Can Americans Travel to Cuba? The answer is yes. American citizens must simply apply for a visa ahead of travel in order to be able to enter the island of Cuba. The questionnaire asks the applicant to specify why they are traveling to Cuba. There are 11 options, which include:
- Family Visits
- Official Government Business
- Journalistic work
- Professional Research or Professional Meetings
- Educational activity
- Religious Activity
- Public performances and competitions
- Support for the Cuban People
- Humanitarian Projects
- Activities of private foundations/ Research for educational institutions
- Exportation, Importation or transmitting informational materials
There used to be an option to select “People to People Activities,” but this option was removed during former U.S. President Trump’s time in office. The simplest choice – if you’re going for leisure – is to select “Support for the Cuban People.” Your purchases help the economy, which in turn, could be seen as helping the Cuban people.
The U.S. government technically prohibits travel to Cuba if it is for tourism. That is stated explicitly on the U.S. Embassy’s Website for Cuba. The website says that while it is illegal to visit for tourism, one can apply for a visa using any of the 11 options. The U.S. does not process the visas, rather, the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C processes the visas, without U.S. government intervention. If you find an issue while applying for a visa, contact the Cuban embassy at:
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
2630 16th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Website: https://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/en/usa
Phone: (202) 797 8518 – Ext. 600
Another popular method for Americans to reach Cuba is by flying in from another country. Many choose to travel to Mexico, Canada or places in the Caribbean that don’t have restrictions on travel. From these connecting locations, you’ll need to ask your airline ticket counter to provide you with a “Cuban tourist card” or “green tourist card.” Without one, you won’t be able to enter the country. This permit is valid for 180 days, but it is only good for a one-time entrance. If you leave Cuba and wish to re-enter, you’ll need to request another card.
What do I need to get in?
In order to enter Cuba, you’ll need 6 months on your passport, available space for stamps (entry and exit) plus your visa. Keep in mind that American credit cards do not function in Cuba. The State Department recommends changing currency into the Cuban peso before your visit.
When did it become legal?
In 2019 Americans started to be able to visit Cuba more freely, since in this year people were able to apply for the visa on their own behalf and without official permission from the State Department. The United States did not permit travel between Cuba and the States beginning in 1963, and by 1999, the Clinton Administration began to permit select Americans to apply for travel, send money to family and even open offices on the island. Under the guidance of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in 2019 travel to Cuba became accessible for anyone willing to fill out documentation. The visa can simply be arranged from home using a computer with wifi.
What about during Covid?
For incoming Americans, Cuba requires proof of vaccination plus an electronic health declaration in order to enter the country. In addition to this, Cuban health authorities randomly select incoming passengers for Covid-19 screenings using a PCR test.
As of November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizens who travel to the U.S. are required to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination. Your other option to return to the U.S. without proving your vaccination status would be to get a Covid-19 test one day before flying. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents will need to show their proof of vaccination plus a negative Covid result that was taken within 3 days of travel.
Travelers can apply for an exemption to these regulations, but it is highly unusual to get one. To apply, head to your closest embassy or consulate.
The U.S. State Department is warning people not to visit Cuba and considers the island a “Level 3,” which means you should reconsider your travel plans due to the threat of Covid-19. A level 4 means you should not go at all.
The embassy website reports a number of Americans working at the U.S. embassy in Cuba have become severely ill from Covid-19 while on duty. Employees complained of a handful of painful symptoms from ear pain to vision issues and exhaustion.
The site also advises against visiting or staying at the Hotel Nacional and Hotel Capri in Havana, as they say their employees reported having these symptoms while at a long-term apartment complex at the Atlantic as well as the other two hotels listed above, which are located in the nation’s capital.
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