Current law says the penalty for importing Cuban cigars is up to $250,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison. Under the new rules, travelers to Cuba can bring back $400 worth of goods, only $100 of which can be cigars and alcohol.

As of 2026, the penalty for bringing Cuban cigars into the United States remains a complex legal issue governed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). While regulations have fluctuated over the last decade, it is currently illegal for travelers to bring Cuban-origin cigars or alcohol into the U.S., even for personal use and even if purchased in a third country (like Canada or Mexico). If you are caught by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with Cuban cigars, the most common penalty is civil forfeiture, where the cigars are confiscated and destroyed. However, for large quantities or repeat offenders, the government can impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $65,000, and in extreme cases involving commercial smuggling, criminal prosecution and imprisonment are possible. Furthermore, if you are a "Global Entry" member, a single violation for failing to declare Cuban products will result in the permanent revocation of your trusted traveler status, making every future international arrival significantly more difficult and time-consuming.