Travel to Cuba 2020: Your Questions Answered
New US restrictions have many people asking "can I travel to Cuba in 2020?" It's confusing—but travel to Cuba is legal, even for Americans.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about planning a legal trip to Cuba.
Want to make the most out of your trip? Tap into our network of local travel planners—Heroes—who build unique, locally-curated trip plans, designed just for you. Get started.
Note: In September 2020, the Trump Administration announced a new set of Cuba travel restrictions. It is still legal to travel to Cuba. However, Americans cannot stay in government-owned hotels or import Cuban rum and cigars.
Can Americans still travel to Cuba in 2020?
Yes! Travel to Cuba in 2020 is still possible for Americans who wish to travel independently. You just need to pay attention to the rules.
Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba under 11 different travel categories of authorized travel that reflect the activities travelers will do while in Cuba. There’s no “tourism” category, but there are categories that will allow you to have an incredible solo trip and enjoy the activities you love, such as the Support for the Cuban People category.
Even after the June 2019 travel restrictions?
Yes! The June 2019 restrictions only affect the People to People category (which was primarily used by guided tour companies and cruise lines). Additionally, as of June 2019, American cruise ships can no longer dock in Cuba, so the future of cruises to Cuba is in doubt.
As an American traveler, all you must do to travel to Cuba in 2020 is to choose one of the 11 Categories of Authorized Travel, plan your trip so that it fits within your chosen category, and keep all your receipts and records for five years. If you go in 2020, you’ve got to keep your records through 2025. It’s that simple.
You can book accommodations ahead of time online with sites like Airbnb. You can get help from Cuban travel experts who will do the heavy lifting of planning. And you can book flights on major airlines from your hometown airport to Cuba.
Yes, flights will still run between the US and Cuba in 2020. But some airlines are cutting routes due to uncertainty in the Cuba travel market. Alaska Airlines has ended its daily flights from LA to Havana, but other airlines are maintaining their current service to Cuba. As of 2019, you’ll be able to travel to Cuba from the US on JetBlue, American, United, Delta, and Southwest.
Will Hurricane Irma damage be an issue for travel to Cuba in 2020?
Cuba is recovering well in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Most areas popular with American travelers are safe to visit now, including Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Santiago, and Baracoa. If you have questions about a specific area, send a message to a Cuban local.