Legal Travel to Cuba for Americans [2025]

While all visitors to Cuba require an e-visa to visit the country (this is a requirement of the Cuban Government), if you’re a US citizen or resident, you can travel to Cuba. However, there are additional requirements for your trip. Specific regulations and restrictions are applied to your travel by the US Government.  Your trip must fall into one of the 12 categories of authorised travel to Cuba, and this doesn’t include “tourism”.  It is a simple process that I’ll outline in this article; it usually only requires checking a box on a form provided by the airline you fly to Cuba with and retaining your records for a period of five years.

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Note: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Travelers should consult with legal counsel or the OFAC website for the most current information.

Americans can travel to Cuba.  But not for tourism purposes.  Americans and those under US jurisdiction (i.e., US Residents) must satisfy the US government’s requirements that they travel only for specific purposes and not tourism, and that they do not stay at Cuban government-owned hotels and resorts.  In reality, this means checking a box on an airline booking form.

Since July 8, 1963, Americans have been restricted from traveling to Cuba for Tourism.  This was detailed in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.  This regulation imposed a trade embargo on the island.

There are requirements placed on your visit by two parties – the US Government and the Cuban Government

The US Government requires you to

• Self-certify that you are traveling to Cuba under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel.
• Not spend money at certain restricted businesses (Cuban Government or Cuban Military-owned hotels, resorts, and businesses). Here’s those lists.
  • https://www.state.gov/division-for-counter-threat-finance-and-sanctions/cuba-restricted-list
  • https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list/
• Keep your travel receipts and records for five years.

An announcement from President Trump restated these policies on 30 June 2025. Read it here.

The Cuban Government requires that you

• Purchase a Cuban evisa
• Purchase Health travel insurance
• Complete customs and health declaration forms – the D’Viajero

It’s actually relatively simple, but let me lay out the details for you.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Yes.   You can fly directly from the USA to Cuba.  You do not need to fly via a third country.  You do not need to join a guided tour, and you do not need to travel as a group.  However, the US Government does NOT allow Americans to travel to Cuba as “tourists”; they must have a specific reason for travel. This reason has to be one of the 12 categories of travel that I have outlined below, which the US government publishes freely.

It is not complicated.  The vast majority of Americans who travel to Cuba easily select one of the 12 categories of travel (usually “support for the Cuban people”) – you can read my guide to travel under support for the Cuban people here.

Legal travel to Cuba is possible for Americans, but there are some regulations and restrictions applied by the US Government that must be taken into account.  Historically, there have been restrictions on flights from the USA to Cuba.  These are no longer in place.  There have also been restrictions on the type of visit that Americans can make. 

In essence, your travel should avoid Cuban government-run hotels and businesses.  It should use privately owned hotels and businesses (i.e., those that support the Cuban people).

There are two lists that you need to read. These are hotels and organizations that the US Government doesn’t want you to use.

• The list organisations that the US Government does not want you to transact business with (that’s here)
• And the list of hotels. That’s here.

The US Government’s list specifically says “*** Entities or subentities owned or controlled by another entity or subentity on this list are not treated as restricted unless also specified by name on the list. ***“.

The Viazul Bus does NOT appear on this list. If you’re planning on traveling by Viazul Bus, as an American, then as of July 2025 you CAN. My guide to the Viazul Bus is here.

This guide covers the current legal ways to travel to Cuba as an American. 

What to Know about Traveling to Cuba as an American

Over the years, there have been many and differing restrictions for Americans wishing to travel to Cuba.  This was simplified with the creation of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba for Americans.  There have been some minor amendments over the years, but in essence, selecting one of the 12 categories allows Americans to travel to Cuba.  Legally. 

Support for the Cuban people

Most American visitors use “Support for the Cuban people” as their reason for travel to Cuba.  And it is easy to travel this way in Cuba.  You can stay at a Casa Particular owned by a Cuban.  (Think Airbnb room and home rental).  Eat at locally owned and run restaurants.  Take tours with locals.  (book online with Civitatis to prepay and prebook – yes, even with your US credit and debit cards)

This is all permitted on a trip that is designated as “support for the Cuban people”.

12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba for Americans

As an American traveling to Cuba, you need to work within the restrictions of the US Government, which has defined 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba.  The vast majority of those Americans who travel to Cuba utilize the category of “Support for the Cuban People”.  This category provides for American citizens to travel to Cuba as long as you’re supporting local businesses.

These are the authorized categories of travel to Cuba.  You can see the link and its date validity from the US Government here.

1. Family visits
2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and international organizations;
3. Journalistic activity;
4. Professional research and professional meetings;
5. Educational activities;
6. Religious activities;
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
8. Support for the Cuban People;
9. Humanitarian projects;
10. Activities of private foundations or research, or educational institutes;
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials;
12. Certain export transactions.

You may be asked when you’re booking your flight to Cuba or your accommodation as to what your reason for travel to Cuba is.  You simply state which of the above categories it is.  It is usually, for the vast majority of American travellers, “Support for the Cuban People”.

Restrictions on American Travel to Cuba

While the 12 authorised categories of travel I outlined above make it in some ways easier to travel to Cuba as an American, there are some restrictions on your travel.  These are restrictions applied by the US Government.  They are not restrictions that are enforced by the Cuban Government.

Americans cannot take Cuban Rum and Cuban Cigars back to the USA

American citizens cannot import Cuban Rum or Cuban Cigars back into the USA.  There are no restrictions on buying, drinking, and smoking them while in Cuba.  So you might as well read my guides to Cuban Rum and Cuban Cigars.

Americans cannot stay at certain hotels and resorts in Cuba

American citizens are prohibited by the US Government from staying at certain hotels in Cuba.  These are hotels and resorts that are owned, or part-owned, by the Cuban Government or the Cuban military.  The US Government publishes a list of these hotels and resorts.   You can find that here.

Hotels that are owned by private Cuban citizens are NOT off limits.  Neither are private apartment and home rentals.   However, as the number of hotel booking sites for Cuba is severely restricted, booking them is often difficult.    Airbnb operates in Cuba (but read my guide to the changes they made recently).  I recommend using Homestay.com and booking a casa particular that is owned and operated by private Cuban citizens.  My guide to casa particulars is here.

Americans cannot use bank cards or credit cards in Cuba.

American debit and credit cards do not work in Cuba.  You cannot access your bank account while in Cuba.  Bring American Dollars (clean notes, no coins) and either pay your hosts or guides in US Dollars or convert them into Cuban pesos when you arrive.  Read my guide to Cuban currency here.  And understand that changing your dollars to pesos either at the airport or via an official exchange is expensive, and you will get better rates elsewhere.  (with your casa particular owner).

Internet Restrictions for Americans in Cuba

The Cuban Government does not restrict access to the internet (usually) for either Americans or other nationalities.  However, you should read my guide to using the internet in Cuba, and also note that.

• Internet access in Cuba is all paid for.  There is no free internet (unless you have a casa particular owner that provides it as part of their deal). 
• Internet access in Cuba tends to be a LOT slower than anything you are used to. It is MUCH easier to get yourself an esim for Cuba.
• During periods of social unrest, some news sites that are critical of the Cuban government are blocked.
• During periods of electricity outages, you may not get internet access because there is no power. Read my guide to fuel shortages here.

The US embargo of Cuba applies financial and economic restrictions on Cuba and on US companies doing business in Cuba.  This means that your bank’s website is not accessible in Cuba.  Paypal is not accessible in Cuba.

However, there is a workaround for this.   If you use a virtual private network (VPN), then you can circumvent these restrictions.  I use and recommend ExpressVPN.  ExpressVPN has enabled me to access banking sites and banned sites (nothing dodgy, just Facebook, for instance) in Cuba and countries like China, Turkmenistan, and even Turkey.

Read my guide to VPNs for Cuba here.  And get yourself a deal on ExpressVPN here.

Restrictions on bringing items to Cuba

My full packing list for Cuba is here.  But certain items are just not allowed into Cuba.

• You cannot bring a drone to Cuba
• You cannot bring satellite phones, GPS devices, or walkie-talkies to Cuba (your cell phone, laptop, and camera are all fine to bring.

What you MUST bring to Cuba is travel insurance.  It is a mandatory requirement.  My guide to travel insurance for Cuba is here.  You also need a tourist e-visa.  My guide to tourist e-visas for Cuba is here.

FAQs on American Travel to Cuba

Do you have questions about traveling to Cuba as an American?  Worried about legal travel to Cuba as a US citizen?  Check out our FAQs.  If we don’t answer your specific question, then ask in the comments or send us an email.

Can Americans travel to Cuba?

Yes.  Americans can travel to Cuba.  Read this blog post and drop me an email if you have any questions.

Can Americans fly to Cuba from the USA?

Yes.  There are regular flights from the USA to Cuba.  Multiple flights leave cities like Atlanta, New York, and Miami for Cuba.  In the past, when travel to Cuba by Americans was more restricted, Americans had to fly via Canada or Mexico to Cuba.  This is no longer required.  Fly direct.   It’s easier and cheaper.

Are Americans welcome in Cuba?

Yes.  Cuba has been welcoming US visitors for decades.  In general, you’ll find that Cubans are welcoming and friendly towards American travellers.

Do Americans have to travel in a group to Cuba?

No.  Group travel is no longer a requirement for Americans traveling to Cuba.  Americans can travel to Cuba independently so long as they meet the requirements and regulations applied by the US Government, which are detailed above.

Is Cuba safe for Americans?

Cuba is a generally safe destination for ALL travellers, Americans included. Concerned? Read my guide to safety in Cuba here.

Is there an American embassy in Cuba?

Yes.  The US Embassy re-opened in Havana, Cuba, in 2015 after a 54-year hiatus.  Like other embassies around the world, the US Embassy in Cuba provides emergency support for American citizens in Cuba.  You can get help if you lose your passport, have an accident, or otherwise need assistance.

U.S. Embassy Havana
Malecón, Calzada between L & M, Vedado
Havana, Cuba

The American Citizens Services Unit at the Embassy is open Monday through Thursday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm and Friday between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm, excluding Cuban and U.S. federal holidays.

(53)(7) 839-4100. Outside business hours or on Cuban and U.S. federal holidays, call (+53) 7839-4100 (dial 1 to select English and then 0 to speak to an operator).

Final Words on Legal American Travel to Cuba

Since 1963, when restrictions were put in place, there have been a variety of regulations affecting Americans traveling to Cuba.  Currently, there are regulations and restrictions applied by both the US government and the Cuban government on American citizens traveling to Cuba.  These are easy to adhere to and have been detailed in this article.  Travel to Cuba from the USA is legal under one of the 12 categories applied by the US Government.

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