Traveling to Cuba was one of those trips that definitely required a bit more preparation than the average trip. This post will provide you with Cuba travel tips for Americans considering traveling to Cuba.

First thing to note is that Americans currently cannot travel to Cuba for individual travel or for tourism. There are currently around 12 categories that allows Americans to travel to Cuba.

1. Family visits
2. Journalistic activity
3. Educational activities
4. Professional research
5. Support for the Cuban people
6. Public performances/workshops
7. Religious activities
8. Humanitarian projects
9. Activities of private foundations
10. Authorized export transactions
11. Exportation, importation or transmission of information
12. Official business of the US government, foreign governments

If you’re looking to travel to Cuba for individual travel (to visit Cuba), you can travel under the category of “support for the Cuban people”.

Visa/Travel Requirements

All visitors traveling to Cuba require a visa. If you’re traveling under the category of “support for the Cuban people”, you will need a tourist visa. You can get a tourist visa in a Cuban embassy in the US or through your airline. The easiest way to get a visa is through your airline at the airport before your flight (at the departure gate). However, my understanding is that there are only a few airports in the US where you can purchase the visa directly at the airport (NYC, Newark, Miami, Tampa). I would highly suggest either calling the airline directly or searching online to see whether you can purchase the visa at the airport when you depart to Cuba. Keep in mind that airline reps may not be as informed about Cuba requirements so be patient with them. When I called I had to wait while they researched the requirements to enter Cuba. If you can’t purchase your visa at the airport, you can also ask the airline if there is an option to have the visa mailed to you. I would not suggest getting a visa at the embassy only because this could be a really long process.

I was able to purchase my tourist visa for Cuba through United Airlines at the airport in Newark, NJ. The process was very quick. A few minutes before boarding, the agents make an announcement for anyone that needs a tourist visa. They ask for ID and payment. The price for a tourist visa to travel to Cuba through United Airlines cost $85 USD.

Support for Cuban People Category

If you are traveling under the category of “support for Cuban people”, you might be asked upon arrival how you are going to fulfil that category and support the Cuban economy. I personally wasn’t asked these questions upon arrival but I did hear of a couple of other travelers that were questioned at immigration in the airport. You will simply need to indicate that you are staying in casa particulares (these could also be Airbnbs), visiting Cuban owned restaurants (called paladares), visiting Cuban owned businesses, or explaining that you have brought supplies/clothes for the country.

Not really knowing what to expect or what the country needed, I decided to bring medicine with me. I brought it with me and gave it away during my time there.

Travel Insurance

You will also need proof of travel insurance to travel to Cuba. Typically this is purchased separately through an independent company but it’s possible that your flight ticket already includes insurance as part of the ticket you purchased. When booking your flight, check to see if insurance is part of the ticket price. It should say something like, “Cuba Government Health Insurance Charge” and cost around $25 USD. This will cover you for the travel insurance requirement. When I arrived in Cuba they did not ask for this information but I would suggest having the proof ready on your phone or printed in case they ask for confirmation.

Advanced Traveler’s Information

You will also need to fill out the “Advanced Traveler’s Information” found here. Click where it says “Crear Formulario” and fill out the information there. Make sure you print a copy of the confirmation page when complete so you can present this at the airport in Cuba. You will be asked for this information.

What to bring to Cuba

Lastly, while this is not a requirement, I will say that if you are traveling under the category of “support for the Cuban people”, you should bring supplies or items for the people of the country. The reality is that this country lacks the basic supplies that we have here in the United States. Things that we just simply take for granted. A pharmacy in Cuba is pretty much empty. When I looked into a pharmacy in Cuba, I really couldn’t believe it – empty shelves without any medicine. From my time in Cuba, I would suggest bringing medicine, clothes, candy for the kids, toiletries (toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, soap, etc.). I can’t tell you how many kids and adults came up to me asking if I had some candy for the kids. Unfortunately candy is even something that is not easily accessible to I would also suggest talking to your casa particular (or Airbnb) prior to your trip and let them know that you would like to distribute these items to people or an organization. They should be able to direct you on where you can go or drop off. The other option is simply giving them away as you travel throughout Cuba.

These Cuba travel tips will make sure you’re prepared for your trip to Cuba. Cuba is a beautiful place. Enjoy!