Traveling to Cuba with an American passport

I was so excited when I booked my flight tickets to Havana, Cuba. But there was also a little bit of uncertainty. Since the regulation for Americans traveling to Cuba have changed slight. It is still fairly new to most Americans. Finding the proper information online was a bit tricky and can be confusing. So I've decided to share with you some essential informations and tips based on my recent experience.

For Americans to enter Cuba as a tourist, it is still illegal. Visiting will require you to fit into one of these 12 categories:

1. ​Family visits
2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
3. Journalistic activity
4. Professional research and professional meetings
5. Educational activities
6. Religious activities
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
8. Support for the Cuban people
9. Humanitarian projects
10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
12. Certain authorized export transactions

Here comes a question where everyone is in doubt. Which one did I choose? I claimed "support for the Cuban people". This choice was stated when booking my flight online and my lodging with Airbnb.

Hints: Beside those two times, no one else has asked me this question or even asked for proof in Cuba or upon returning back to the United States.

Flight Tickets:
I booked my flights with a budget airline, the advantage of it would obviously be the cost. However, I regretted my decision immediately and definitely would not be recommending it. I didn't like all the rules, hidden fees as well as the overpriced visa they have offered. I had to pay $75 for a visa while my friend who was traveling with another airline paid way less than me. Thankfully, this airline has recently made an announcement about stopping their routes from Miami to Havana.

There are a number of airlines that offer flights to Cuba from United States, such as JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta, and etc. Note: you will have to book your tickets directly with the airline's website. 

Health Insurance:
Health insurance is required when traveling to Cuba, but it is included with fight tickets. For me, my boarding pass was the proof of health insurance. I carried my boarding pass around Cuba incase anything happens! 

Visa:
Americans passport holder do require a Visa upon entering to Cuba. Getting a Visa and the right documentation seemed a bit confusing for me at first, but it was actually quite simple. You may purchase one online with your airline, a few days before departure. a confirmation email will be sent and you would pick it up at your gateway airport. I received my visa at the Fort Lauderdale Airport gate after filling in some documentations. It was very simple!

Entering Havana:
So you have made it to your flight with your visa and health insurance, last step would be filling out a simple health form and a custom declaration form! Forms will be handed out by your flight attendant or at one of the airport immigration station upon arriving to Havana.  (Be sure to bring a pen with you!) 

​And this is it! I hope with these tips will help you ease the pain in planning and less fearful about traveling to Cuba! 
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