Traveling to Cuba in 2023
Can Americans travel to Cuba?
Embarking on a journey to Cuba as an American traveler can be an enriching experience, provided you adhere to the specific guidelines set forth by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In this guide, we'll break down the essential components you'll need to make your trip a reality.
Classic American Car tour at Plaza de Revolution, Havana, Cuba 2023 (provided by Jaygo Photography)
Here are a few key things you need in order to travel to Cuba as an American:
Legitimate reason that matches one of the 12 allowable reasons per the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. (listed below)
A Cuban Entry Permit - from Houston’s IAH airport - a total of $85USD
A valid passport with at least six months before expiration
Bring cash (USD) without any tears or damages to exchange. Highly recommend traveling with Reroot for their seamless exchange at a trustworthy rate.
This image of a Cuban street encapsulates the essence of the country, its people, and its culture. (provided by Jaygo Photography)
Short answer: YES
Longer answer: Yes but your reason must be one of the 12 allowable reasons per the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
According to the US Embassy in Cuba website:
Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute.
However, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel.
The twelve categories for travel as listed on the embassy website are:
family visits
official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
journalistic activity
professional research and professional meetings
educational activities
religious activities
public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
support for the Cuban people
humanitarian projects
activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
certain authorized export transactions
12 allowable categoric reasons for Americans traveling to Cuba (image by thaotalks.com)
I traveled to Cuba in April 2023 with a company called Reroot and they were very helpful with documentation and sending a detailed itinerary. It’s super important to have a detail itinerary in case you get audited by the US government for your travels. Best practice is to keep your itinerary for 5-7 years in case the US government calls for an audit.
Cuba Travel Ready Sticker from United Airlines (image by thaotalks.com)
I am loyal to United Airlines as Houston is my main airport and one of their major connecting hubs. As you book a flight from Houston to Cuba, there is a drop down option right after you select your flight date and times.
A Cuban Entry Permit is also required to travel to Cuba. Since I was flying with United Airlines out of Houston, I was able to purchase the permit at the departure gate (inside the terminal), not the check-in counter where you check in luggage. The permit costs $50 USD and then there’s a $35 USD service charge.
Total cost for Cuban Entry Permit: $85USD (from Houston flying with United Airlines)
Havana street performers. (image provided by Jaygo Photography)
My trip was designated as support for the Cuban people. Thanks to Reroot, our money went directly to Cuban private business owners. We stayed at casa particulares (locally run guesthouses), ate at locally owned restaurants, and attended educational tours led by Cuban locals in their respective areas.
Traveling to Cuba as an American is indeed possible, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the guidelines set by the OFAC. By ensuring you have a valid reason for travel, obtaining the necessary permits, and keeping meticulous records, you can embark on a memorable and enriching journey to this captivating destination. Remember, choosing reputable partners like Reroot can greatly enhance your experience and contribute to supporting local Cuban businesses.
United Airlines Important Travel Information for Cuba
U.S. Embassy In Cuba website for more travel information
U.S. Department of State website for travel advisory to Cuba
