Cuba Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Cuba

Note: Regulations can change quickly due to U.S. and Cuban government policies. Verify again before you travel.

Passport & Visa Requirements

• Passport validity: A valid U.S. passport is required, recommended to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
• Visa / Tourist Card / e-Visa:
  • U.S. citizens need a Cuban visa (also known as a Tourist Card) or an electronic visa (e-Visa) for tourism.
  • Travelers flying directly from the U.S. to Cuba must use a special pink Tourist Card (different from the green one used when arriving via third countries).
• Purpose of travel / U.S. legal restrictions: Pure tourism from the U.S. is generally prohibited. Travelers must qualify under one of the 12 authorized categories (such as family visits, educational activities, journalism, etc.) to travel legally under U.S. law.

Entry Procedures

• Application: The e-Visa application can be completed online through authorized providers; approval typically takes about 5 business days.
• Health insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance valid in Cuba is required for entry.
• Traveler declaration form: Travelers may need to complete a customs and health declaration form (D'Viajeros) before arrival.

Health & Vaccinations

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for U.S. arrivals, though standard immunizations are recommended.
• Health insurance: Medical coverage valid in Cuba is required for entry.

Traveling with Minors

• Documentation: It is strongly recommended to carry parental consent letters and birth certificates if traveling with minors, especially if not both parents are present.

Additional Restrictions & Considerations

• Currency & payments: U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba. Bring sufficient cash (USD or Euros) to exchange upon arrival.
• Cash declaration: Amounts over the equivalent of US$5,000 must be declared when entering the country.
• OFAC / U.S. licensing: Travel must comply with U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. Pure recreational tourism is not permitted under U.S. law; travel must fit into an authorized category.
• Return / onward ticket: Proof of onward or return travel may be required upon entry.

OFAC Licenses

Specific Licenses for Prohibited Transactions

OFAC may grant specific licenses to authorize transactions with Cuba that are otherwise prohibited. These are case-by-case approvals. Travelers or businesses must apply through OFAC's online system, explaining the proposed activity and showing it aligns with U.S. policy. Supporting documentation is required, and review can take several weeks.

General Licenses for Travel-Related Activities

Many U.S. travelers rely on general licenses under 31 CFR §515.560, which allow certain categories of travel without applying for a specific license. The 12 categories include: family visits, official U.S. government business, journalistic activity, professional research or meetings, educational activities, religious activities, public performances or competitions, support for the Cuban people, humanitarian projects, activities of private foundations or research institutes, export/import of informational materials, and certain authorized export transactions. Travelers must fit one category, comply with all its conditions, and keep records of related transactions.

"U-Turn" Transactions

OFAC has reinstated authorization for certain "U-turn" financial transactions. These allow U.S. banks to process international transfers involving Cuba if the originator and beneficiary are outside the U.S. and the funds do not enter U.S. accounts. Banks must confirm no involvement of restricted entities or persons.

Bank Accounts for Cuban Private-Sector Entrepreneurs

OFAC now allows independent private-sector entrepreneurs in Cuba to open and maintain U.S. bank accounts for authorized or exempt transactions. The accounts can only be used for permitted business activity, and U.S. banks must ensure the account holders are not government officials or on any sanctions lists.

Licenses for Blocked Assets and Insurance Proceeds

OFAC also issues specific licenses for unblocking certain Cuban-related assets-such as insurance payments or property owned by U.S. citizens before the embargo. Applicants must prove ownership, provide historical documentation, and demonstrate that no restricted persons hold an interest in the property or funds.