Can Us Citizens Travel To Cuba?

Till the recent past, getting to Cuba was almost impossible for most Americans who wanted to visit the island nation. Nonetheless, restrictions have eased in the recent past and the Caribbean island nation has become more accessible for Americans. Here's an overview of the current rules and options for US citizens wishing to travel to Cuba.

Who Is Allowed to Enter Cuba?

In general, the following groups of US citizens are permitted to travel to Cuba under 12 approved categories outlined by the US government:In general, the following groups of US citizens are permitted to travel to Cuba under 12 approved categories outlined by the US government:

• Cuban Americans visiting close relatives. This was among the first allowances that the Obama administration granted in 2009.
• The persecution of American people involved in journalism or religious missions. It became easier since 2009 for journalists and religious groups to travel to Cuba.
• Schooling parties on exchange cultural tours. It can be seen that there has been significant liberalization of the process for US universities and their students to undertake academic work and research in Cuba.
• Scientists engaged in their professional research, conference attendees, or education-related activities aimed at fostering relations between the US and Cuba.
• Those who take part in dramatic and ballet performances, championships and sports matches, workshops, exhibitions, etc Americans can travel to Cuba for many cultural, sports and similar purposes.
• People who admire the Cuban culture, for those who are taking food stuffs and other necessities to the Cuban people and supporting the civil society organisations in the country.
• As a result of humanitarian projects and activities in Cuba. The Cuban people can be assisted through several humanitarian, health, and social purposes for which the Americans can visit Cuba.

Well, these categories have become rather wide to encompass many kinds of trips while tourism is still banned. The main activities that the US government wants the Americans to engage in, in Cuba are, engaging with people, supporting the civil society or creating humanitarian/educational worth in some form. Just relaxing at the beach and drinking mojitos is not going to be enough!

Is it required for an American to get a visa for Cuba?

There is no visa required to visit Cuba for an American citizen. But your airline or cruise ship will make sure you fall under one of the approved legal reasons to travel before you are allowed to board any means of transport going there.

Upon arrival, travelers need to present:

• Passport
  
• Cuban tourist card

The Cuban tourist card costs between USD $50 – $100 and can be purchased from your airline, cruise line, or other authorized Cuban tourist card sellers online before the trip. This is your temporary entry pass.

As you plan your timetable, know that Americans cannot use their money on any Cuban military-owned businesses, including hotels. Any reservations made at a hotel should not be on the list of hotels which are restricted by the US State Department. The legal accommodations for Americans are lodging in Airbnb and casas particulares which are private homes.

Is Regulation Still Being Drawn In Further Under Trump?

In 2017, the President Trump made a move to roll back some of Obama’s more lenient policies in this regard. A lot of recreational activities such as group educational trips and people to people exchanges became prohibited. But the individual educational and cultural travel that comes under the 12 approved categories is still permitted.

The Trump administration also restricted dealings with entities linked to the Cuban military. Tourists and travel businesses have to ensure that hotel bookings and other expenses meet compliance requirements.

Nevertheless, the window is still sufficiently open for several Americans interested in visiting Cuba to make legal trips there. If focus is given while organizing the accommodations and if the American people strictly follow one of the permitted travel purposes, then, fortunately, this unique chance of meeting an interesting Caribbean neighbor for the American citizens can still be obtained.

Read More:

13 Incredible Places to Visit in Argentina

7 Place to Visiting Peru in December

17 Great Places to Visit in the US in February

Top 15 Places to Visit Near Las Vegas by Car

16 Unique Places to Visit in North Carolina

21 Best Places in Portugal for Solo Travel

10 Safest Bahama Island for Tourists

7 Top Rated Tourist Attractions in Chile