Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Different types of visa and passport rules apply to visitors to Cuba. The licenses, also referred to as permits, are subject to the approval of the Cuban government. Religious organizations can visit the country, but must complete the necessary forms required by the Cuban government well in advance of the visit.
Humanitarian and missionary groups must provide detailed information regarding the areas, which will be visited, along with a full itinerary related to the trip for approval.
United States citizens cannot travel to Cuba for a vacation. They must be involved with a humanitarian, religious, multi-national athletic competition, or international business association event or training to receive a visa from the U.S. government to travel legally to the island.
Americans do travel to Cuba as tourists, but do so flying from Canada or Mexico. They can be fined or arrested upon return to the U.S. if detected. Current United States sanctions against travel to Cuba prevent legal tourist travel. Displaced Cubans living in the United States can request a variance from the U.S. government to return to Cuba to visit relatives, or attend a funeral.
College students, who wish to study abroad, can request special permission from the United States government to take classes in Cuba. This type of permit or variance is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and routinely take up to six months for processing and a background check of the requesting student.