Other multi-day tours
Our other multi-day tours give you more freedom to plan your own activities, as long as you comply with SCP guidelines.
How to Travel to Cuba from USA: Your Simple Guide
Traveling to Cuba as an American, US travel requirements and more
For US travelers, visiting Cuba can seem too complicated due to the travel rules. But when you choose the correct travel category and an experienced tour operator, you’ll discover the real Cuba as you explore its more interesting attractions instead of a typical beach vacation. Find out everything you need to know to travel to Cuba from the USA with this guide.
US travel restrictions for Cuba
Traveling to Cuba as an American is completely legal. Travel is permitted under the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) rules, provided the trip falls under one of the 12 authorized general license categories. These support educational, cultural, humanitarian, and people-focused travel.
The most common category is ‘Support for the Cuban People’ (SCP), which encourages local interaction and engagement with independent businesses. Under SCP, travelers stay in privately owned accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and participate in cultural exchanges that benefit Cuban communities. Another category is ‘People-to-People’ (P2P), with broader educational activity guidelines that encourage structured engagement with local people.
How US-based tours to Cuba work
You don’t need to get approval from the US government for your general license before you travel. If your trip falls under an authorized OFAC category and you’re following its conditions, you will automatically comply.
‘Support for the Cuban People’ (SCP) is the most popular option, with five key requirements:
- Patronize privately owned businesses, such as family-run restaurants, shops, local guide services, art galleries, and community projects.
- Stay in Cuban casas particulares, which are privately owned accommodations. Most hotels are restricted under US regulations.
- Follow a full daily schedule of activities (6 to 8 hours) that support Cuban civil society, encourage cultural exchange or involve direct interaction with locals.
- Avoid transactions with entities on the US government’s prohibited list.
- Keep records of activities and expenses for 10 years.
Affidavit for general license
When traveling to Cuba, we recommend carrying a simple affidavit stating your license category. A licensed tour operator like Cuban Adventures will usually supply one. While not legally required, it may help if requested by airlines or border officials.
Legal travel to Cuba from US with Cuban Adventures
We’re often asked, “How can US residents travel to Cuba?” and “Can Americans legally travel to Cuba?” While all our tours are legal for US travelers, our Ultimate Cuba tours are specifically designed to meet SCP guidelines, so you comply by doing what’s already scheduled in the package! Extra activities are included, making it more cost-effective.
We also offer some tours that don’t have pre-booked activities, so you can decide what to do each day. Other than beach resort stays, these tours are still permitted for US travelers as they support private businesses and encourage local interaction. However, because free time isn’t pre-planned or documented, they aren’t SCP-ready like our Ultimate Cuba tours. To meet the requirements, ensure your activities follow SCP guidelines.
Best Cuba tours for US citizens
Our tours comply with US travel regulations because they directly support Cuban families, local guides, and independent businesses rather than government-run services. Unlike other US-based operators, Cuban Adventures tours offer flexibility, so you can arrive earlier or extend your stay to experience more of Cuba independently.
Ultimate Cuba tours
These fully planned multi-day trips are SCP-ready and include the required schedule of activities. Enjoy Cuba with less planning and more peace of mind, while still complying with your SCP license.
Day tours
Add a day tour to your Cuban itinerary and support Cuba’s private businesses while meeting SCP travel license requirements for US citizens.
Easy 2-4-day Cuba trips from USA
US citizens can join our Cuba tours and short stays. Enjoy some of the best short trips from the US while following approved activities for your license and keeping the required records.
Custom Cuba tours
Our custom tours are built around destinations and activities selected by you and your group. We’ll shape an itinerary around them so you meet SCP requirements.
Private Cuba tours
Our private tours use the itinerary and inclusions of existing packages on our website, but are booked for you and your group on your preferred dates.
Flying directly to Cuba from the US
Fly from Miami or Tampa to Havana with Southwest, Delta or American Airlines. American Airlines also offers flights from Miami to Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Varadero and Holguín. Check the airline websites for timings and routes.
Key takeaways: How to travel to Cuba legally
- Restrictions on US travel to Cuba: Travel to Cuba is legal when you follow the strict requirements for Americans.
- US legal travel compliance: Visitors must comply with an authorized OFAC travel category such as ‘Support for the Cuban People’ (SCP).
- The best way to see Cuba, legally: Licenced tour operators like Cuban Adventures provide SCP-compliant tours for US travelers.
- Airlines flying from the US to Cuba: American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta fly direct.
What do Americans need to travel to Cuba?
Documents you need when visiting Cuba:
Cuba visa requirements for US citizens are now met with an electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) instead of the old pink tourist card. Apply for your e-Visa through Cuban Adventures, or purchase it directly from the Cuban Embassy for US $50 (allow at least one week for the embassy to process it).
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Complete the online customs and immigration D’Viajeros form no earlier than seven days before your arrival date. You’ll then receive a QR code to download and present at immigration.
We provide our multi-day tour customers with a general license affidavit which is your legal declaration to the US that you understand the OFAC regulations and the reason for your legally authorized travel to Cuba.
All visitors to Cuba require comprehensive travel medical insurance. Cuba-issued Asistur coverage is usually included in your airline ticket when flying directly from the US. Use our pre-booking and pre-departure guide for more tips.
Key takeaways: Pre-travel requirements for US travelers
- Mandatory travel documents: Travelers departing the US need a valid passport and must obtain a tourist eVisa, general license affidavit and travel medical insurance before departure.
- Customs and immigration form: US travelers must submit the D’Viajeros form online before arriving in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about Cuba trips from USA
We answer commonly asked questions about traveling to Cuba from USA.
Traveling to Cuba as an American is possible if your visit fits one of the 12 OFAC general license categories. Our Ultimate Cuba tours are already structured to comply with these rules.
Cuba is generally safe for US travelers. Most challenges you’ll encounter involve practicalities, such as cash access, power cuts or limited supplies, rather than safety. Cubans are welcoming towards US visitors.
Group travel is very safe in Cuba. Our tours take the pressure off logistics like cash, transport, fuel shortages, and compliance rules so you can enjoy the experience.
US credit and debit cards don’t work in Cuba. For currency in Cuba, US dollars are commonly accepted for drinks, transport, and souvenirs. Bring US $100 in cash per person, per day with plenty of small bills. If you need Cuban Pesos (CUP), exchange small amounts of around US $50–100 with help from your guide or guesthouse staff.
With its dramatic mountain scenery, fading Spanish-era architecture, and distinctive Afro-Cuban heritage, Cuba is one of the Caribbean’s most alluring islands. Popular destinations include:
- Havana: Cuba’s energetic capital, with classic cars, live music, and colonial buildings lining the streets.
- Trinidad: A beautifully preserved town and UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by sugar estates.
- Bay of Pigs: Renowned for the 1961 invasion, this coastal area’s waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Santiago de Cuba: Lively eastern city with strong Afro-Caribbean heritage and deep roots in traditional Son music.
- Viñales: Quiet rural valleys with limestone hills where tobacco is harvested for hand-rolled Cuban cigars.
Key takeaways: Popular questions about US travel to Cuba
- Legal travel for Americans: US residents can travel to Cuba legally if the trip falls under one of the 12 OFAC general license categories.
- Safety in Cuba: It’s safe for Americans to visit Cuba, especially when traveling with a licensed tour operator like Cuban Adventures.
- Credit Cards and currency in Cuba: US dollars in cash are widely used in Cuba, but US credit and debit cards don’t work. Bring cash for your entire vacation.
- Popular Cuban destinations for Americans: Beyond Havana, US travelers also love exploring Viñales, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba.
Travel to Cuba from US and explore with confidence
Whether you’re ready to experience a different culture, brush up on your salsa or Spanish, or enjoy a nature-based vacation, Cuba delivers countless memorable moments. US travelers are always welcome, and getting around Cuba is much simpler when you choose a specialized Cuba tour operator with 20 years of experience. Browse our Cuba tours and get in touch with us to start planning your Cuban adventure from the USA today!
What people say about our services in Cuba
Excellent
Based on 1,812 reviews
JosephJune 29, 2026My experience on the 9 day tour was fantastic from start to finish. Cuban Adventures were very helpful throughout the process and have well designed itineraries. Our tour guide was friendly, helpful, and informative. I met a lovely group of people and saw many parts of the island which would have been difficult to reach on my own. The activities were well thought out, with opportunities to spend more time with the group or do your own thing. This was one of my favourite trips after visiting many countries. Thoroughly recommended!- SimonMay 8, 2026Travel to and within Cuba has been severely disrupted by the oil embargo. Despite these difficulties Cuban Adventurers were able to provide an excellent tour. Our tour guide Adrian was able to make the trip interesting and informative despite potentially difficult circumstances. All the people we dealt with on this trip who were engaged by Cuban Adventurers such as local guides and accommodation providers were positive, helpful and friendly and added to our enjoyment of the tour.
- SophieApril 12, 2026I had a great time on the Women's Tour. Our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable and created a once in a lifetime experience for us all.
- GretchenMarch 22, 2026Cuban Adventures was the most accommodating tour I have ever taken. It was also the most interesting thanks to our tour guide, the history professor, Yoani Monteagudo Javier. Take the 15 day road trip for a very full picture of Cuba.
PhilipMarch 19, 2026To sum up the trip and company in one word. PROFESSIONAL. Quick responses, great guide, great driver. We were well looked after, always felt safe and enjoyed learning about the people, history, culture and great countryside. Thank you Cuban Adventures.
ElizabethMarch 15, 2026I recommend anyone who wants to visit Cuba to do it with Cuban Adventures. I always felt really guided visiting this beautiful but foreigner country for me. They had an excellent organization and sense of responsibility. All the members of the team are very friendly and really cared about the travelers. I felt completely safe traveling with them.- Andrea SuzanneMarch 7, 2026This has been one of the most amazing trips I have been on. Between the Cuban people and culture it was so memorable.
- CliffordMarch 3, 2026Our tour of Cuba was fantastic! It was a fun, interesting, and memorable adventure. It was extremely well-organized and seamless, and our tour guide Estefan was phenomenal. I highly recommend visiting Cuba and hope that I can return there in the future.
- StephenieFebruary 25, 2026My 10-day tour of Cuba with Cuban Adventures was an amazing experience. I didn't know what to expect and I was a little anxious beforehand, but this became easily my favorite vacation ever. My Cuban Adventures guide, Estefan, was incredibly organized, knowledgeable, and friendly. The staff that supported him, Dayana (local guide) and Carlos (driver) were wonderful too. Our trip took us to Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, and I loved it all. Cuban Adventures made Cuba feel like home, and I was honestly sad to leave. I can't wait to return to Cuba, and when I do, I will definitely book my trip through Cuban Adventures.
Uncover more Cuba travel inspiration in our blog
If you've been dreaming of Cuba and want to learn more about this fascinating country before your trip, read our blog for a complete Cuban travel guide with tips and local insights.