Legal Cuban Travel for U.S. Citizens

Traveling to Cuba legally with a United States passport is still possible. 

However, recent travel restrictions have left Americans with questions and wondering if legal Cuban travel remains possible.

United States citizens cannot just hop on a plane and fly to Cuba with no pre-planning. They will need to bring some documentation, as well as their passport. 

For this reason, our team from Airline Brokers wants to break down some information about how U.S. explorers can experience the Cuban culture while abiding by U.S. Travel regulations.

How Americans Can Travel to Cuba Legally

Any Non-born American traveling to Cuba in the year 2019 will need to obtain a Cuban tourist card. This card is similar to a traditional travel visa. 

Although authorized travel to Cuba remains, Americans cannot just travel to the country for tourism. 

Any trip must fall within one of the following travel categories outlined by the U.S. State Department:

1. Educational activities
2. Export transactions authorized by the current regulations and guidelines outlined by the U.S. government
3. Family visits
4. Humanitarian projects
5. Information and informational material export, import, or transmission
6. Journalistic activities
7. Official U.S. government, foreign government, or intergovernmental organizational business
8. Private foundation and educational research or activities
9. Professional research or meetings
10. Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions
11. Religious activities
12. Support for the Cuban populace

Authorized Travel to Cuba in 2019

As government regulation regarding authorized travel to Cuba remains ever-changing, so too do the processes and procedures that potential American travelers must follow to visit Cuba legally.

Americans can no longer travel independently under the People to People Educational category. Nonetheless, travelers can still comply with new policies by d traveling independently within one of the other categories. This includes “supporting the Cuban people” header. Travelers must declare this category during re-entry into the United States.

Travelers should also stay at homes of local Cubans, eat at local restaurants, and support local Cuban businesses. 

Unfortunately, American visitors must avoid staying at this list of hotels currently banned by the United States Department of State. 

They additionally cannot spend money at military-owned businesses.

It is crucial when visiting the Cuban country to save receipts and note an itinerary of the time in the country. Travelers must keep this accessible for the following five years. Documentation is necessary because travelers may need to prove that their time in Cuba remained legal and approved under the categories and regulations mentioned above.

Traveling to Cuba Legally with Airline Brokers

As more and more Americans travel to the Cuban country, authorized travel to Cuba will continue becoming more accessible and easier. 

Our team from Airline Brokers takes pride in facilitating travel arrangements and providing information on legal Cuban travel to Americans.

A visit to Cuba is a cultural experience, unlike any other. To learn more, contact our professional and dedicated team today!