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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
from 2685 USD/ person
Special Interest
Multiple durations | Tour Codes: CS CS11
Experience an immersive 11-day cultural exchange, connecting with local musicians and participating in choir exchanges, singing workshops, dance, percussion and rhythm.
$1100 USD / 3-5 day package
Short Stay
You choose the duration | Tour code: HSS
This Best-of-Havana package is the easiest way to experience the essentials in a short time. Perfect for solo travellers or families, you pick the dates and activities, and we'll lock in a smooth, guided Havana escape from start to finish.
$1580 USD / person
Active Adventure Special Interest
8 days, 7 nights | Tour code: CY
Tour Cuba on two wheels! Cycle narrow alleys and cobbled lanes from energetic Havana through five provinces to explore central Cuba's breathtaking landscapes. Go beyond sightseeing to total immersion in local culture as you discover the island up close.
Para quem busca uma viagem feita sob medida, oferecemos tours personalizados que se adaptam aos seus interesses, ritmo e estilo de viagem. Seja para explorar a cultura cubana, relaxar em praias paradisíacas ou descobrir os segredos locais, criamos o roteiro ideal para você. Nossa equipe está à disposição para planejar cada detalhe da sua viagem, garantindo uma experiência autêntica, inesquecível e totalmente personalizada em Cuba.
Custom Duration
Tailor-made itineraries and private Cuba tour packages for small groups and VIP experiences. Design a personalised itinerary, or let our local guides take you on an exclusive Cuba tour on a departure date to suit you. Contact us for pricing and details.
$2265 USD / person
Classic Cuba
20 days, 19 nights | Tour code: CT
This 20-day Cuba tour package combines our 15 day Original Cuba and 6 day Western Cuba tours for the ultimate adventure! Enjoy the island’s unspoiled nature, intriguing heritage and Cuban spirit while you get up close and personal with the real Cuba.
$2975 USD / person
Ultimate Cuba Special Interest
11 days, 10 nights | Tour code: SCPNY
Celebrate Christmas and welcome in the New Year Cuban style by dancing and partying with the locals. Be part of the lively seasonal festivals and watch the exciting Parrandas de Remedios, a homemade fireworks neighbourhood showdown unique to Cuba.
$1790 USD / person
Active Adventure
10 days, 9 nights | Tour code: CM
This action-packed itinerary includes cycling, trekking, diving and more! Join in the outdoor activities then explore Cuba’s towns and cities in your free time. Perfect for adventure lovers who crave nature, culture and fun with like-minded travellers.
$1860 USD / person
Active Adventure Special Interest
9 days, 8 nights | Tour code: CB
Designed for birders and wildlife photographers, this Cuba tour package visits protected natural areas and national parks—home to Cuba’s rarest birds and migratory bird species. With expert guides, see many of Cuba’s 27 endemic species in the wild.
$795 USD / person
Classic Cuba
8 days, 7 nights | Tour code: CC
Explore the heart of Cuba in just 8 days. Perfect for time-conscious travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond the beach resorts, this classic tour takes you from Havana to Viñales, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara.
Classic Cuba Active Adventure Special Interest
Multiple durations | Tour Codes: CCW CMW CYW
This empowering, women-only tour celebrates sisterhood! Designed for solo female travellers, friends, female couples and mother-daughter duos, experience island culture and support women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders.
$3380 USD / person
Ultimate Cuba
14 days, 13 nights | Tour code: SCP14
Journey across Cuba from west to east in 14 days and discover its lively music and dance scene, magnificent scenery and local traditions. Explore dynamic cities including Santiago de Cuba—birthplace of the Cuban revolution and home to the island’s best rum.
$640 USD / person
Classic Cuba
6 days, 5 nights | Tour code: CX
Discover Cuba’s western provinces on a tour that blends urban energy with rural adventure. Visit the mountain communities of Las Terrazas and Soroa and the village of Viñales with its dramatic limestone peaks, famous tobacco fields and warm hospitality.
$1500 USD / person
Classic Cuba
9 days, 8 nights | Tour code: CG
Experience the spirit of Cuba and see the island through the eyes of the people who live there. This tour takes you beyond the usual sights to the complexity of Cuban culture, history and daily life while exploring Cuba with a passionate local guide.
$2260 USD / person
Ultimate Cuba
5 days, 4 nights | Tour code: SCP5
From vibrant street tours in Havana, Cuba to the tranquil countryside, this 5-day trip to Cuba is for those who want to see beyond the tourist hotspots. Experience city living and rural life while learning about the island's past, present and future.
$1625 USD / person
Classic Cuba
15 days, 14 nights | Tour code: CA
This 15-day signature itinerary visits the east of the island, highlighting the most genuine aspects of life in Cuba. Meet the locals, understand the country’s history and discover indigenous, African and European influences that shaped Cuban culture.
$2375 USD / person
Ultimate Cuba
9 days, 8 nights | Tour code: SCP9
Visit Cuba’s colourful towns with pre-arranged logistics on this tour. Enjoy salsa, cooking classes and cultural activities supporting local artisans. This tour’s full schedule complies with the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ general license.
Our other multi-day tours give you more freedom to plan your own activities, as long as you comply with SCP guidelines.
Add a day tour to your Cuban itinerary and support Cuba’s private businesses while meeting SCP travel license requirements for US citizens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
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