
- Official business organisation for the US government, foreign government, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalism
- Professional research and professional meetings (NOTE: This travel category requires an actual license past OFAC)
- Educational activities (Note: This category grandfathered the one time-popular People-to-People Travel "subcategory", which is now prohibited.)
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions (NOTE: This travel category requires an actual license by OFAC)
- Support for the Cuban People
- Exportation, importation or transmission of data or advisory materials
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Certain export transactions
At some point during your booking process, you lot'll demand to declare your category of authorized travel to Cuba.
The Back up for the Cuban People Travel category
We're giving this category its ain department considering it is the about popular for traveling to Cuba from the US. But too, because it may be really disruptive!
Back up for the Cuban People is the best license to employ for Cuba solo trips when any other license does non cover your purpose of travel.
American travelers love this category because, as you lot probably already gleaned from the wording, information technology's pretty vague. You take lots of wiggle room and can pretty much exercise many of the activities yous would in any other Caribbean area country.
Notwithstanding, you will have to demonstrate that y'all've participated in activities that "strengthen Cuban society." Luckily, these activities tend to be fun, and many of them are things you'd probably do anyway.
- Visit museums and historical sites.
- Eat at locally-owned restaurants (paladares).
- Accept Cuban cooking classes.
- Take salsa dancing lessons.
- Tour a tobacco farm and learn how to curlicue Cuban cigars.
- Volunteer with a local system or not-profit.
But the OFAC itself offers the very best example of the type of activities that the Support for the Cuban People category may cover:
An individual plans to travel to Cuba, stay in a room at a rented accommodation in a private Cuban residence (casa particular), swallow at privately-owned Cuban restaurants (paladares), and shop at privately-endemic stores run by cocky-employed Cubans (cuentapropista) during his or her 4-day trip.
While at the casa particular, the individual will accept breakfast each morn with the Cuban host and engage with the Cuban host to learn most Cuban culture. In add-on, the traveler will consummate his or her full-time schedule past supporting Cuban entrepreneurs launching their privately-owned businesses. The traveler's activities promote contained activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Because the individual's qualifying activities are not limited to staying in a room at a rented accommodation in a individual Cuban residence (casa item), eating at privately-owned Cuban restaurants (paladares), and shopping at privately endemic stores run by cocky-employed Cubans (cuentapropista) and the traveler maintains a total-time schedule that enhances contact with the Cuban people, supports ceremonious society in Republic of cuba, and promotes the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities, and that results in meaningful interaction between the traveler and Cuban individuals, the individual'southward travel qualifies for the full general license.
How does it audio?
When it comes to planning your daily schedule in Cuba, you're technically supposed to spend almost eight hours a day doing activities to back up the Cuban people. That said, information technology's not like an American official will be calling you each day to verify your schedule, so don't stress almost it.
Instead, selection out some of the activities mentioned in a higher place and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cuban civilisation. Later on y'all tackle the logistics of visiting Cuba as a United states citizen, be sure to add together lots of fun activities as well!
Step 2. Book a flight to Republic of cuba
One time you defined the license yous volition use, y'all'll be ready to book your tickets to Republic of cuba. Skyscanner is a flight search engine where you tin can detect flight deals to Republic of cuba. Keep in mind that after December ten, 2019, Usa airlines are authorized to fly only to Havana airport.
Footstep three: Program your itinerary in Cuba
Now the fun part begins!
Whichever category y'all chose for your travel license will have a large touch on on your itinerary, even if you want to be on your own backpacking Cuba.
If you determine to travel under the "Support the Cuban People" category, your schedule is completely up to yous. Take a await at the suggested activities in the previous section to aid you build out your schedule.
If you are renting a car in Cuba to finish by in all the fantastic places in Republic of cuba, avert Via Rent A Machine considering the company is owned past the Cuban military.
You can also review the tours available on our website!
Footstep iv: Book accommodations in Cuba
Side by side, you'll need to set a place to stay, according to your itinerary. Yous may be able to stay in some hotels, resorts, and casas particulares.
However, we highly recommend renting a room in a casa particular because they give you an accurate Cuban feel at an affordable price. Check out Skyscanner for the latest listings.
IMPORTANT: Continue in heed that yous must not stay at certain accommodations listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List.
Pace 5. Don't spend money at restricted businesses
U.s.a.-Republic of cuba relations accept improved over the last decade, but the U.s.a. Treasury Section doesn't similar Americans to spend money merely anywhere in Republic of cuba.
In fact, the Treasury keeps a list of businesses that Americans must non requite coin to. Most of these businesses are owned by the Cuban war machine or security services, which the US nevertheless has a frosty relationship with. You tin see the full, updated list here.
By the mode, if you need aid understanding the super complicated dual currency arrangement in Cuba, read our handy guide to Cuban money.
Step 6. Keep your receipts and records for 5 years
For upwardly to 5 years later on your Cuba trip, the Us Regime can ask you nigh your travel records and receipts.
This sounds kind of spooky, but anecdotally, it doesn't seem to happen very often. But it's better to exist safety than sorry, so keep your records stored in a condom place for 5 years in case y'all're questioned about your trip.
Bonus Tip for Americans Traveling to Cuba: Stick to Private
Book tours directly from local guides
Cuba is filled with bout guides ready to innovate y'all to the island, its culture, and history. Plus, there are tours for everyone–from riding around Havana in a vintage car to horseback riding in rugged Viñales or hiking in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
Withal, proceed in mind that non all tour guides are reputable. Republic of cuba has simply recently begun to experience a huge burst in tourism–particularly from the U.s.–, and at that place are lots of people looking to turn a profit off tourists. To avoid getting scammed by fake or unprofessional guides, you should only book tours through legitimate local guides. And if they practise a good chore, don't forget to tip them!
Bout Republic offers exciting adventures all over the island led by skilled local guides. You'll exist in good hands!
Stay in casas particulares
Casas particulares (private houses) are like the Cuban version of bed and breakfasts.
They're owned by Cuban families who rent out rooms for a daily fee. Not only are they more affordable than staying in a hotel, simply they likewise offer a much more than authentic Cuban experience.
Plus, many casas even offer home-cooked breakfast in the morning. You tin stay in a casa for effectually 20-l USD/night.
As a precaution, delight review the latest Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to make sure that your casa detail is not on the listing of prohibited accommodations.
Eat at paladares
Paladares are private restaurants owned by Cubans who have a passion and talent for fine Cuban nutrient.
Menus at paladares accept more than diverseness and better service than Cuba's government-endemic restaurants. The toll of dining in a paladar varies depending on how fancy or downward-to-earth the place is. Only generally speaking, you can expect to pay between x-30 USD per repast. By the style, check out our full breakdown of a realistic trip to Republic of cuba toll.
At habitation, you're probably used to using websites like Yelp to help you decide where to eat side by side, merely the Internet is limited in Cuba. Thus, we recommend bringing a travel guide like this 1 from Solitary Planet instead.
Please, check out our food safety guide for more information on how to stay healthy in Cuba and save some bucks on your trip.
Ride in private taxis
When you flag down a taxi in Republic of cuba, you lot'll observe ii dissimilar taxis: state taxis and private taxis (almendrones).
Land taxis are owned and operated by the Cuban government, while private taxis are run past individual taxi drivers. Chances are, the almendrones will take hold of your centre considering many of them are the colorful, beautifully restored vintage American cars that have become synonymous with Cuba.
Support the local businesses
If you travel to Republic of cuba nether the Back up for the Cuban People category, y'all'll need to support local Cuban businesses during your trip.
Supporting local businesses includes staying in casas particulares, eating at paladares, attending a performance by a local musician or artist, or taking a cooking or salsa dancing class.
FAQs About Traveling to Cuba from the U.s.a.
Here is a list of the well-nigh common questions on how to travel to Cuba from the US. We want to proceed this commodity updated, so please let united states of america know if we should another question!
Is at that place a Cuba travel ban?
The Usa government hasn't imposed a universal Cuba travel ban. As a US citizen, yous can yet travel to Cuba nether ane of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba
Tin can I travel to Cuba independently every bit a U.s. citizen?
Americans don't demand to visit Republic of cuba as part of organized groups necessarily. You can travel independently under whatever of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba.
How practice I obtain an OFAC general license to Republic of cuba?
A "general license" or travel category is not an actual newspaper that you need to obtain. You just need to make up one's mind which authorized travel category to get with. Then, just declare it while booking your trip to Cuba.
Withal, this recently inverse for two travel categories that now crave an bodily license past OFAC:
- Professional person inquiry and professional meetings.
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.
What represents a full-time schedule of activities under a category of authorized travel to Cuba?
Technically, your schedule should include six to 8 hours a day of activities to fulfill the requirements of your general license. As far equally we can tell, American tourists are not usually questioned about their schedules upon returning to the US. Nevertheless, yous should exist prepared just in example it happens.
Is there any requirement to how you spend your evening in Cuba?
There aren't restrictions for what you do during the evening in Havana as long every bit you've fulfilled the requirements stipulated by OFAC Cuba travel regulations.
Are you allowed to do only typical tourist activities, like swimming at a beach in Cuba?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. You can't go to Republic of cuba just for its beautiful beaches. The OFAC is very explicit: y'all must non engage in mere tourist experiences. Here is an example of a trip that is NOT considered past the Support for the Cuban People category:
"An individual plans to travel to Cuba, rent a bicycle to explore the neighborhoods and beaches, and engage in cursory exchanges with local beach vendors. The private intends to stay at a hotel that does not appear on the Republic of cuba Restricted List.
The traveler's trip does not qualify for this full general license because none of these activities promote independent activity intended to strengthen ceremonious society in Cuba"
How can you spend your money equally a Usa citizen traveling to Cuba?
In that location'south no limit on how much money you can spend while in Cuba. The places you lot choose to spend coin practise matter, though. American visitors can't spend money at businesses linked to the Cuban armed services. See the full list of restricted businesses on the State Department's website.
What most the sonic attacks against Americans in Cuba?
If you paid attention to the news the past couple of years, you probably recollect hearing stories about American diplomats in Republic of cuba suffering from mysterious "sonic attacks." Rumors about these attacks sparked the Country Department to issue a travel alert.
As of the writing of this article, no American visitors to Republic of cuba have been targeted by sonic attacks, so you lot should be merely fine during your trip.
Overall, Cuba is an extremely safety country to visit, especially compared to other neighboring countries in the Caribbean.
The Concluding Step
Once you overcome some of the challenges of traveling to Cuba, you'll discover that the isle is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind place to visit.
Keep this handy guide open while planning a trip to Cuba, and don't forget to read our 50 travel tips to Cuba. Republic of cuba is an exciting, unforgettable, (and perfectly legal!) destination for Americans to visit. As long equally you follow the guidelines we outlined in this article, you will have a smooth, seamless trip.
And now that nosotros've put to rest those rumors about a Cuba travel ban, information technology'due south time to go packing!
Disclaimer: Legal information is not the same as legal communication. Although we exercise our absolute best to provide legal information that is both useful and accurate, we recommend consulting with a lawyer if you demand bodily legal communication.
Source: https://www.tourepublic.com/blog/how-to-travel-to-cuba/
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