Want to travel to Cuba as an American, but now sure how? This guide has all the information you need to legally travel to Cuba as an American!

Ever since I visited Cuba, I’ve been getting the same question over and over: Can you legally travel to Cuba as an American? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to do before you go. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how you, as an American, can legally visit Cuba in 2025.

Can you legally travel to Cuba as an American?

Yes, it is completely legal for Americans to visit Cuba. However, due to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, travel is regulated. While there used to be a total ban on travel, the rest of the world has been vacationing in Cuba for decades. It’s a popular destination, especially for Canadians and Europeans, thanks to its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Step 1: Booking Your Flight

The first step to visiting Cuba is purchasing a plane ticket. Several airlines operate flights from the U.S. to Cuba, including:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta
• JetBlue
• Southwest
• Copa Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal

Most flights connect through Florida or Texas. When booking your ticket, you’ll be asked to choose a reason for travel—this is an important step (more on that below).

Step 2: Choose a Travel Category

Americans must travel to Cuba under one of 12 authorized travel categories. The most common and easiest option is “Support for the Cuban People.”

When booking your flight, you’ll see a dropdown menu asking for your reason for visiting. Simply select Support for the Cuban People—no further documentation or proof is required.

Step 3: Health Insurance for Cuba

Health insurance is required for Americans visiting Cuba, but it’s already included in your plane ticket. Be sure to ask for a paper boarding pass at the airport—this serves as proof of your health insurance while in Cuba. Keep it with you at all times.

Step 4: Booking Your Accommodation

Americans are not allowed to stay in hotels owned by the Cuban government. This means most major hotels are off-limits. Instead, you’ll need to stay in a Casa Particular (a privately owned guesthouse) or a private hotel.

The easiest way to find accommodations is through Airbnb, which has many Casa Particulares available. I stayed in an amazing Casa Particular with a private room, private bathroom, and wonderful hosts.

Step 5: Getting Your Cuban Visa

You’ll need a Cuban visa (also called a Cuban Tourist Card) to enter the country. In the past, travelers could get their visas at the airport before their flight, but as of 2024, visas must be obtained online in advance.

Here’s how to get your Cuban visa:

1. Go to Cuba Visa Services
2. Click “Apply Now” – This will take you to the e-visa application.
3. Fill out the form – You’ll need your name, flight date, airline confirmation number, the Cuban province you’re staying in, and your travel category (Support for the Cuban People).
4. Pay the $85 fee – Your visa will be processed almost immediately, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with your visa number.

Step 6: Filling Out the D’Viajeros Form

Within seven days of your flight, you must complete the D’Viajeros Form, which is a Cuban traveler information form. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the D’Viajeros Cuba website
2. Change the language (idioma) to English (top-right corner of the page).
3. Click “Form Request” and fill out your personal information.
4. Enter your travel details, including your:
   • Arrival date
   • Flight number
   • Airline name
   • Country of origin (the country you’re flying from, not your nationality)
   • Visa number (from the e-visa you obtained earlier)
5. For “Reason for Travel,” select “Tourism.” Even though the U.S. does not allow tourism as a justification, this form is only for Cuban authorities.
6. Enter your accommodation details – If you’re staying in an Airbnb, select “House or Room for Rent” and enter the address.
7. Answer any health-related questions and submit the form.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code—you’ll need this when you arrive in Cuba.

Once you arrive in Cuba, you’ll go through customs just like when you land anywhere else outside the US. Don’t be surprised if they do a little extra checking — this happened to me and they took my passport into a room for 10 minutes! I was in a bit of a panic but it was all ok. (I think this was because I was traveling with some filming equipment.

Visiting Cuba as an American is totally legal, and while there are a few extra steps compared to traveling to other countries, it’s absolutely worth it. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything Cuba has to offer—from its stunning colonial streets to its lively music scene.

Happy Travels!