Heading to Cuba? Things to know about traveling to Cuba as an American
Heading to Cuba? Things to know about traveling to Cuba as an American
It is hard to pass up a place of a time warp. When you look down cobbled streets to the old standing building you can see the rows of old antique cars. It is like going back to the past. But it isn’t a time machine you need to get there, it is merely a ticket.
With many years of travel restrictions to the island nation of Cuba is now open to travel. It is now becoming a desire to want to get to. But know that it is not open to everyone. For one it is still restricted to tourists. So forget about having that wild bachelor’s party in Havana. The lift of the restrictions of travel has opened up to 12 special groups. Some of those groups include journalists, diplomatic business endeavors, sports/athletes, religious, humanitarian, academic, entertainers and of course family relations.
These lifts just no longer requires a license to from the U.S. Treasurers for those travelers who fit under one of these categories. Getting there is a whole different story.
There are currently no U.S. Commercial airlines that fly to Cuba, but look forward to United and JetBlue to jump in early. American and JetBlue already offer charter flights.
If you want to get there legally as a tourist, a license is required. It also is required that you book with a travel agent. There are plenty around, mostly mom and pop agents based in Florida.
So what can you bring back from Cuba? Travelers to Cuba can now bring back $400 worth of items. $100 dollars of that can be rum and cigars.
Are you ready to head out to Cuba? When are your plans to go?
Erick Redcloud
A partially blind Graphic Designer, Freelance Travel Photographer, Artist, Buddhist and Vegetarian who loves to travel. Erick loves traveling by being with the locals and going off the beaten path. He is the founder and owner of Pathlesstravels and loves inspiring others to follow their dreams, whether it is to travel or something completely different. He started Pathlesstravels to hone is photography skills and to meet amazing people, and to help a friend break into journalism. Check out his photography at his link.
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15 comments on “Heading to Cuba? Things to know about traveling to Cuba as an American”
I haven’t been to Cuba . . . yet! I would just love to go - I’ve been reading so many posts about it lately! I’m Canadian so I don’t think I’d have to worry too much about restrictions
Lucky you. I am trying to find a journalist angle to get myself there easier.
I remember being in the Dominican and Americans would buy boat loads of Cuban cigars because that was the thing to do. I’m really happy they’ve lifted the sanctions!
Sanctions are not completely lifted, bit i am sure it will get there soon.
Not been to Cuba yet although my family have and they loved it! Been reading some really great stuff recently and I guess now is a good time to go before it changes after the borders open!
Yes now is the perfect time to go if you fit under one of those 12 groups. Otherwise the flood gates will open and the experience may change.
As a Canadian, Cuba was always open to us - I’ve been to Cuba 4 times now, and had done both the beach holiday, and a country-tour. Definitely stay at the Casa Particulares - cheaper, and the insider knowledge goes a long way!
Nice to know. Thanks for more tips.
I’m heading to Cuba this year for the first time and I’m so excited, I read this article at just the right time
Cuba’s long on our list, but looks like it’ll have to wait a little longer. Unless we can figure a way to get into one of those categories!
Great information - Cuba is certainly on my list of “drop everything and go” if I ever get the opportunity.
I cannot wait to visit Cuba. But I’m Australian so I won’t have any issues getting in. I think it’s great that after so many years of conflict, America and Cuba are trying to mend relations and be friends.
Although I’m not American I found your post interesting. I really want to visit Cuba. Don’t know about any restrictions for Poles. I have to read more about it.
I’m non-American so went to Cuba for a month and had such a wonderful time. Such an amazing experience, I still keep in touch with the locals I became friends with. My favourite souvenirs were the handmade cotton table cloths I picked up in Trinidad de Cuba. I got some unique jewellery pieces made of silver spoons and forks too. I did pick up rum and cigars too!
I am not American, but it was interesting read, with some of the fact I was not aware of.