US rules on Cuba travel have changed several times in the past decade, and they tightened again in 2025. Here's where things stand as of October 2026. Rules can move, so check the official sources linked below before you book.
Can Americans travel to Cuba legally? Yes, but not as tourists. You go under one of 12 general license categories set by OFAC, most often Support for the Cuban People. Stay out of hotels on the State Department's prohibited list, bring all your cash because US cards don't work, and keep your records for five years.
Key facts
- Entry: one of 12 OFAC general license categories, plus a tourist card (about $85 to $100 as of October 2026) and health insurance. Fill in the D'Viajeros form online before you fly.
- Getting there: fly into José Martí International Airport in Havana (HAV).
- Money: US-issued cards don't work in Cuba. Bring cash for the whole trip.
- Best months: November to April, the drier season.
- Our trip: the Cuba Experience, where we handle the planning for you.
Tourism Is Off the Table. Twelve Categories Are On It.
US law still bans travel to Cuba for tourism. Americans can go under one of 12 general license categories set by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The full rules are on OFAC's Cuba sanctions page.
Photo: JF Martin / Unsplash
The 12 Authorized Categories
| # | Category |
|---|---|
| 1 | Family visits |
| 2 | Official business of the US government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations |
| 3 | Journalistic activity |
| 4 | Professional research and professional meetings |
| 5 | Educational activities |
| 6 | Religious activities |
| 7 | Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions |
| 8 | Support for the Cuban people |
| 9 | Humanitarian projects |
| 10 | Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes |
| 11 | Exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational materials |
| 12 | Certain export transactions |
Most independent travelers use Support for the Cuban People. That means a full-time schedule of activities that support Cuban people and private businesses: staying in a casa particular, eating at private paladares, booking local guides. Keep your itinerary and receipts, because OFAC requires you to hold travel records for five years.
The Restricted List
The State Department also keeps the Cuba Restricted List and the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List. Americans can't stay in hotels on the accommodations list or spend directly with businesses on the restricted list, many of them linked to the Cuban military. The lists were rescinded in January 2025, restored days later, and expanded since, so check them close to your travel date.
My Cuba luxury guide for Black travelers names some of the best-known Havana hotels on that list, and where we stay instead.
Practical Essentials
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
| Topic | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Currency | Cuban peso (CUP). The CUC was retired in 2021. Many private businesses prefer US dollars or euros in cash. |
| Cards | US-issued credit and debit cards don't work in Cuba |
| Cash | Bring enough for the whole trip, in clean bills |
| Internet | Slow and patchy. Buy an ETECSA data plan or eSIM, or use hotel Wi-Fi. |
| Tourist card (visa) | Required. Usually arranged through your airline. Budget about $85 to $100 as of October 2026. |
| Health insurance | Required for entry |
| Arrival form | Complete Cuba's D'Viajeros form online before you fly |
| Power | Blackouts are common. Pack a power bank. |
| Language | Spanish, with some English in tourist areas |
| Best time | November to April, the drier season |
Money Without the Stress
Cash is the number one worry for Americans, and fair enough, because there's no card fallback. Bring all the cash you'll need, keep it split between your bag and your hotel safe, and change money only at official places or through your hotel or guide. The gap between the official and street rates is wide and moves fast, so ask locally what's fair the week you arrive.
Photo: Daniel Seßler / Unsplash
Once the paperwork is sorted, the fun part starts. My Havana guide beyond the classic cars covers the neighborhoods, cocktails and art.
Our Cuba Experience handles the planning so you can relax into it. Plan with confidence.
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