taytrum travels

So, can Americans travel to Cuba? Yes! Plus, it’s simpler than it seems.

The United States allows Americans and permanent residents to visit Cuba only under certain conditions. During the COVID-19 health crisis of recent years, both countries largely closed their borders to tourism. However, in late 2021 Cuba announced it would reopen to tourism.

Important: This article provides insight and commentary on personal experiences to help inform. You should still double check with the Department of State for the most up to date information and for your particular circumstances.

There are travel 11 categories after U.S. President Donald Trump removed the “people to people” category. Now, most travelers will indicate that they are visiting under the “support for the Cuban people” category. The full list of categories are:

1. Family Visits
2. Journalistic Activity
3. Professional Research and Meetings
4. Religious Activities
5. Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Exhibitions, Athletic and Other Competitions
6. Support for the Cuban People
7. Humanitarian Projects
8. Activities of Private Foundations, or Research or Educational Institutes
9. Official Business of the U.S. Government, Foreign Governments, and Certain Intergovernmental Organizations
10. Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information 
11. Authorized Export Transactions

In my experience in 2019, you first will book your flight like you would for any other travel. I have been prompted to choose a category during the flight purchase process online.

You will purchase your visa at a check in counter prior to the flight that will land in Cuba. In 2019, this cost $50. In exchange, you will receive three documents. One is your tourist visa card, another is a customs declaration card, and the final form is a short health survey. They take less than 10 minutes to fill out at the gate.

When you arrive in Cuba, Cuban border control takes them and returns half of the tourist visa card to you for you to tuck into your passport until you leave the country. No stamps are left in your physical passport.

Watch the explanation:

What about when I come home?

I worried that U.S. border control would ask a lot of questions about what I had been doing in Cuba. In reality, they didn’t ask a single one. This is likely not a universal experience, so it is best practice to keep track of receipts if you can get them to prove you ate at privately owned restaurants or stayed with locals to “support the Cuban people” as you indicated to the U.S. government was the purpose of your travel.

Related: 6 Great Restaurants in Havana

Is Cuba worth visiting?

Yes, Cuba is one of the most unique places to visit in the world in my experience. The country has a rich and complex history, with influences from Spanish colonialism, African heritage, and the more recent communist regime. While many are drawn for the beautiful beaches and nostalgic cars, the experience in Cuba is much more striking. While some might call it frozen in time, you can also see the degradation and collapse of infrastructure and the struggles this imposes. Many developing countries are limited by infrastructure and investment, but the case of Cuba is unlike anything else.

If you are looking for a unique experience with beautiful scenery, great music, friendly people, and unforgettable memories, I highly recommend visiting Cuba.

How to Prepare for your Trip to Cuba

Preparing for a trip to Cuba involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready:

First, you’ll want to review travel requirements. If you are American, this means consulting the Department of State page.

Familiarize yourself with Cuba’s dual currency system. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the currency most commonly used by tourists, while the Cuban Peso (CUP) is primarily used by locals. However, Cuba recently moved to merge the two systems. You can exchange USD upon arrival at official exchange offices (CADECA). Credit and debit cards issued by U.S. banks usually not work in Cuba due to economic sanctions.

One of the other things to prepare for is for a trip with limited internet access. Internet access in Cuba can be limited and expensive. You should research internet access options such as Wi-Fi hotspots in parks or hotels, and consider purchasing an internet access card (known as an ETECSA card) from official outlets.

When it comes to packing for Cuba, you are probably able to pack pretty light given it is warm or hot year-round. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Light wight clothing like linen is a good choice. Shorts, tanks tops, and flip flops are appropriate choices, although you might want sneakers if you plan to walk a lot.

It is also important to learn basic Spanish phrases. While some Cubans speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and help you communicate with locals. This is especially helpful with menus and in taxis.

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