Travel to Cuba 2018: Your Questions Answered

ViaHero · Updated August 21, 2018

At ViaHero, we’re excited about travel to Cuba in 2018! But in general, feelings are mixed, and many people are still asking "can I travel to Cuba in 2018?" It's definitely confusing—some cruise lines are adding sailings to Cuba, while some airlines are ending their service to Cuba altogether. And while some people are excited about traveling solo to Cuba, others are convinced that the only way to go is with a group tour. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about traveling to Cuba in 2018 and exactly what the situation is. Once you do, feel free to message us with any questions whatsoever!

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.

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Can Americans still travel to Cuba in 2018?

Yes! Travel to Cuba in 2018 is still possible for Americans who wish to travel independently or on a guided tour. You just need to pay attention to the rules.

Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba under twelve different travel categories 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, like the Support for the Cuban People category. Get all the details on the categories in the article Cuba travel policy updates.

As an American traveler, all you must do to travel to Cuba in 2018 is choose one of the twelve categories, 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 2018, you’ve got to keep your records through 2023. It’s that simple.

Remember: you’re not stuck with a group tour or an excursion on a cruise. You can go on your own!

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 2018. 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. In 2018, you’ll be able to travel to Cuba from the US on JetBlue, American, United, Delta, and Southwest.

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But what about the State Department travel warning?

The State Department may or may not lift its travel advisory for Cuba in 2018, but civilian travelers to Cuba should not be concerned either way. No private citizens have been affected by the illnesses diplomats are experiencing that prompted the travel warning last September. Investigations into the cause of illnesses among diplomats are still ongoing.

The only known impact on travelers is that the US Embassy Havana is running with limited staff as all non-essential personnel were sent back to the US. The staff can only help you in a true emergency and it’s best to contact the Embassy by phone at +(53)(7) 839-4100 instead of visiting the building. But hopefully you won’t need the Embassy for anything on your trip to Cuba in 2018!

Will Hurricane Irma damage be an issue for travel to Cuba in 2018?

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, message us.