Are you planning on traveling to Cuba in the future? There are a few important rules you need to know before you visit.
Whether you are flying to Cuba or taking a cruise, you have to be familiar with all travel restrictions. Visitors have to declare a reason for their visit that falls under one of twelve accepted categories. Guests also have to take part in activities that meet government requirements.
If all this sounds confusing, don’t worry. We cover all the rules you need to know before you visit Cuba so you can make the most of your trip.
The Twelve Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba
More Americans are asking the question, can I go to Cuba? The short answer is that U.S. citizens (including dual citizens born in Cuba) are now allowed to travel to Cuba. However, the reason for a visit must meet one of twelve permitted categories for legal travel.
- Visiting family members
- Official business of the United States government, a foreign government, or an intergovernmental organization
- Journalistic activities
- Professional research or meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, or exhibitions
- Supporting the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations, research, or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
- Certain authorized export transactions
You can find out more about the entry requirements to ensure you have the best experience in Cuba. Keep your records and receipts for at least five years after your trip. Although unlikely, the U.S. government may ask you to see them.
A Note About Passports and Visas
Travelers need a valid passport to visit Cuba. The passport also has to be valid for six months after your trip, so make sure you renew your passport beforehand.
Driver’s licenses and passport cards are not accepted.
Guests also need a Cuban visa or a tourist card. The process to get a Cuban visa is simple since most cruise lines allow you to buy one through them. You may also buy one online, or through your airline at the airport.
If you need a visa for other reasons (or you were born in Cuba) you must buy your visa through the Cuban government. Visitors and dual citizens born in Cuba must request their visas through the Cuban embassy.
Traveling in an Organized Group
People-to-people trips are one of the most popular reasons for visiting Cuba. Visitors have to follow certain regulations on people-to-people trips. The best way to follow the new rules is to travel as part of an organized group.
These groups follow schedules that encourage interactions between visitors and the Cuban people. When you travel in a group, you don’t have to worry about whether the activities are approved. Group travel also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and learn about Cuba’s rich history.
Wondering how large an organized group might be? It depends on the organization. They might be as small as a handful of guests or as large as a hundred or more.
Visiting as an Independent Traveler
If you’re not touring Cuba in an organized group, you have to maintain a full-time schedule of approved activities. Full-time means at least six hours during the weekdays.
Some activities include visiting an independent museum or chatting with the hosts of your casa particulares. There are plenty of educational activities to take part in around Cuba.
For example, why not take a guided tour?
A guided tour in a classic car is a fantastic way to take part in the culture and learn more about Cuba.
Don’t Spend Money on Businesses on the Restricted List
As of November 9th, 2017, Americans are not allowed to spend money on any of the businesses on the Cuba Restricted List. These organizations have connections to the Cuban military. Visitors are only allowed to support civilian-operated organizations.
Other than these entities, guests may buy goods for personal use or consumption. You can bring goods back to the United States as long as you do not resell them.
Keep receipts of the places you visited and activities you participated in after your trip in the event the U.S. government asks to see them.
Finding Accommodations for Your Stay
If you are not visiting Cuba through a cruise line, you might be wondering where you can stay. Visitors may stay in any hotel run by civilian tour organizations. As long as it is not on the Cuba Restricted List, any civilian-run hotel or resort is safe to stay in.
Another option is to stay in a casa partiulcares. These are private homes owned by local hosts and offered to guests. Staying in one of the casa particulares offers a true local experience.
However, the easiest way to experience Cuba is by taking a cruise. Cruise ships depart from various ports in the United States.
When traveling on a cruise ship, you already have a room and access to excursions planned for guests. Plus, these activities meet the people-to-people requirements.
Have Cash Ready When Traveling to Cuba
Although the U.S. government allows visitors to use debit or credit cards in Cuba, many credit cards will not work. Call your bank or credit card provider to ask if it will work in Cuba.
There are two currencies used in Cuba: Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP). Locals use CUP and tourists use CUC.
Visitors can exchange money for CUC in hotels, exchange offices, banks, and cruise terminals. It’s best to have your money ready before you head into town to avoid long lines.
If you want to buy from street markets or if you plan on taking the bus, you should plan on having some CUP as well.
Ready to Visit Cuba?
Plan ahead and follow the rules outlined above to ensure your visit to Cuba is both memorable and enjoyable. If you have questions about traveling to Cuba, speak to your travel agent or reach out to your cruise line for more information.
Ready to see what Cuba has to offer you? Travel in style and experience Havana, Varadero, or Cienfuegos in one of our classic cars. Book now to make the most of your trip.