Cuba is a country bursting with incredible culture, fascinating history, and the most resilient, warm-hearted people you’ll ever meet. But if you’re travelling from the U.S., we know the U.S. embargo can feel a bit daunting, especially with the tightened restrictions in 2025. Here’s the brilliant news though: you can still experience Cuba – legally, ethically, and in the most meaningful way possible – by embracing sustainable travel.
What the Embargo Actually Means for You
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! The U.S. embargo does prohibit tourism to Cuba, but travel is absolutely allowed under 12 authorised categories. The most popular (and our favourite) is “Support for the Cuban People.” This wonderful category encourages you to connect with Cuba’s thriving private sector—think staying in gorgeous casas particulares, dining at incredible paladares, and booking with talented local guides and artists.
According to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), travellers need to maintain a “full-time schedule of meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba” and keep records of their activities for five years. Simply put, that means hanging onto your receipts, itineraries, and jotting down notes that show your trip supported everyday Cubans – not the state. Easy!
Full information on booking an OFAC compliant trip can be found here!
Why Sustainable Travel Is Absolutely Perfect for Cuba
Sustainable travel isn’t just about being kind to the environment (though that’s brilliant too!)—it’s about supporting local communities, respecting culture, and leaving only footprints. In Cuba, this approach fits perfectly with OFAC’s requirements. When you:
- Stay in charming family-run guesthouses
- Take amazing salsa and drumming workshops or cooking classes with locals
- Explore stunning nature with passionate eco-guides
- Buy beautiful art or crafts directly from talented Cuban creators
…you’re not only having the most authentic, enriching experience – you’re also perfectly complying with U.S. law. It’s a win-win!
Organisations like the US based Centre for Responsible Travel (CREST) highlight that sustainable, people-to-people travel creates genuine cross-cultural understanding and helps build Cuba’s independent economy. That’s exactly what we’re all about!
Handy Travel Tips for U.S. Citizens
- Choose your travel category when booking your flight (we can help you choose which category!)
- Keep your documentation: receipts, itineraries, and notes of your activities
- Avoid government-run hotels and businesses (trust us, the private alternatives are much more special anyway!)
- Book with trusted operators like Cubania Travel, which offers OFAC-compliant, sustainable tours designed to meet all legal requirements whilst giving you the most authentic, unforgettable Cuban experienceCubania Travel’s tours designed with US citizens in mind can be found here!
What About European Travellers to Cuba?
Europeans aren’t bound by the embargo (lucky you!), but visiting Cuba might mean you’ll need to apply for a full visa to enter the U.S. afterwards rather than using the U.S. ESTA visa waiver. Also, some European banks and travel platforms steer clear of Cuba due to U.S. financial restrictions, so it’s worth checking before you book.
WARNING: If you fly to Cuba via the USA you will be bound by embargo rules, regardless of your nationality.
More information for Europeans travelling to Cuba can be found here!
Our Final Thoughts
Cuba isn’t just another destination—it’s a complete perspective shift. Travelling sustainably means you’ll connect on a deeper level, support local livelihoods, and discover the real Cuba – not just the picture-perfect postcard version everyone else sees.
And honestly? Cuba might be one of the last places on Earth where you can truly switch off from the constant global news cycle – including all the latest political drama. If that’s not reason enough to pack your bags, we don’t know what is!
Ready to start planning your incredible Cuban adventure? Let’s make it legal, ethical, and absolutely unforgettable together.
