What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?

If you want to visit Cuba as an American and do it legally, you will need to obtain a Cuban visa in advance. This is also called a “general license” and the Cuban government requires it to travel to Cuba. It can be a bit confusing, but calling it the general license is the way to go.



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Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba — there are multiple ways to do so. 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.

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President Biden lightened restrictions on Trump-era policies for Americans entering Cuba so it is perfectly legal to visit Cuba in 2023, provided you meet a few requirements. I traveled to Cuba from the USA in February 2023 from Philadelphia to Havana with a layover in Miami so here's what I learned from my trip.

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You may have noticed that a visit to other countries implied a visa stamp on your passport, but this is not valid for Cuba. Your passport will not get stamped upon entry. Only the Tourist Card will receive a Cuba visa stamp, but you need to keep it in your passport at all times.

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All travelers to Cuba must possess a valid passport, a return ticket, travel insurance policy with medical coverage, and a visa or tourist visa. Unlicensed U.S. citizens may be allowed a stay of up to 90 days upon entry.

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If you lose your Cuban Tourist Card, you must replace it before you will be allowed to depart Cuba. When you go to the airport, explain that you have lost your card. You may have to pay for a replacement.

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