The journey between the United States and Cuba is not as tricky as it once was. Although the rules may seem confusing, Americans are allowed to fly to Cuba legally under certain travel categories, and thousands of Americans do it yearly. Cuba, with its beautiful colonial streets, famous music culture, vintage cars, and white sand beaches, is attractive to U.S. visitors seeking something unique and memorable.
Regardless of whether you are taking a cultural tour to Havana or venturing on Cuba’s lesser-known gems, knowing the travel restrictions and allowances will make your travel experience hassle-free. This guide will break down the process of how Americans fly to Cuba, the documents required, and the simplest way to plan your trip.
Introduction
Traveling to Cuba has become more accessible in recent years, and a lot of travelers are surprised to learn that the process is quite simple. Whether it is an in-depth cultural venture or a short gateway, knowing the travel rules lets you plan your trip confidently.
Even though there are still restrictions for American travelers, the process of flying to Cuba is entirely possible with proper preparations. The key to understanding is that the unusual restrictions are placed on Americans by the U.S. government for our activities while in Cuba. But it’s easier than ever to go, because so many airlines have direct flights to various cities in Cuba. Let’s explore more!
Why was it Difficult for Americans to visit Cuba?
Historically, the process of traveling to Cuba has been difficult for Americans due to the decades of political animosity between the United States and Cuba. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the emergence of a communist government aligned with the Soviet Union, the U.S. imposed harsh economic sanctions and a comprehensive trade embargo. These also had strict restrictions on travel, and it became illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba as tourists.
In recent years, U.S policy has also focused on limiting financial benefits to the Cuban government. This created regulations on where Americans could stay, how they could spend money in the country, and whether they could bring rum or cigars home from Cuba. The political war, changing policy, and financial constraints have made Cuba a complex place for Americans to visit legally over the past 60 years.
What Are The Current Travel Restrictions for Cuba?
As of 2025, U.S citizens are still permitted to visit Cuba, but purely tourist visits have not been permitted under American law. Rather, visits need to travel on one of the 12 license-approved categories from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These include Support for the Cuban people, humanitarian or educational projects, family visits, or professional research. Americans who travel under any of these categories are required to maintain detailed records of their travel and any financial transactions associated with it, and store those records for several years.
Furthermore, there are other limitations. U.S. credit and debit cards do not work on the island, so U.S. travelers have to carry cash (usually U.S. dollars or euros) to cover costs. Moreover, the U.S. embargo on Cuba requires that travelers not spend the money in government-run businesses. Most hotels fall in that category, and there is a list of over 300 entities that are off-limits, according to the U.S. government. There is a great alternative, which is staying in privately-owned Bed and Breakfasts, called “casas particulares” and eating at privately owned restaurants. Additionally, this helps support entrepreneurs and small businesses on the island.
How Americans Can Fly to Cuba Legally?
Since the U.S. government has 12 categories of approved travel to Cuba, they are able to book with any carrier. When booking a flight, you simply choose the right category for your trip, ; there is no pre-trip application or approval. The trip is considered legal as long as the purpose of the visit is aligned with the selected category, and the traveler maintains supporting documentation.
Besides the U. S. requirements, Americans must purchase a Cuban Tourist Card, more frequently referred to as the Cuban visa, to enter the country.. The process is often easy, as airlines often sell the tourist card at the check-in process or online prior to departure. Americans might need a different sort of Cuban visa issued by the Cuban Embassy under unusual circumstances, particularly if they were born in Cuba or have a Cuban passport.
Can I Fly Directly to Cuba From the United States?
Yes, it is possible to directly fly to Cuba from the United States. A number of cities in the U.S. have nonstop flights to Havana and some other Cuban airports, making traveling surprisingly easy. However, the availability of flights depends on the airline and season, and schedules often change regularly because of regulations. So, selecting the right departure city is essential for a comfortable and stress-free trip.
We highly suggest using American Airlines via Miami since they operate several flights to Cuba every day. This provides flexibility and reduces the risk of long delays. Other U.S. cities have one to two flights a day, and if the plane has mechanical difficulties or long weather delays, you may lose an entire day of your trip. Frequent departures from Miami render it the most trustworthy and convenient hub among Americans visiting Cuba.
What Else Should Americans Know Before Visiting Cuba?
Americans must be ready to have limited access to advanced financial services. Also:
Cuba does not accept U.S. debit and credit cards, so tourists need to bring cash, preferably USD or EUR, to cover the cost of the trip.
There is also slower and less reliable internet access compared to in the U.S. Before arrival, it is also worth downloading offline maps and some necessary apps.
Americans should know the hotels that are prohibited for them, as they are associated with the Cuban government on the U.S. sanction list.
Travel to Cuba With Our Group Tours
To have a stress-free and legal Cuba experience, our group tours are the best solution. We take care of everything, you can just enjoy the trip. This includes your Cuban visa, guided activities, beautiful casa particulares, transportation, and cultural experiences. Every itinerary is a mix of local experiences and essential sights, offering you a deep, meaningful experience of Cuba without all the hassle of the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens travel to Cuba right now?
US citizens can travel to Cuba if their trip falls under one of the 12 OFAC-approved categories. Pure tourist trips are still prohibited. Also, travelers must have a Cuban tourist card (visa).
Can Americans go to an all-inclusive resort in Cuba?
Not likely. Most all-inclusive resorts are government-run. To stay compliant with U.S. regulations, we recommend you investigate casa particulares, or Bed and Breakfast options.
Is Cuba still accepting tourists?
Cuba is still accepting tourists, including Americans. Travelers with U.S. passports must visit legally under specific OFAC-approved categories and use a Cuban Tourist Card. Standard tourist trips for Americans remain restricted; however, authorized and guided visits are allowed.
Can Americans go to Cuba in 2026?
Americans can travel to Cuba in 2026 if their visit falls under specific OFAC-approved categories. A pure tourist visit is still not allowed.
Let us help you have a no-hassle experience in Cuba. We know the rules and will ensure you are in compliance, so you can focus on soaking in the sunshine and lively culture of Cuba!
