Understanding US Travel to Cuba

Travel from the United States to Cuba operates under a unique dual-regulation system.1 On the US side, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires Americans to travel under one of 12 authorized categories.2 On the Cuban side, you need an e-Visa (Tourist Card) and must complete entry requirements.3

The good news: if you understand both sets of requirements and document your travel properly, the process is straightforward. The Cuban e-Visa has a high approval rate for Americans who complete their applications correctly.

The 12 Authorized OFAC Travel Categories

US law prohibits tourist travel to Cuba, but permits travel under these categories:2

1. Family visits (visiting close relatives who are Cuban nationals or residents)
2. Official business of the US government, foreign governments, or intergovernmental organizations
3. Journalistic activity
4. Professional research and professional meetings
5. Educational activities (including people-to-people educational travel)
6. Religious activities
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic competitions, and exhibitions
8. Support for the Cuban people (most commonly used by individual travelers)
9. Humanitarian projects
10. Activities of private foundations or research/educational institutes
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
12. Certain authorized export transactions

Most Americans travel under “Support for the Cuban People,” which requires engaging with Cuba’s private sector rather than government entities.6

Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your OFAC Category

Determine which of the 12 authorized categories applies to your travel.2 For most individual travelers, “Support for the Cuban People” is the appropriate choice. This requires:

• Staying at casas particulares (private homes) instead of government-owned hotels
• Eating at paladares (private restaurants)
• Using private transportation
• Engaging with independent Cuban businesses and entrepreneurs

Step 2: Apply for the Cuban e-Visa

Apply online at evisacuba.cu or through authorized providers.4 You will need:

• Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity)
• Email address
• Payment of $50 fee

Most applications are processed within 72 business hours.4 You receive your e-Visa number via email.

Step 3: Purchase Travel Insurance

Cuba requires travel insurance with medical coverage.3 Your policy must:

• Cover at least $25,000 in medical expenses
• Include emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Be valid for your entire stay
• Explicitly cover travel in Cuba

Step 4: Complete the D’Viajeros Form

Within 7 days of your arrival, complete the online entry form at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.5 You need:

• Passport details
• e-Visa number
• Flight information
• Accommodation address in Cuba

After submission, you receive a QR code by email. Save this to your phone and print a backup.5

Step 5: Book OFAC-Compliant Accommodations

For “Support for the Cuban People” travel, book only private accommodations.6 Options include:

• Casas particulares listed on Airbnb
• Independent Cuban-owned guesthouses
• Private room rentals

Avoid government-owned hotels from the Cuba Restricted List.1

Fees

Airlines may charge an additional fee for Cuba travel. Check with your airline when booking.

What to Bring to Cuba

Critical Documents:

• Valid US passport
• Printed copy of e-Visa confirmation with visa number
• D’Viajeros QR code (saved to phone and printed)
• Travel insurance proof
• Return flight itinerary
• Accommodation confirmation

Money:

• Cash in Euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds (recommended)
• US dollars (accepted but may have 10% surcharge at exchange)
• Do not rely on credit cards, debit cards, or ATMs

US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to the embargo.1 Bring all the cash you will need for your trip.

Processing Times

Apply for your e-Visa at least one week before departure to allow for any delays.

At Cuban Immigration

Upon arrival at José Martí International Airport in Havana (or other Cuban entry points), you will need to present:3

• Valid US passport
• e-Visa number
• D’Viajeros QR code
• Proof of travel insurance (may be requested)
• Return ticket (may be requested)

Immigration processing is typically quick for properly documented travelers. The officer will stamp your passport with entry permission.

Extending Your Stay

The e-Visa allows 90 days in Cuba. To extend:3

1. Visit an immigration office in Cuba before your visa expires
2. Pay the extension fee (approximately $25-40 CUP)
3. Receive an additional 90 days

Maximum total stay is 180 days. Extensions are generally approved if you have valid reasons and funds.

OFAC Record-Keeping Requirements

Americans must maintain records of their Cuba travel for at least 5 years.2 Keep documentation of:

• Flight itineraries and bookings
• Accommodation receipts (showing private, not government-owned)
• Restaurant receipts from private restaurants
• Transportation receipts from private providers
• Activities demonstrating support for the Cuban people

OFAC may audit your travel to verify compliance with authorized categories. Penalties for violations can be severe: up to $55,000 per civil violation.2

If Your e-Visa is Denied

Cuban e-Visa denials are uncommon but can happen due to:

Technical Issues:

• Incomplete application
• Passport information errors
• Payment problems

If denied for technical reasons, correct the errors and reapply.

Administrative Denial: Review the rejection notice and ensure you meet all entry requirements. Common issues include:

• Passport validity less than 6 months
• Missing travel insurance
• Security concerns (rare)

For administrative denials, you may contact the Cuban consulate for guidance.

Cuba Restricted List

The State Department maintains a list of Cuban entities and subentities that Americans cannot engage with.1 This includes:

• Certain government-owned hotels (Gaviota hotels, military-owned properties)
• Specific tour operators
• Entities controlled by Cuban military, intelligence, or security services

Before booking, verify your accommodation and activities are not on the Cuba Restricted List. This is especially important for “Support for the Cuban People” travel.