Yes, you can travel to Cuba from the United States!
By Chaz Chambers (Musician, Tour Guide Leader, and Director of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways)
Traveling to Cuba from the United States can seem difficult, but it isn’t. Yes, you can travel to Cuba from the US. The hardest part is trying to find the correct and clear information. This blog is here to answer all those questions in a simplified way. Key preparations include a flight, a valid passport, a Cuban eVisa, the D’Viajeros entry form, required medical coverage and an applicable OFAC travel authorization for U.S. travelers. Technically, lounging at the beach and traveling as a “tourist” is not permitted.
Flights:
For most U.S. travelers, scheduled commercial air service is the practical way to reach Cuba. Cruise service is not operating from the United States, and other carrier arrangements are subject to U.S. and Cuban rules. Commercial Cuba service changes over time, so confirm current routes directly with the airline before booking. As of September 2026, American Airlines lists Miami–Havana service and connecting U.S.-origin itineraries. Routes and schedules can change, so use the airline’s current Cuba schedule rather than relying on an older airport list.
Passports:
You and your group/family will need valid U.S. passports. Current U.S. State Department guidance lists passport validity of six months beyond the arrival date for Cuba. You can find all the info you need about getting and renewing your passport on the Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html.
Cuban eVisa:
Cuba now uses an electronic visa (eVisa) linked to your passport for eligible short-term visitors. The old red/green paper tourist-card system has been replaced. Apply through Cuba’s official eVisa process or the appropriate Cuban consular channel, and make sure the passport details match exactly. Visa fees and fulfillment methods can vary by provider and point of origin. Use Cuba’s official eVisa portal at evisacuba.cu or follow the instructions from the appropriate Cuban consular channel or your airline.
Complete the eVisa process before travel and keep the visa information available with your passport and D’Viajeros documentation.
OFAC Travel Authorization for U.S. Travelers
There are multiple OFAC categories that can authorize Cuba travel-related transactions when their specific conditions are met, including Support for the Cuban People, journalistic activity, religious activities, humanitarian projects, professional research, and certain academic educational activities. As US travelers, citizens, residents, and all people under US jurisdiction have to fulfill general licensing rules from OFAC (The Office of Foreign Assets Control – AKA The Treasury Dept. of the US Gov.) Even flying from the US could constitute the need to obey the general licensing rules. You can read more about that in a blog we wrote explaining the differences: https://havanamusictours.com/can-americans-travel-to-cuba/.
You will need to understand this list of entities and avoid spending money with them:
For current sanctions, restricted-entity, and prohibited-accommodation guidance, review OFAC’s Cuba sanctions FAQs: https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/topic/1541
Planning a trip involves entry requirements, the applicable U.S. travel authorization and practical arrangements. Our team can discuss a proposed itinerary and the documents to prepare. See the current U.S. Cuba travel guide before booking.
For more info please check out our Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba Tours.