Travel to Cuba 2023: Your Questions Answered

Yes! Travel to Cuba in 2023 is still possible for Americans who wish to travel independently, without being part of a big, expensive tour group. You just need to pay attention to the rules.

Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba under 12 different categories that reflect the activities travelers will do while in Cuba. There’s no “tourism” category, but there are other categories that will allow you to have an incredible solo or group trip—such as the Support for the Cuban People category—and still enjoy the types of activities you love to do while traveling. 

To travel to Cuba legally, all you need to do is adhere to the rules that are stated in the travel category you are using. Still confused?

There is no systematic U.S. government enforcement of the rules, but when you book a flight on one of the U.S. airlines, you will be asked during the online checkout process to check a box certifying that you are traveling under one of the 12 categories. If you book lodging through a U.S. based company like Airbnb, you'll be asked to certify during the booking process there as well. Then, you go on your trip—no other paperwork is required.

However, the regulations state that the U.S. government has 5 years to intervene and ask you to demonstrate that your activities met the category requirements. For this reason, it's recommended that travelers have an itinerary that outlines their activities, and keep any receipts, photos or other records from their trip. 

If this sounds complicated and you want someone to walk you through the process—while providing you with amazing personalized recommendations—message one of our Cuba Heroes. They can help you plan an itinerary that meets the Support for the Cuban People category guidelines (or any of the other categories). 

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cuba implemented strict rules for incoming travelers, but these were entirely removed in April 2022. Travelers can now enter Cuba freely without any testing or vaccinations. The current guidelines are simple.

• Americans may travel to Cuba without proof of vaccination and without a pre-travel COVID test.
• A Health Declaration Form is required. 
• Some travelers are subject to temperature screening upon arrival.
• Travelers may be selected at random for COVID testing upon arrival.

Health insurance tip: American travelers must purchase Cuban health insurance (this was true even before COVID). All US airlines include the required health insurance with the purchase of flights. 

As of June 2019, American cruise ships can no longer dock in Cuba. Don't worry—there are still plenty of ways to enjoy all that Cuba has to offer. 

As an American traveler, all you must do to travel to Cuba in 2023 is to choose one of the 12 Categories of authorized travel, plan your trip with help from a local Cuban planner so that it meets the requirements of your chosen category, and keep any photos or receipts and records for five years. If you go in 2023, you’ve got to keep records through 2028. It’s that simple.

You can conveniently book accommodations ahead of time online with sites like Airbnb and our local Cuban travel experts will do the heavy lifting of planning. you can also book flights online on major airlines from your hometown airport to Cuba.

Yes, flights are still running between the US and Cuba in 2023. In fact, many airlines are adding routes in preparation for growing travel projections. As of 2022, you can travel to Cuba from the US on JetBlue, American, United, and Delta.