Curious About Visiting Cuba but Don’t Know Where to Start? This Guide Covers Everything You Need to Get Started!
Visiting Cuba has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it has something to do with Cuba being mostly off-limits to Americans since the early 1960s, or the captivating photographs of Havana featuring perfectly preserved classic cars against colorful yet crumbling art deco facades which create the illusion of traveling back in time. Whatever the reason, this nation has piqued my curiosity for decades.
I was always hesitant to actually plan a trip to Cuba, though. Media coverage often suggested that Cuba’s communist government wasn’t particularly welcoming to Americans, and stories of crumbling infrastructure only added to my concerns. Reports of blackouts, food shortages, and limited healthcare left me wondering if I was prepared for the realities I might encounter.
It wasn’t until a year ago, when some friends from the U.K. shared photos of their all-inclusive Cuba vacation — complete with tropical drinks and stunning beaches — that I realized something: For everyone else, Cuba isn’t a forbidden or intimidating place. To the rest of the world, it’s simply another beautiful Caribbean paradise.
This information gave me a new outlook on Cuba, and I knew it was time to make my dream of visiting a reality.
Can Americans legally travel to Cuba?
Yes! Even though Americans can’t visit Cuba solely for tourism, we are allowed to visit under one of 12 authorized reasons. The most commonly used reason is “support for the Cuban people.”
The process to enter Cuba is pretty straightforward. All you need is:
- A valid passport.
- A visa – which can be purchased online for around $85.
- A roundtrip ticket – you will be asked to show your return ticket upon entry.
- The address of where you’re staying in Cuba.
- A completed D’Viajeros entry form – the required health document.
Check out my full guide – How to Travel to Cuba as an American in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Things to know before traveling to Cuba
Even though getting to Cuba is easy, the U.S. government has strict rules about what Americans can and cannot do in Cuba.
Americans cannot contribute financially to the Cuban government, which means avoiding government-owned hotels, restaurants, and stores. Instead, we can stay in privately-owned guest houses called “casa particulars,” often listed on Airbnb. Restaurants and shops are labeled either private or government-owned, and there are plenty of private dining options and shops throughout Havana, making it easy to find compliant places to eat and shop.
U.S. banks and credit cards won’t work in Cuba, so you’ll have to bring enough cash for your entire stay. Be careful carrying cash on you and try to keep any amount you don’t need locked up safely at your Airbnb.
Be sure to bring everything else you need with you. Toiletries, medications, feminine products, clothes, sunscreen … everything! Cuba has a shortage of everything and these items can be nearly impossible to find.
Your phone won’t work in Cuba unless you download a VPN (A virtual private network that allows your IP address to come from within the United States instead of Cuba) before leaving. Wi-Fi is slow, so consider buying a local physical SIM (e-SIMs aren’t available) if your phone is unlocked. And download all the essentials — maps, tickets, entertainment — before your trip.
Cuba’s current crisis
Cuba is currently grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in decades, marked by widespread shortages of food, fuel, and basic necessities. It’s due in part to the embargo placed on it by the United States, and compounded by COVID shutdowns that severely impacted the tourism industry — on which Cuba’s economy is heavily dependent. Cuba is also heavily reliant on the import of goods, and with a weakened currency and lack of agricultural infrastructure, their current economy is not sustainable.
In just the last few weeks the entire country was plunged into darkness for days due to widespread power outages fueled by an aging infrastructure. The frustration and despair of the Cuban people has sparked public demonstrations and public outcry against the government — which is rare in Cuba. Many Cubans are seeking opportunities abroad and looking for any way they can to leave. But in a country where the average monthly income is just $30, it’s hard to save enough to escape.
Should Americans visit Cuba?
Although Cuba is facing a very complicated reality at the moment, there are still a lot of reasons Americans should visit.
Havana is an incredible city full of beautiful architecture and fascinating history. Exploring on a tour or simply wandering on your own is truly a delight! The highlight for me was seeing all the classic cars cruising around and taking a tour in a 1950s convertible. It really did feel like I was transported to another time.
Other cities such as Viñales, where you can visit a tobacco plantation and learn to roll your own cigars, or Veradero, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, are good reasons to visit as well.
Cuba is also an incredibly affordable destination — my four-night trip to Havana, excluding airfare, but including accommodations, food, drinks, and numerous tours, cost me under $500. It’s one of the most budget-friendly places I’ve ever visited.
The most important reason for visiting Cuba as an American is to support the Cuban people.
During my time in Cuba, I interacted with many Cubans, most of whom worked in the tourism industry. Each one had a college degree — scientists, mathematicians, doctors, and data analysts — all working as tour guides. As tour guides, they could earn in a day what would take a month to earn in their government-supported jobs. Tourism is essential for the livelihood of the Cuban people.
You can also support the Cuban people by bringing items to donate, such as medicine, toiletries, clothes, and shelf-stable food — all of which are in high demand. Basic necessities are scarce in Cuba. Walking into a market and seeing empty shelves, knowing these are the only options for Cubans, is shocking. The fact that a single can of corn costs them 10% of their monthly income is unimaginable.
Traveling here not only supports the Cuban people directly but also fosters meaningful cultural exchanges that challenge perceptions and build connections.
Visiting Cuba offers Americans a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a piece of history that feels worlds away from home. The city’s rich history comes alive as you stroll through the colorful streets of Old Havana where classic cars cruise by faded colonial facades. The rhythms of salsa music fill the air, inviting you to dance and immerse yourself in the passionate Cuban spirit. At local markets you’ll find artisans selling traditional art and handicrafts, and street vendors offer you treats like churros, corn and hand-held pizzas. Sitting in a bar sipping on a mojito or watching a game of dominos in the park are all ways to experience the rich culture and generous spirit of the Cuban people.
For those looking for an unforgettable journey filled with warmth, color, and authenticity, Cuba is an island worth exploring. I enjoyed my time in Cuba and although it was not exactly what I was expecting – the current state of the country is a little shocking – I still met some incredible people, learned so much about the country and its history, and experienced a place like no other. I hope I get the chance to visit Cuba again some day.
