The Do’s and Dont’s of Traveling to Cuba from the U.S.

Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. can feel… confusing. Between the mixed headlines, the ever-changing rules, and all the “are we even allowed to go there?” chatter, it’s easy to second-guess the whole idea before you even book the flight.

That’s exactly how I felt before I went.

I had heard so many things about Cuba—some exciting, some intimidating, and some flat-out wrong. I didn’t know what to expect once we landed, how the locals would treat us, or if the experience would feel welcoming or stressful.

But once I actually got there? It was nothing like the scary stories.

The people were warm, friendly, and genuinely happy to share their culture. The experience was eye-opening, memorable, and honestly one of those trips that sticks with you long after you’re back home. That said, traveling to Cuba does come with a few important rules and realities—especially when you’re traveling from the U.S.

So before you go packing your bags, let me walk you through the key do’s and don’ts I learned firsthand, so you can travel smarter, avoid unnecessary stress, and actually enjoy the experience for what it is.

Requirements for U.S. Citizens to Travel to Cuba

(Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. can sound overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be—as long as you know what’s required ahead of time. Rules can change, so I always recommend double-checking the most current requirements with an official source like the U.S. Department of State before you book.

That said, when I traveled, here’s what U.S. citizens needed to enter Cuba directly from the U.S.:

A Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Health Insurance Coverage

Vaccinations are not required, but health insurance is mandatory while in Cuba. In most cases, this coverage is automatically included in the cost of your airline ticket. Still, it’s smart to confirm with your airline so there are no surprises.

A Tourist Card (visa)

U.S. travelers must have a Cuban tourist card/visa. At the time of my trip, it cost $85 and could be purchased online or at the departing airport gate just before your flight to Cuba (not during a layover).

An Approved Reason for Travel

Tourist-only travel to Cuba is still prohibited for U.S. citizens. Your trip must fall under one of the 12 authorized categories of travel approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury (OFAC), or you must have a specific license.

If you don’t qualify under one of the 12 permitted categories, don’t have an OFAC license, and aren’t a Cuban national returning home, you won’t be allowed to travel to Cuba directly from the U.S.

This is usually where travelers start feeling stuck or frustrated—but take a breath. You only need to determine whether your reason for travel fits within one of the approved categories. Review the list carefully and research any category you’re unsure about.

If your travel purpose doesn’t qualify, your alternatives may include choosing a different destination, traveling to Cuba through another country, or visiting via a cruise.

The 12 Authorized Reasons U.S. Citizens Can Travel to Cuba (Simplified)

When traveling to Cuba from the U.S., your trip must fall under one of these approved categories. You don’t need special permission ahead of time—you just need to be honest about why you’re going and keep basic records of your activities.

Here’s the plain-English version:

• Family visits
  Visiting close family members who live in Cuba.
• Official government business
  Travel related to U.S. government, foreign government, or certain international organizations.
• Journalistic activity
  Reporting, filming, or gathering news for media purposes.
• Professional research or meetings
  Attending conferences, research, or professional meetings related to your work.
• Educational activities
  Academic study, teaching, or organized educational programs.
• Religious activities
  Participating in religious missions or faith-based programs.
• Public performances, clinics, workshops, or competitions
  Cultural, artistic, athletic, or educational events (paid or unpaid).
• Support for the Cuban people
  Staying in local accommodations, using locally owned businesses, and engaging with Cuban residents.
  (This is the category most travelers use.)
• Humanitarian projects
  Medical, educational, or disaster-relief–type efforts.
• Activities of private foundations or research institutes
  Work conducted by approved organizations.
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information
  Information exchange, publishing, or media-related materials.
• Certain authorized export transactions
  Business activities involving approved exports to Cuba.

The One Most Travelers Choose

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The “Support for the Cuban People” category is the most commonly used option for travelers. It generally means:

• Staying in private homes (Airbnbs/casas particulares)
• Eating at locally owned restaurants
• Using local transportation
• Engaging with local communities

You’re essentially traveling in a way that directly supports Cuban residents rather than large government-run entities.

Bring Enough Cash

U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba, so this is one thing you’ll want to plan for before you arrive. Be sure to bring enough cash to cover your entire trip, including meals, transportation, tips, and souvenirs.

You have two options when it comes to exchanging money:

• Exchange your U.S. dollars before leaving the U.S., or
• Wait and exchange your money once you arrive in Cuba

Do a little research and decide which option feels best for you. Personally, I waited until I arrived in Cuba to exchange my U.S. dollars, and it worked out just fine for my trip.

One important thing to know: exporting Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) is prohibited, regardless of the amount. That means you should exchange any remaining Cuban currency back to U.S. dollars before heading through airport security when you’re leaving Cuba. This helps avoid the risk of your money being confiscated.

I’ll be honest—no one questioned me about this at the airport. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so plan to exchange your leftover currency ahead of time.

Expect Very Limited (or No) Internet Access

Internet access in Cuba is extremely limited, so this is one of those things you’ll want to mentally prepare for before you arrive.

To get online, you’ll need to purchase an internet card and use it within an available WiFi network—usually in public areas like parks or designated hotspots. Some hotels and Airbnbs offer WiFi, but it’s not guaranteed. When we traveled, our Airbnb did have WiFi, but we also bought internet cards just in case.

Here’s the lesson learned the hard way: book your Airbnb or hotel before you arrive in Cuba.

Kaye and I waited until we landed, thinking we’d just book an Airbnb last minute like I normally do when I travel. Nope. Turns out, the Cuban government does not allow Airbnb bookings to be made while you’re physically in Cuba. Cue instant stress.

What made it worse? Calling the U.S. from Cuba is insanely expensive. Like… ridiculous expensive. We ended up having to call Kaye’s sister, who booked the Airbnb for us from the U.S. and literally saved the day. Thank God for sisters, because that situation could’ve gone very left, very fast.

Moral of the story: book your stay in advance, don’t rely on internet access, and assume you’ll be mostly offline during your trip.

What Travel to Cuba Really Costs

Traveling to Cuba can be more expensive than you might expect.

I’ve traveled to quite a few countries and managed to have incredible experiences on very little money, so I was genuinely surprised by how quickly costs added up in Cuba. Of course, expenses will vary depending on how long you stay, the type of experience you want, and your overall budget—but I really wish I knew then what I know now.

First, make sure you include the tourist card/visa in your total travel budget. You might find a great deal on airfare, but don’t forget you’ll still need to purchase the tourist card separately, and that cost adds up quickly if you’re not prepared for it.

Transportation in Cuba

Getting around is another expense to think through ahead of time. We chose to hire a highly recommended local private driver, and honestly—it was one of the best decisions we made.

We were only in Cuba for a few days and wanted to make the most of our time, and our driver, Julio, was amazing. He was professional, incredibly friendly, and really looked out for us the entire trip. We absolutely loved having a private driver. While it’s not a must, it was well worth the money for us.

Your transportation costs will depend on where you’re staying, what you plan to do, and how many people are traveling with you. Those factors will help you decide whether a private driver, taxis, or other options make the most sense.

Food Costs (Learn From My Mistakes)

Food was another unexpected expense—and disappointment in some cases.

Our first day, with so much going on, we grabbed food at Santa Maria Beach. The food was terrible, and we were charged $50 CUC. We paid it, of course, but it definitely felt like we got bamboozled. Lesson learned.

We later tried a local restaurant called La Familia, hoping for something better, but the food was still overpriced and underwhelming. I was honestly surprised by how hard it was to find consistently good food at reasonable prices.

That said, we did find a gem: Lamparilla 361 (Aguacate y Villegas) in Havana. I absolutely fell in love. The food was amazing, the prices were reasonable, and it was hands-down our favorite dining experience in Cuba. If you’re in the Havana area, I highly recommend it.

Overall, we found that the best meals were either tucked away in small local spots or prepared in the homes of locals—those experiences were far more satisfying than tourist-heavy areas.

Final Thoughts

Would I travel to Cuba again? Absolutely—with better planning.

If you’re thinking about going, hopefully these tips help you budget smarter and avoid some of the surprises we ran into.

Have you traveled to Cuba already, or is it on your bucket list? Drop a comment below and share—I’d love to hear your experience.

Happy travels!