Cigars are, without a doubt, a luxury experience that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. Even further down the rabbit hole is the Cuban cigar.
Some tout the Cuban cigar as the pinnacle of relaxation and flavor, but it’s been forbidden for so long. Recently, the Obama administration made headlines by bridging the gap with Cuban relationships.
This caused many people to ask the question, “Are Cuban cigars still illegal?”
It’s still a little unclear for some people, and there are still some specifics that we need to sift through and understand. Today, we’ll take a close look at the legality of Cuban cigars.
Cuban Cigars and the Embargo
Since the early 1960s, the United States imposed an embargo on Cuban imports and exports, which included many goods. For cigar enthusiasts, this meant the Cuban cigar embargo kept them from the sweet fruits of master-rolled cigars.
For decades since, many people only dreamed of Cuban cigars. They’ve had to deal with fakes and wonder if they’d ever experience the real deal again.
This sparked an entire generation (over 50 years worth) of American citizens who could never appreciate the joys of a true Cuban cigar. Many had to only guess at what their aroma and flavors were truly like, and it created much mystery around the luxury good.
Since then, many cigar producers in other countries – including Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, etc. – have stepped up to the plate. Non-Cuban cigars have expanded and evolved since the Cuban embargo, creating their own fair share of enthusiasts.
Yet there are many who still want to understand what makes the soil and growing conditions in Cuba so ideal for cigars since the Cuban cigar ban. Thankfully, restrictions and limitations have been lifted over the years, and it’s not even just for cigar sales!
In 2016, two American citizens started a tractor factory on Cuban soil to create 1,000 tractors a year for Cuban farmers. It was one of the first major business investments into the Cuban economy by the United States since the initial embargo.
The Legality of Cuban Cigars
It’s only been recently that the Cuban cigar embargo lifted, but it still has certain restrictions. It’s understandable that some people are still not entirely clear on the legality of Cuban cigars.
All in all, even with certain lifts on the ban, Cuban cigars still can’t be bought and sold in the United States. That means it’s still illegal for anyone to purchase or sell Cuban cigars on U.S. soil.
But if you’re on Cuban soil, it’s a different story.
As of right now, an American citizen has the right to purchase Cuban cigars while in the territory and even bring some back with some limits.
The main limitations are:
- You must be 21 years of age or older
- You can bring back up to 100 cigars
- The monetary value of the cigars must not exceed $800
- The cigars must be for personal use
What does that mean? As long as your of age, you could bring back two $400 cigars, ten $80 cigars, or 800 cigars for a buck a pop (good luck with that, though).
Point being, there are still restrictions, but they are no longer illegal for U.S. citizens to buy, smoke, and enjoy when outside of the country. It’s important, though, that you keep records, such as receipts, for your cigar purchases for dealing with customs.
The fact that these cigars must be for personal use is also a tricky subject as it seems it is up to the customs agent to determine. It’s a good idea to not overextend yourself when returning to the United States with Cuban cigars in hand.
Where to Enjoy Cuban Cigars
Knowing now that Cuban cigars are legal, you might be wondering how you can experience this for yourself.
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a destination cruise or a private Havana tour, you might want to consider visiting some local shops or rolling factories. If you want to see where all the magic happens, some cigar factories are open for tours and visits.
Brands like Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann are all great options. You can experience beautiful architecture that seems frozen in time, and witness master rollers at work all while enjoying a cigar yourself.
Wonderful aromas fill the air and you can even watch your own cigar rolled before your very eyes by someone who has done it for more than 30 years!
The El Laguito Cigar Factory is a prime choice for any true cigar enthusiast who wants to see the most well-respected name in the game: Cohiba. If you ever wanted to see the rolling process from beginning to end, including even the picking and sizing of tobacco leaves, you don’t want to miss this.
But if you’re not as interested in experiencing the factories themselves, there are still plenty of shops to visit and buy from if you’d like. For example, La Casa Del Habano is a network of cigar retail shops controlled by Habanos S.A.
Notes About Alcohol
If there’s anything that sums up a perfect day lounging on a Cuban beach, it’s a Cuban cigar paired with a quality Cuban rum. It’s no secret that many people enjoy these paired together, whether you’re drinking the rum straight or mixing it into a delectable mojito.
But if you still have questions about the Cuban cigar ban, then you should know that alcohol purchases affect this, too. While it is true that you can bring up to 100 cigars (up to $800 in value) back to the United States with you, that includes alcohol purchases.
Meaning, if you are also a rum connoisseur (or simply appreciate the good stuff) then you will have to factor that into what you are bringing back as well.
Answers to “Are Cuban Cigars Still Illegal?”
For decades now, the Cuban embargo has restricted everything from travel to goods to and from the United States and Cuba. Recent relaxation of the embargo has many people still asking, “Are Cuban cigars still illegal?”
While certain restrictions are still in place, you can rest assured knowing it’s different in Cuba itself. You can purchase and enjoy the best the cigars the world has to offer. Just make sure you know what you’re allowed to bring back.
If you’d like to visit Cuba and even enjoy personalized tours, feel free to contact us right away to see how we can make that dream come true!