How to Book Travel to Cuba

Only very few U.S. citizens can travel legally to Cuba. It is a civil offense to travel to the island without a license. The U.S. Department of the Treasury is responsible for the enforcement of the Cuban Asset Control Regulations, which have been in force since 1960. Tourist travel is not licensed, and tourist travel from other countries, like Canada or Mexico, is not allowed for U.S. citizens and residents.

Licenses are granted for travelers who are visiting relatives, and visits for religious or humanitarian purposes. Journalists, students, or researchers can also be granted licenses.

Upon arriving in Cuba, an entry visa for U.S. citizens is issued by the Cuban government.

Things You'll Need

• License from the U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Valid passport

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Obtain a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. See Reference 1.

   • 2

     Book a flight to a destination in Canada or Mexico which has connecting flights to Cuba. This applies to most of the large international airports.

   • 3

     Booking the ticket as a multi-city trip is not possible. Booking has to be done as two separate tickets: One from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico, one from Canada or Mexico to Cuba. See reference 2, 3, or 4.

     Alternatively, use a travel agency. Travel agencies should be licensed by the U.S. government. See Reference 5.

   • 4

     Be prepared to show the license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the Canadian or Mexican passport control.