Travel to Cuba
U.S. to Cuba travel policy
Flying to Cuba from or through the U.S. for tourism is not allowed. There are 13 permitted reasons for travel:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activities
- Professional research or professional meetings
- Educational academic activities
- People-to-people exchanges (for travel related transactions purchased prior to June 5, 2019)
- Religious activities
- Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or 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
- Travel related to certain authorized export transactions
Federal regulations on travel to Cuba Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
If you aren’t traveling for one of the 13 reasons, there are 2 other ways to enter Cuba:
- With a license issued by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- As a Cuban National returning home
Apply for an OFAC license Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
If you don’t qualify for one of the 13 permitted reasons, have an OFAC license or identify as a Cuban national returning home, you will not be permitted to travel to Cuba.
Additional travel requirements
Everyone entering Cuba must have a visa and health insurance with coverage in the area. For insurance, a $25 fee is added to your ticket price.
Special visa requirements apply to Cuban-born travelers, regardless of citizenship.
Preparing for travel
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Valid visa, travel card or Cuban passport
- Cash
You can buy a travel card online or at Miami (MIA) before departure.
Buy travel card Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
Few U.S.-issued cards are accepted in Cuba and service isn’t guaranteed. Contact your bank before traveling.
Check-in
Online check-in for flights to Cuba is unavailable. You must check in at the airport to provide reason for travel – allow up to 3 hours to complete the process. If you’re flying from Miami (MIA), look for the ‘Cuba Ready’ booth by Checkpoints 1 and 2 to check your documents and get your boarding pass stamp.
Changes to bag limitations for checked bags have been updated as of March 14, 2023. Bag fees may apply for checked bags.
Connections
When you get to the gate at your connecting airport, look for the ‘Cuba Ready’ booth to check your documents and get your boarding pass stamp.
