How do I get permission to go to Cuba?

You can visit Cuba in a completely legal way, obtaining a visa in advance, or you can do what many Americans do — simply book a flight from another country, like Mexico. Read on for the ways to visit Cuba legally when you hold a US passport.

Do you need special permission to go to Cuba?

Tourist visas are also required for all visitors. Entering Cuba without government authorization — your 30-day tourist visa — is illegal, and can result in arrest and serious jail time. If that’s not the kind of wild trip you’re looking for, apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of Cuba.

Can I travel to Cuba now?

That being said, yes, Cuba is open for travel — even for Americans. Anyone traveling to Cuba (whether or not you’re vaccinated) just has to keep a couple of things in mind. You’ll need a negative PCR test taken 72 hours earlier. You’ll also need to take a test at the airport.

Can F1 students travel to Cuba?

The Cuba travel regulations apply to any person under U.S. jurisdiction, which includes all persons citizens of or residing in the U.S. as permanent resident or under any visa issued by the United States. This includes holders of non-US passports, those in the US on F1 student visas, and those with green cards.

Why is it illegal to go to Cuba?

This is because of travel restrictions imposed by the US government on all US citizens and permanent residents. Cuba is one of the countries in the world that the US has no diplomatic relations with, and the relationship between the two countries has been hostile for about five decades.

Who can legally travel to Cuba?

It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. However, you will need to meet some requirements. Specifically, you need a Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba.

What happens when student visa expires?

What if my F-1 student visa has expired? You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

Why are US citizens not allowed in Cuba?

As relations between Cuba and the United States deteriorated rapidly after the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and the resulting expropriation and nationalisation of businesses, the island became cut off from its traditional market by an ongoing embargo and a travel ban was imposed on U.S. citizens visiting Cuba.

What happens if you enter Cuba without permission?

Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters, or airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest. Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four to thirty years.

What do you need to enter Cuba as a parent?

At these checkpoints the parent or guardian will need to provide documentation of his or her relationship to the child. This is not an official requirement of entry into Cuba, but it is recommended that travelers in question have those documents on hand, for an easier entry or departure, and to avoid potential hassles.

What are the requirements to travel to Cuba?

Visit the Cuban Embassy website for visa requirements. Cuba requires visitors to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States or can be purchased at the airport upon arrival to Cuba. Foreign students on scholarships are required to test for HIV/AIDS.

Can a Cuban-American with an US passport travel to Cuba?

Cuban-Americans who departed Cuba before January 1, 1971 may travel to Cuba on their U.S. passport but must apply for an HE-11 visa from the Cuban Embassy. Cuban authorities do not always notify the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of dual nationals and may deny U.S. consular officers access to them.