Often, the most difficult part of getting started with a visit to Cuba from the United States is figuring out what you can and can’t do.  U.S. travel to Cuba is restricted, but not impossible. While tourism to Cuba is prohibited under U.S. law, visiting for NON-tourism reasons is permitted under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)’s 12 specific travel categories. Among them, the most flexible and practical for independent visitors is “Support for the Cuban People.”  This guide will walk you through what the category means, how to stay compliant, and how to plan a rewarding, legal, and ethical trip to Cuba.

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

The regulations were tightened recently (July 2025), but they haven’t changed.   And while this article is not to be construed as legal advice, it does cover the key elements of traveling to Cuba under the OFAC category of “Support for the Cuban People”.  You should read this in conjunction with

1. My Guide to Legal Travel to Cuba for Americans
2. The Cuban eVisa guide
3. Travel and Medical Insurance for Cuban Travel (it’s a requirement of entry to Cuba)
4. Completing the D’Viajeros form before travel to Cuba

None of the requirements is complicated, and it can be simply detailed as

“Don’t spend money with the Cuban Government or Cuban military, but with the Cuban people.  Keep your records for a minimum of 5 years to prove that you did this.”

Right. Now we’re ready to understand a little more and go through the details.

What Did President Trump Announce about Travel to Cuba in June 2025?

On June 30, 2025, President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), reaffirming that U.S. policy on travel to Cuba remains unchanged—provided the travel falls within one of the 12 authorized categories. You can read that here. The memorandum emphasizes a continued commitment to supporting the Cuban people by promoting expanded internet access, a free press, free enterprise, free association, and lawful travel.

Essentially, the rules remain unchanged, so here’s my guide to traveling to Cuba as an American under the OFAC authorized category of “Support of the Cuban People”.

What is the OFAC Regulation 31 CFR § 515.574 ?

Regulation 31 CFR § 515.574 is part of the Code of Federal Regulations maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department. It provides the legal framework for one of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba: “Support for the Cuban People.”

TLDR:  You don’t need a license to travel to Cuba, but your travel must fit within the purposes defined, e.g.

• Engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people
• Support civil society in Cuba or promote the independence of the Cuban people from Cuban authorities
• Avoid transactions with Cuban government or military-controlled entities

Noncompliance with these terms can result in civil penalties and fines. Therefore, visitors must be aware of their obligations and ensure that every aspect of their trip aligns with this legal standard.

Understanding the “Support for the Cuban People” Category

OFAC regulations (31 CFR § 515.574) authorize Americans to travel to Cuba under a general license if their activities are intended to strengthen civil society and support the Cuban people. No formal application or approval is needed—just a clear plan and documentation.

The goal of this category is to encourage interaction with and support for Cuban entrepreneurs, artists, and independent community members rather than state-controlled entities.

Permitted Activities under the Category – Support for the Cuban People

To comply with OFAC guidelines, visitors must engage in activities that directly support the Cuban people. Examples include:

• Staying at casa particulares (privately-owned bed and breakfasts)
• Dining at paladares (independent Cuban restaurants)
• Shopping at locally-owned markets, galleries, and craft stores
• Taking private dance, art, or cooking classes
• Volunteering with independent community projects
• Visiting and engaging with Cuban artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs

Avoiding transactions with government-owned or military-affiliated entities (such as those managed by GAESA or Gaviota) is essential to remain in compliance.  The U.S. State Department publishes a list of organizations that it advises Americans not to use.  You can find that here.

But local?  Interacting with Cubans? 

This is the BEST way to experience Cuba. 

All the connections with local people and culture mean that you’ll get to see the REAL Cuba.  You’ll get up close with Cubans, see their Cuba, experience the cultural aspects of Cuba, AND you’ll support small business owners too.  Perfect.

You should read my guide to Cuban Currency – it details how you can pay for things in Cuba (hint – its NOT with a US credit or debit card), so cash is important.  I cover details such as how to convert US dollars (and other currencies) into Cuban Pesos.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t prebook and prepay for things in Cuba.  Far from it.  The US embargo on Cuba means that many companies are simply NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE in Cuba.  However, you can use Civitatis – a Spanish Company to prebook cultural excursions, transfers, and activities.  While Civitatis is Spanish, the folks who run the tours, the transfers, and the access to the activities are all Cubans, living in Cuba, and operating their own small businesses.  See what you can do here.

Planning an OFAC Compliant Itinerary to Cuba

For the purposes of the US Government, American visitors are required to maintain a full-time schedule (generally 6-8 hours per day) of qualifying activities. It’s worth mapping it out.  It should help with your itinerary planning for Cuba.  Keep documentation of each activity to prove the purpose of your trip.

Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements

OFAC requires visitors to retain records for five years following their trip. This includes:

• Receipts from private businesses
• Written itinerary and confirmations
• A travel journal or activity log

5 Suggested Activities in Support of the Cuban People

You don’t have to prebook or use scheduled tours in Cuba, but you do need to keep records and be able to provide them if asked.  However, here are some of the best activities in support of the Cuban people that will get you diving into Cuban culture and also experiencing some of Cuba’s iconic places, culture, and activities.  My guide to iconic things to do in Cuba is here.

While you do NOT need to join a tour to visit Cuba as an American, you may want to join a tour if you’re heading away from the city in which you land (likely Havana or Varadero).  These can be as short as two-day trips or multiple-day visits heading to the far end of the island.  Here’s an inspirational itinerary of such a tour, and then we’ll get on with activities to undertake in Cuba in support of the Cuban people.

8 Days in Cuba: Classic Cultural Tour Itinerary

Experience the vibrant culture, colonial history, and natural beauty of Cuba on this 8-day guided tour. From the colorful streets of Havana to the tobacco fields of Viñales, the French charm of Cienfuegos, the colonial splendor of Trinidad, and the beaches of Varadero, this itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive look at Cuba’s most iconic destinations.  You can see this itinerary and other options here.

• Day 1: Arrival in Havana – Airport pickup, hotel check-in, welcome dinner.
• Day 2: Havana City Tour – Explore Old Havana’s plazas, panoramic tour of major landmarks, visit Malecón and Plaza de la Revolución.
• Day 3: Viñales Day Trip – Visit tobacco farm, Indian Cave boat ride, Mural de la Prehistoria, return to Havana.
• Day 4: Havana to Cienfuegos via Guamá – Visit Zapata Peninsula, crocodile farm, stop at Playa Larga and Playa Girón, Cienfuegos city tour.
• Day 5: Trinidad Excursion – Explore Plaza Mayor, La Canchánchara bar, colonial architecture, return to Cienfuegos.
• Day 6: Cienfuegos to Varadero via Santa Clara – Visit Botanical Garden, Che Guevara Mausoleum, lunch, transfer to Varadero.
• Day 7: Relax in Varadero – Free day at all-inclusive resort.
• Day 8: Return to Havana – Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Want to see what’s included in that itinerary?  Here you go.  Now, let’s turn to activities that you can (and should) include in your Support for the Cuban People Itinerary trip to Cuba.

1.      Start your visit to Cuba with a ride in a Classic Car

Cruising around Havana and along the Malecon in a vintage American car is a stunning and memorable way to experience both the city and these iconic vehicles.   Do this early, it helps you get the lay of the land in Havana – and I recommend the Malecon at sunset too.  My guide to classic car tours of Havana is here.

Not visiting Havana?  Or want to tour in a classic car in other cities?  You can also do this in Varadero, Vinales, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba… the list goes on.

What you might want to do is prebook and prepay your classic car tour before you leave home.  You can use the Spanish company Civitatis.  It simply means that you need to carry less cash with you.

• Book a Classic Car Tour in Havana
• Book a classic Car Tour in Varadero
• Book a class Car Tour in Vinales
• Book a ride to the beach from Trinidad to Playa Ancon in a Classic Car

2.      Take a Free Walking Tour in Cuba

I take a free walking tour in EVERY city or town that offers them.  It is a fabulous way to get to see the highlights of a city, with a local guiding you.  Of course, they’re not free.  You tip your guide the appropriate amount, remembering that this is their salary, how they earn money.  My guide to tipping in Cuba is here.

There are now a host of free walking tours in Cuba.  You can simply rock up at the appointed time, or (it’s better) prebook your attendance (if there are no bookings, some tour guides will take a day off!).  Here are the fabulous free walking tours that you can book in Cuba.

Free Walking Tours in Havana

Havana is made up of a series of different districts.  If this is your first time in Cuba, then you should start with a tour of Old Havana.  And then expand out what you want to see.  You can also take free walking tours in Havana based on topic areas – like the music!

• Free Walking Tour of Old Havana:  The best place to start in Havana.  This walking tour is for first-timers.
• Free Colonial Havana Tour:  You’ll get all the history of Havana in this tour and explore the colonial aspects of the city.
• Free Night Tour of Havana:  Want to explore the city at night but not sure where to go?  This tour has you covered.
• Free Tour of Vedado (Modern Havana):  From Revolution Square to the beaches of Vedado, this is modern Havana.

Oh, and there’s LOTS more to explore – you can see them here.

Free Walking Tours throughout Cuba

Not heading to Havana? Or want to go further afield?

You can take free walking tours in Trinidad, in Santiago de Cuba, in Santa Clara, and in Cienfuegos, too.

3.      Stay in a Casa Particular

The simplest way to ensure your trip complies with U.S. travel regulations in Cuba is by staying in a private home or apartment rental, such as those listed on Homestay or Airbnb. Compared to hotels, you’ll often find better value, and the experience offers a more authentic and culturally immersive way to connect with everyday Cuban life.  You should read my guide to Casa Particulars in Cuba here.

4.      Eat at Paladares in Cuba (aka privately owned restaurants)

Eating at privately-owned restaurants—known as paladares—is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to stay compliant with the “Support for the Cuban People” travel category. As private enterprise continues to grow in Cuba, you’ll find a wide variety of excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants run by independent locals. While these establishments may not always advertise themselves as paladares, many of Cuba’s best dining spots fall into this category. You can read my guide to paladares here.

You can find the best paladares in your area by asking at your casa particular, or by checking out the Cuban app AlaMesa (it’s like Tripadvisor or Yelp)

5.      Learn about Cuban Specialities and Unique Aspects

I’m not sure you can even say you’ve been to Cuba if you haven’t tried the Cuban Rum or Cigars, or at least seen how they’re made.  These are just two of the unique aspects of Cuba.

You can take tours to learn more about them, to the tobacco growing region of Vinales, for instance.  My guide to Vinales is here, and if you’re short of time, then this day trip to Vinales is perfect.

Want to know about Cuban Cigars?  Here’s my guide

And my Cuban Rum Guide is here.

You’ll want to pair that with my guide to Cuban Cocktails (it includes their history and recipes, too).

You’ll want to enjoy the Cuban Rum and Cigars while you’re in Cuba, as the US embargo forbids you from taking them back into the USA.

Do’s and Don’ts for Staying Compliant with OFAC

When traveling to Cuba under the “Support for the Cuban People” category, it’s essential to understand what actions are permitted—and which ones could lead to violations of U.S. law. OFAC regulations are clear about avoiding transactions with government or military-controlled entities and ensuring your trip meaningfully engages with and benefits Cuban civil society. Below is a practical list of dos and don’ts to help you stay fully compliant while making the most of your travel experience.

DO:

• Book your lodging at independently owned casas
• Eat at paladares instead of hotel restaurants
• Use private transportation such as bici-taxis or local cabs
• Engage meaningfully with the Cuban people
• Learn about Cuban culture and daily life

DON’T:

• Stay in hotels or resorts affiliated with the Cuban government (check the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List here)
• Book tours run by state agencies
• Spend heavily at state-run shops or restaurants
• Ignore the documentation requirement

Logistics of Travel to Cuba for Americans: Flights, Visas, and Insurance

• Flights: U.S. airlines fly directly to Havana and other Cuban cities. You’ll declare your OFAC category when booking.
• Visa: Americans (and virtually all other citizens) need a Cuba eVisa –my guide to them is here. (It’s easy, you apply, pay, and it gets emailed to you.)
• Insurance: Cuban law requires health insurance, typically embedded in the cost of your plane ticket. Check with your airline, and then read my guide to insurance for Cuba.
• Money: U.S. credit and debit cards don’t work in Cuba. Bring cash (preferably USD) and exchange it locally for Cuban pesos (CUP). Read my guide to Cuban Currency.

Final Words on Visiting Cuba in Support of the Cuban People.

Visiting Cuba under the “Support for the Cuban People” category is not only legal, it’s also a powerful way to engage authentically with a vibrant culture while contributing positively to a community navigating complex challenges. By planning a compliant, ethical, and respectful trip, you can enjoy a deeply enriching experience while staying fully within U.S. regulations. Pack your travel journal, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready for a meaningful Cuban adventure.

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