Can I Travel To Cuba From Us?

Nowadays, it is relatively simple to travel from the USA to Cuba, although there are some limitations and rules to consider. Here is an overview of the current laws and policies regarding US citizens traveling to Cuba:Here is an overview of the current laws and policies regarding US citizens traveling to Cuba:

Laws & Travel Restrictions

Before 2016, it was almost completely prohibited for US citizens to travel to Cuba for leisure under the embargo that has lasted for several decades. Nonetheless, in the year 2016 under the Obama administration there was a permit for ‘people to people’ educational travel and organized group travel under a general license.

The Trump administration later rolled back some of those measures, banning individual “people to people” educational exchange that was previously permitted. Travel to Cuba for educational purposes is still allowed as it is considered to be less risky as compared to individual travel. However, cruises and commercial airlines and some license holders can still transport people to Cuba.

While traveling to Cuba, tourism and individual “people to people” educational exchanges are prohibited according to Trump’s policy. However, there are now 12 authorized reasons US citizens can legally travel to Cuba, including.

• Family visits
  
• Official government business
  
• Journalism
  
• Professional research/meetings
  
• Educational activities including group people-to-people travel.
  
• Religious activities
  
• These include concerts, plays, operas, art shows, and other events open to the public.
  
• This is why the President’s plan to increase support for the Cuban people is a welcome development and should be embraced.
  
• Humanitarian projects
  
• That is, it encompasses activities of private foundations or research/educational institutes.
  
• Exportation/importation/transmission of information materials
  
• Some of the export transactions that are legally allowed are

There are only four legal reasons why a traveler can travel from the US to Cuba, and one has to qualify under one of those categories. Tourism is still prohibited. Travelers are required to maintain records of travel transactions and activities in Cuba for five years in case they are questioned on compliance with US law.

How to Enter Cuba Legally from the US

If you meet one of the 12 qualifications allowing travel to Cuba, here are the steps required

1. Find out under which travel category you fall under and then ensure that you plan and document your travel purpose/ schedule in order to meet the exception.

2. Acquire necessary visas/paperwork from Cuban authorities. American citizens require a visa or tourist card to visit Cuba.

3. Obtain round trip tickets and book accommodations for the entire period in Cuba with an authorized group, airline, cruise line or a licensed entity.

4. Ensure that you have acquired all the insurance that you require such as health insurance, accident insurance and evacuation insurance that operates in Cuba.

5. All deposits, fees, etc must be paid from your own personal bank account to the travel provider. Payments cannot be made on behalf of a third party. No US credit/debit cards or wire transfers allowed at the moment. Most of the times, Americans carry as much cash for their whole tour or withdraw at international ATMs in Cuba.

6. It is advisable to maintain all records and documents concerning the purpose and expenses of the trip for not less than five years.

Travel Tips: Advice on Travelling to Cuba

Here are some additional things to know to help US travelers navigate requirements for visiting Cuba

• Having gone through the policies outlined above be sure to review all new policies before planning. Rules can shift at any given moment for the US government so depository institutions restrictions should be changeable too.
• It is recommended to only book with tour providers that have the “people to people” or other categories. Say no to any providers who are trying to offer you pure tourism.
• It is always advisable to make sure your documents and paperwork are well arranged in case the Cuban or US Customs demand to go through them. I would also keep records after I return too.
• Take some cash as American credit/debit cards are not accepted in Cuba. It is, however, important to note that the island remains economically in the process of transformation.

While it is still possible to travel to Cuba legally, one has to do it using companies that have been licensed by the US government. The possibility may be more challenging to organize than other regular trips to conform to the restrictions. However, with an amazing culture, stunning scenery, and warm and friendly people, Cuba is a must-go for anyone willing to put up with the additional bureaucracy.

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