While many Americans believe that Cuba is still “off-limits” to American citizens, this couldn’t be further from the truth and it is much easier than you think! You can dive into the exciting world of traveling to Cuba as an American, where the possibilities are as captivating as the scenery itself.
Since diplomatic relations began to improve in 2014, the door has swung open for U.S. citizens, making travel to this vibrant island not only possible but incredibly rewarding. No longer is prior permission required, provided your travel plans align with one of the 12 approved categories sanctioned by the U.S. government.
The below options are approved by the U.S. government for travel to Cuba:
- Support for the Cuban People;
- Family visits;
- Official government business;
- Journalism;
- Professional research and professional meetings;
- Educational activities;
- Religious activities;
- Public performances, workshops, competitions, and exhibitions;
- Humanitarian projects;
- Activities of private foundations or institutes;
- Import and export activities;
- Authorized export transactions.
By adhering to these clear guidelines, you ensure a journey that is completely legal and deeply enriching.
The easiest and broadest category of travel is the Support for the Cuban People category. For most travelers from the United States, simply stating that they are traveling to Cuba in “Support for the Cuban People” is all it takes for legal travel to Cuba.
Let us break down what travelling in support of the Cuban people means. Simply put, it means that you need to engage with the local people on your trip by utilising their services, from private accommodation to local restaurants, guides, drivers and the like.
What you cannot do, is stay in government owned hotels (and yes that even means some of the internationally owned hotel chains in Cuba), or sit on the beach in an all-inclusive- hotel. Basically, this is the definition of ‘tourism’.
Support for the Cuban People itinerary
Lucky for you, we are masters of creating itineraries that fit the guidelines of this travel license. Simply Cuba Tours is actually founded by a Cuban Tour guide and an Australian traveller. Our mission is to ensure that the way we travel supports the Cuban people. We have built a network of private service providers from amazing boutique accommodations, to fabulous paladars, rustic experiences, artists, guides, drivers and more, who provide your experiences. When you travel with us you can see directly whom your travel is supporting.
But I digressed, let me tell you what you can do in Cuba.
First consideration is – accommodation. You must stay in a privately owned accommodation, when you travelling to Cuba. Whilst we have heard of soe mishaps or places not looking like they did on the AirBnB platform, I can assure you, there are plenty of beautiful accommodation options around in Cuba. And when you choose to travel with us, we in fact hand picked some of the best options for you and we match our travellers with our service providers.
You can also:
- That classic car cruise around Havana
- Eat in fabulous restaurants – again, we have some great ones picked so you don’t have to worry about anything here!
- Visit an art gallery – even better, the artist’s studio direct
- Have a cocktail class, a cooking class, a salsa class, a painting class, photography class, silk painting class… plenty of choices!
- Have a farm experience
- Enjoy guided walking tours and more!
This list is not exhaustive by any means. Official U.S. travel regulations give some examples of activities that correspond with a Support for the Cuban People trip itinerary but leave the matter open to interpretation.
When you travel with us, we find out your interests, and cater for your wants and likes for your trip.
Support of the Cuban People Schedule
Technically, the rule requires you to show a full time schedule showing that you are supporting the Cuban people. However, you can embark on a Support for the Cuban People adventure in Cuba without the constraints of a strict itinerary or group travel. Your trip should focus on activities that directly benefit the Cuban people, defined as approximately six hours each weekday dedicated to supporting local businesses and communities.
While there’s no need to watch the clock, prioritizing interactions that contribute to the well-being of Cubans is key. Make your trip meaningful by engaging in activities that positively impact the lives of locals, rather than just soaking up the sun on the beach.
Let’s face it, you get a lot more out of your travel in this manner and bring home unforgettable memories.
Support for the Cuban People Trip Documentation
According to official U.S. travel regulations, it’s crucial to keep a copy of your itinerary and any relevant trip documents for up to five years after traveling to Cuba.
To streamline this process, create a digital file on your computer with flight details, accommodation confirmations, and receipts from tours, dining, or other activities during your time in Cuba. It’s simple and effective!
Great thing when travelling with us, we provide you with a detailed itinerary at time of your booking, and an email with the details of your guide, accommodation contact and addresses and other providers prior to arrival to Cuba with other handy information for your trip – like what to pack, how to stay connected and more.
Don’t stress about this requirement – just breeze through immigration on your return to the U.S. by stating that you traveled under the “Support for the Cuban People” category. That should be the end of any paperwork worries! Let’s make your trip hassle-free and unforgettable.
Restriction on your Cuba Travel
We have already mentioned hotels being off limits, in fact there is a restricted entity list, for your consideration, in case you were thinking of making arrangements on your own. Instead, consider AirBnB or using a specialist like ourselves, who can plan your itinerary and book it all direct.
Other considerations are banking in Cuba. It’s a whole other very long story, but in a nutshell – Cash is King in Cuba for various reasons, most well used is the sanctions and embargo in please for the past 60+ years. What it means is that credit or debit cards that are US owned or related to, will not work in Cuba. Even if your card may work in Cuba, ATMs are limited and so is the cash supply. Most importantly these cost a lot in fees and in the low exchange rate they offer.
When it comes to money, remember to bring cash – USD or EUR is best – and do not change anything till you meet with your guide.
Planning can feel like a labyrinth of guidelines and requirements, consider enlisting the help of a professional out once. A travel expert can streamline your preparations, from flights to accommodations and beyond, leaving you free to focus on the vibrant experiences awaiting in Cuba. Embrace this unique opportunity to explore a beautiful island while adhering to U.S. regulations, thus making your visit both lawful and extraordinary. Let us guide you through the process with our expert services to ensure a seamless and memorable trip.
So get ready to immerse yourself in Cuba’s dynamic culture, storied history, and breathtaking landscapes, all while making unforgettable memories within an approved framework.
