Question 1

Is it legal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, U.S. citizens can legally travel to Cuba under 12 OFAC-authorized categories. The most common is "Support for the Cuban People," which requires travelers to engage in meaningful activities that support independent Cuban entrepreneurs and civil society. Cuba Travel Services is a licensed provider authorized to facilitate legal travel under these categories.

Question 2

What is OFAC-compliant travel to Cuba?

Accepted Answer

OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) compliance means following U.S. Department of Treasury regulations for Cuba travel. This includes maintaining a full-time schedule of activities, keeping records for 5 years, and ensuring activities support independent Cuban entrepreneurs rather than government entities. All Cuba Travel Services programs are designed to meet these requirements.

Question 3

What are the 12 OFAC-authorized travel categories for Cuba?

Accepted Answer

The 12 categories are: (1) Family visits, (2) Official business of the U.S. government, (3) Journalistic activity, (4) Professional research, (5) Educational activities, (6) Religious activities, (7) Public performances/exhibitions, (8) Support for the Cuban People, (9) Humanitarian projects, (10) Activities of private foundations, (11) Exportation/importation of information, and (12) Certain authorized export transactions.

Question 4

What does "Support for the Cuban People" mean as a travel category?

Accepted Answer

The "Support for the Cuban People" category allows U.S. travelers to visit Cuba if their activities support independent Cuban entrepreneurs and civil society. This includes staying at privately-owned casas particulares (not government hotels), eating at privately-owned paladares, using private transportation, and engaging with local artists, musicians, and community leaders. Cuba Travel Services designs all itineraries to meet these requirements.

Question 5

Do I need to keep records of my Cuba trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, U.S. travelers are required to keep records of their Cuba travel activities for 5 years. This includes receipts, itineraries, and documentation of activities. Cuba Travel Services provides comprehensive compliance documentation with every booking to help you meet this requirement.

Question 6

What documents do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?

Accepted Answer

U.S. travelers need: (1) Valid U.S. passport with at least 6 months validity, (2) Cuba Tourist Card/Visa (pink card for U.S. citizens), (3) Travel insurance with Cuba coverage, (4) Self-certification of OFAC category, and (5) Proof of accommodation. Cuba Travel Services assists with all documentation including visa processing and OFAC compliance materials.

Question 7

How do I get a Cuba Tourist Card (visa)?

Accepted Answer

Cuba Travel Services partners with CubaVisaServices.com for reliable visa processing. U.S. citizens need a pink Tourist Card, which typically takes 3-5 business days to process. The Tourist Card is valid for 90 days and can be extended once for an additional 90 days. Visit our Visas page to start your application.

Question 8

What is the D'Viajeros health declaration?

Accepted Answer

D'Viajeros is a mandatory online health declaration that all travelers to Cuba must complete within 72 hours before their flight. It generates a QR code that is required for entry into Cuba. The form is free and can be completed at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.

Question 9

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Cuba. Your policy must provide coverage within Cuba, including medical expenses. Cuba Travel Services can recommend trusted insurance providers that meet Cuban entry requirements.

Question 10

How much does a Cuba trip cost from the United States?

Accepted Answer

A Cuba trip from the United States typically costs $1,200-$2,500 per person for 5-7 days, including accommodations in casas particulares, ground transportation, activities, and most meals. This excludes flights and the $50 Cuba tourist card. Cuba Travel Services offers all-inclusive packages starting at $899.

Question 11

What currency should I bring to Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Cuba primarily uses the Cuban Peso (CUP). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but may incur a surcharge. Euros are also accepted. Credit and debit cards issued by U.S. banks generally do not work in Cuba, so bring enough cash for your entire trip. ATMs are unreliable.

Question 12

Are tips expected in Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated in Cuba. A general guideline is $3-5 USD per day for tour guides, $1-2 for restaurant staff, and $1 per bag for porters. Cuba Travel Services provides detailed tipping guidelines with every booking.

Question 13

What is a casa particular in Cuba?

Accepted Answer

A casa particular is a privately-owned Cuban home that rents rooms to visitors, similar to a bed and breakfast. Staying in casas particulares is the best way to comply with the "Support for the Cuban People" OFAC category, as your money goes directly to independent Cuban families rather than government entities. Cuba Travel Services partners with vetted, high-quality casas across Cuba.

Question 14

Can I stay in hotels in Cuba as a U.S. citizen?

Accepted Answer

U.S. citizens can stay in most Cuban hotels, but some government-owned properties are on the restricted list. To best comply with "Support for the Cuban People," we recommend privately-owned casas particulares and boutique hotels. Cuba Travel Services only books OFAC-compliant accommodations.

Question 15

What is the best time to visit Cuba?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Cuba is November through April (dry season), with pleasant temperatures of 70-85°F. The peak tourist season is December-March. May through October is hurricane season with more rainfall, but lower prices. Cuba Travel Services operates year-round programs.

Question 16

Is Cuba safe for U.S. travelers?

Accepted Answer

Cuba is generally considered very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Common-sense precautions apply — watch your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. Cuba Travel Services provides 24/7 support and local contacts throughout your trip.

Question 17

Can I use my U.S. cell phone in Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Some U.S. carriers offer roaming in Cuba, but rates are extremely high. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card or relying on hotel/casa WiFi, which is increasingly available but not ubiquitous. Cuba Travel Services provides communication tips and local emergency contacts.

Question 18

What should I pack for Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Essential items include: sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, light cotton clothing, any prescription medications (with documentation), a power adapter (Cuba uses 110V/220V), cash in various denominations, and a basic first-aid kit. Check our blog for a complete packing guide.

Question 19

How long has Cuba Travel Services been operating?

Accepted Answer

Cuba Travel Services has been facilitating legal travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens since 1999 — over 27 years of experience. We are licensed by the State of Florida and authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Question 20

What makes Cuba Travel Services different from other providers?

Accepted Answer

We offer 25+ years of Cuba expertise, 100% OFAC-compliant programs, direct relationships with 100+ local Cuban entrepreneurs, comprehensive compliance documentation, and 24/7 customer support. Our AI Trip Builder also creates personalized itineraries tailored to your interests.

Question 21

How do I contact Cuba Travel Services?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by email at info@cubatravelservices.com, by phone at 1-800-963-2822 (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EST), or through our AI Trip Builder for instant itinerary assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Requirements & OFAC Compliance

Documentation & Visas

Costs & Budgeting

Accommodations

Travel Planning

About Cuba Travel Services

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