Updated July 2017

In July of 2015, I boarded a plane (legally) bound for Havana, Cuba from Cancun, Mexico. For many years I had dreamed of visiting Cuba, but I had no idea how I was going to make the trip possible.

As an independent traveler, I knew that I did not want to take an organized tour to the country and have every single day of my trip dictated to me, so I decided that I was going to find a way to make the trip possible by going on my own.

A Brief History of US-Cuba Relations & Why Americans Were Unable to Travel to Cuba

Cuban Flag

According to the U.S. Department of State, Cuba’s current authoritarian regime assumed power by force in 1959 during the Cuban Revolution and then proceeded to restricted the freedoms of Cuban people, repressed political opponents, and violated human rights.

In 1962, a few years after the Revolution began and tension began to rise between Cuba and the United States, President John F. Kennedy placed a permanent embargo on trade with Cuba. The embargo was strengthened further in 1992 and then again in 1996 with the Helms-Burton Act.

From the 1960s when the permanent embargo was put in place, Americans were not legally allowed to visit Cuba until 2011 when a licensed educational program called People-to-People allowed travelers to visit the country on an educational basis.

In December 2014, President Obama eased restrictions for traveling to Cuba for people falling under one of the following 12 categories:

  • Family visits.
  • Official government business.
  • Journalism. (*Me)
  • Professional research and meetings.
  • Educational activities.
  • Religious activities.
  • Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions.
  • “Support for the Cuban people.”
  • Humanitarian projects.
  • Activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes.
  • Exporting or importing information or “information materials.”
  • Travel related to some authorized export transactions.

Since Congress has the ultimate power to end the embargo, unless travelers fall under one of the aforementioned categories, traveling to Cuba is still not legally (meaning: general tourism is not allowed).

Further Reading:

travel cuba

This guide covers the following topics:

  • The Planning Phase: Booking Flights
  • The Entry Phase: Visas, Passport Stamps, Health Insurance
  • The Traveling Phase: Money in Cuba

Read More: Accommodation & Travel in Cuba

The Planning Phase: Booking Flights

Airplane Cuba

When I traveled to Canada back in 2015 there were very limited amounts of flights that Americans could use to get to Cuba, and getting on those flights could be a big headache. Most Americans usually had to enter Cuba through Mexico (like I did), through Canada, or through a Caribbean destination.

Traveling to Cuba through the United States

Currently, Americans can travel directly to Cuba from America using one of the following airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

Traveling to Cuba through Mexico

While I was planning a vacation to the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, I decided that since I was going to be a mere hour and a half away from Cuba, that I would travel directly from Cancun to Havana.

Booking my ticket from Cancun to Havana from the United States without using an agency turned out to be a little trickier than I had thought it was going to be. When I went to purchase tickets online on the Cubana website using my American credit card, the transaction was denied, which meant that I had to wait until I got into Cancun to pay with cash.

There are currently two airlines that operate directly between Cancun and Havana: Aeromexico and Cubana.

  • Aeromexico has daily mid-morning flights between Cancún (CUN) and Havana (HAV) and daily afternoon flights from Havana–Cancún.
  • Cubana operates flights daily between Cancún and Havana (3:05PM) and also daily between Havana and Cancún (1:45 PM).

I purchased my ticket at Cubana’s Cancun location (Ave Tulum 232 local A1 y A3) and the ticket cost 5,623 MN pesos (roughly $320 USD).

The Thrifty Traveler, a points and miles blogger said that his American card was also declined when trying to purchase a ticket via the Cubana website, but that he had success purchasing one with his credit card for $340 USD via the third party website Cuba Travel Network, so this is another option to book your flight before you travel to Mexico.

The Entry Phase: Visas, Passport Stamps, Health Insurance

Cuban Visa

A visa is required for all international travelers entering Cuba.

Visas for Cuba from the United States

Getting a visa for Cuba will cost different amounts depending on the airline you fly. Cuban visas from all airlines (with the exception of JetBlue, United, and Delta), must be purchased online through Cuba Travel Services. Here is the most up-to-date information as of July 2017:

  • Southwest Airlines – $50
  • Alaska Airlines – $85
  • American Airlines – $85
  • Delta Airlines – $50
  • JetBlue – $50
  • United Airlines – $75

Visas for Cuba from Mexico

Visas for Americans traveling through Mexico can be purchased for $25 directly at the Cancun airport at the Cubana ticket counter directly across from the Cubana check-in area.

cuban passport stamp

Passport Stamps in Cuba

Most Americans traveling through Cuba will have their tourist card stamped and not their passports, however in some instances, a Cuban immigration officer might stamp your passport. If you are traveling to Cuba legally, there is no need to worry, however, if you are traveling to Cuba illegally (and do not have Global Entry), you may be questioned by immigration officers upon your return to the United States.

Health Insurance in Cuba

The Cuban government states that “travelers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba…Residents in the United States traveling to Cuba will have to take out their insurance policy at their home country of departure from Cuban insurance companies.  The arrangement shall be made through agencies associated with Havantur-Celimar Company. US insurance companies do not provide coverage in the Cuban national territory. Upon demand after their arrival, travelers shall present a policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time span they will stay in Cuba.”

When I booked my ticket in Mexico, I was not asked whether or not I had travel insurance and when I arrived in Cuba, I was not asked either. For the six days I spent in the country, I did not have insurance, but I would not advise traveling in the country without any.

 The Traveling Phase: Money in Cuba

Cuban Convertible Pesos

CUC – Cuban Convertible Pesos

Cuba has a dual currency system: one for Cubans (CUP) and one for tourists (CUC).

The CUC (pronounced ‘kook’) are Cuban Convertible Pesos and is the type of money that is issued to and used by tourists. 1 CUC = 1 USD and can only be obtained within Cuba.

The CUC comes in values of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.

Cuban Peso

CUP – Cuban Peso

The CUP (or moneda nacional) are Cuban Pesos, and is the type of money that is used primarily by Cubans. The CUP is about 25 times less valuable than the CUC (1 CUC = 25 CUP) and can only be obtained within Cuba. The CUP comes in values of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.

*Note: ‘1’ CUP and ‘1’ CUC come in both bill and coin form. CUP coins are always gold and CUC coins are always silver. Make sure you pay attention to the change being given back to you to avoid getting scammed.

Exchanging Money in Cuba

When you arrive in Cuba, you will need to exchange your cash into CUP. The American dollar will be charged a 10% penalty, so it is advised to carry a different form of currency into the country, such as Euros, Pounds, or Canadian Dollars. The airport will not give you the best rate for your money, so exchange the majority of your money at Cuban banks or Cadecas (currency exchange shops).

For more information on exchanging money in Cuba, check out this great article on TripAdvisor.

Using Credit and Debit Cards in Cuba

American credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba, so make sure to bring cash – lots of it.


Looking for things to do during your independent trip to Cuba? Consider some of these options: