Many people believe that "Americans cannot go to Cuba," but to be precise, entry into Cuba is not completely prohibited.

However, under U.S. law, visiting Cuba for simple tourism and engaging in travel-related transactions is not permitted.

According to the 2025 U.S. OFAC regulations, individuals subject to U.S. jurisdiction must fall under one of the 12 authorized travel categories to engage in transactions related to travel to Cuba.

These categories include family visits, official government business, journalism, professional research and meetings, educational activities, religious activities, sports events, support for Cuban nationals, and humanitarian projects.

A commonly used category for general travelers is 'Support for the Cuban People.'

However, simply buying a plane ticket and checking this category does not mean everything is settled. If you use this category, you must include activities that meaningfully engage with Cuban citizens and support civil society. OFAC regulations require activities that essentially constitute a full-time schedule.

Thus, staying in privately operated accommodations known as casa particulares, dining at private restaurants called paladares, and purchasing goods and services from private entrepreneurs are frequently utilized. Transactions with specific hotels or businesses connected to the government may fall under U.S. sanctions, so it's important to verify when booking accommodations.

Travel preparations are also somewhat different from typical international travel.

First, a valid U.S. passport is required, and you must prepare the entry authorization documents that Cuba requires.

Before entry, you should also check the procedure for submitting traveler information through D'Viajeros.

It's advisable to confirm the conditions of medical insurance that can be used in Cuba when booking your flight.

Financial matters are particularly important. It would be a mistake to assume that credit and debit cards issued in the U.S. will work normally in Cuba.

It is more realistic to prepare travel expenses with cash in mind. Internet and mobile phone service may not work as reliably as one would expect while traveling in the U.S.

It's convenient to save maps, accommodation addresses, flight information, and important contacts on your phone in advance.

Another thing to keep in mind is record-keeping. If you travel under a category permitted by OFAC, it is important to keep records of your itinerary and related transactions to explain what activities you engaged in. There is a five-year retention requirement for records related to transactions involving airlines and travelers in Cuba.

Using flights from the U.S. to Cuba is not illegal in itself. If you fall under an authorized travel category, you can purchase tickets to Cuba through U.S. airlines. However, this is completely different from a purely tourist trip like "booking a hotel and relaxing on the beach for a week" at a typical Caribbean resort.

Therefore, the statement that "U.S. citizens cannot go to Cuba" is not accurate, and conversely, saying "Cuba travel is now completely free" is also incorrect.

Cuba can be visited by U.S. citizens if certain conditions are met, but it is a special destination that requires compliance with U.S. sanctions against Cuba.

If it's a place you want to visit at least once, it's safest to check OFAC regulations and Cuba's entry requirements again just before departure and plan your itinerary accordingly, as regulations may change depending on the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.