Traveling to Cuba FAQs

Yes – American citizens can legally travel to Cuba, but tourism for tourism’s sake is not allowed under US law. Instead, travel must fall under one of 12 authorised categories defined by the US government. Flash Pack trips operate under the “Support for the Cuban People” category – this means your experience is designed to meaningfully connect with locals and support Cuba’s independent businesses, like family-run guesthouses and private restaurants.

When you book a flight online, you’ll be asked to check a box certifying that your trip fits one of the 12 categories. When travelling, just keep a copy of your itinerary handy (via our app) in case anyone asks to check it. Simple!

1. Visit Visa Cuba and fill in the requested details. Please list the country where your final flight departs from as the ‘traveling from’ country. For non-US citizens and those not transiting via the US, the visa is £19. For US citizens and those travelling via the US, the visa is $40.

2. Within 72 hours you will receive your Unique Visa Number associated with your passport.

3. You’ll need to enter your Unique Visa Number into your D’Viajeros form, which then generates a QR code for entry into Cuba. You can only complete the D’Viajeros form in the week (7 days) leading up to your travel to Cuba.

All travelers must complete Cuba’s D’Viajeros form online within a week of travel (we recommend doing so no later than 48 hours before travel, just to be safe). It takes just a few minutes and generates a QR code that you’ll need to show at the airport. If you don’t speak Spanish, click on the top right-hand ‘Idioma’ button for the dropdown language menu and select English.

You will need your passport information, arrival and departure flight numbers and the address of your starting accommodation to complete the form – you’ll be able to find the address you need via the “preparation” section on the Flash Pack app.

When you’re finished, make sure you view the PDF, print it out and keep it somewhere safe. It’s a good idea to take a photo of the QR code too, just in case.

The US government requires travelers to keep records of their trip to Cuba – including your itinerary, receipts and proof of support-for-the-Cuban-people activities – for at least five years. This is unlikely to be checked, but it’s important to stay compliant. The onus is on you to document your trip, which we’re sure you will anyway, and your Pack Leader will encourage you along the way.

US health insurance policies and Medicare don’t work in Cuba – but don’t worry. Cuban authorities require all visitors to have local health coverage, and this is usually included in the cost of your airline ticket. It covers you for emergencies while in the country. If not, you’ll be asked to buy it on arrival. As with all Flash Pack adventures, we also recommend a separate travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, baggage and any extras – see our Travel Insurance FAQ here.

Don’t worry, your passport won’t actually be stamped when you travel to Cuba (unless you want it to be). Immigration officers will stamp your boarding pass and visa, which you must keep until you leave the country (or for five years if you are a US citizen).

However, US law may consider travel to Cuba when you apply for programs like Global Entry or other Trusted Traveler Programs, depending on the travel category. You’re on solid ground though by traveling legally under the “Support for the Cuban People” category.

If you’re not a US citizen and you’ve visited Cuba since 2021, you’ll not be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes ESTA. This means you’ll need to apply for a full B-2 tourist visa to transit or enter the US – even if you’ve held an ESTA in the past. This is due to US travel restrictions and applies regardless of how you entered Cuba.

Absolutely – please see below.

If you are traveling from or via the US, here’s what you will need: 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of travel
• Your Cuban eVisa
• Your D’Viajeros form QR code
• A copy of your Flash Pack itinerary (via your app or you can email us)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement)
• Travel medical insurance (printed out)
• Return travel documents (flight tickets)
• US visitor visa (if a non-US citizen transiting the US on your way home)

Check the latest requirements for US citizens travelling to Cuba on the U.S. Department of State International Travel Information website.

If you’re not traveling from or via the US, you will need: 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of travel
• Your Cuban eVisa
• Your D’Viajeros form QR code
• Travel medical insurance (printed out)
• Return travel documents (flight tickets)

Yes – Cuba has some strict customs rules to be aware of:

• High-power electrical items may be inspected or confiscated on arrival.

• Standalone GPS devices are not allowed without prior approval from Cuban authorities and may be taken at the border.

• Phones, tablets, and laptops are generally fine – just disable GPS or location services to avoid any issues.

• Confiscated items are usually returned when you leave the country.

For full details, visit the Cuban Customs website or contact [email protected].

Yes – under current US regulations, you cannot bring alcohol or tobacco products from Cuba into the United States, even for personal use. This applies whether you’re returning directly from Cuba or transiting through another country. For the most up-to-date list of restricted items, refer to official guidance from US Customs and Border Protection here.