Traveling to Cuba FAQs

Yes, absolutely. Due to US sanctions on Cuba, US law states that Americans aren’t allowed to travel to Cuba for tourism. However, there are 12 categories of travel that are perfectly legal. Most people choose the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category.   

To qualify for this, you just need to be able to provide an itinerary that shows you will be following a ‘full-time schedule’ of approved activities that directly support private Cuban businesses and individuals. In other words, your Flash Pack itinerary (which uses local guides, guesthouses, restaurants and drivers).  

When you book a flight online, you’ll be asked to check a box certifying that your trip fits one of the 12 categories. Keep a copy of your itinerary handy in case anyone asks to check it. Simple!

1. Visit https://visacuba.com/ 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 7 days before travel. Flash Pack Customer Experience Team will email you 7 days before departure with a reminder and a link to this form.

All travelers must complete the Certificate of Travel form on the D’Viajeros traveler information portal 48 hours before you arrive, which asks for immigration and health information. You’ll get a QR code to show to the authorities on arrival.

If you don’t speak Spanish, click on the top right hand ‘lenguaje’ tab for the dropdown language menu and choose Ingles/English which will translate the page for you. 

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.  

US government regulations require US travelers to keep documents from their trip to Cuba for five years after they travel. Keep hold of your Flash Pack itinerary, flight details and any receipts, photos or records from your trip. You’re very unlikely to have to show them, but rules are rules. 

All visitors must have travel insurance for Cuba and you might be asked to show this to immigration officials on arrival. 

You’ll need to make sure your policy covers you for any unforeseen medical care, treatment and repatriation costs. Most medical facilities will require you to pay to cover the cost of your treatment, in full, before you leave the country.

Most insurance companies don’t have contracts with Cuba so if you have a medical emergency while in Cuba, your insurance company will ask you to pay in advance for treatment and you’ll get a refund once you return. 

Always double check the terms and conditions with your insurance provider. 

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 Cuba visa, which you must keep until you leave the country (or for five years if you are a US citizen).

If you’re flying via the USA after visiting Cuba you will not be able to transit using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). To ensure a smooth return journey home, you’ll need to arrange a US visitor visa (B1/B2) from your local US embassy before traveling to Cuba.

If you are traveling from or via the US, you will need: 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of travel
• Cuban visa
• A copy of your Flash Pack itinerary 
• Certification of Travel form (printed out)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement)
• Travel medical insurance (printed out)
• Return travel documents (flight tickets)
• US visitor visa (if transiting the US on your way home)

Check the latest requirements for US citizens traveling 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
• A green visa or ‘Tourist Card’ 
• Certification of Travel form (printed out)
• Travel medical insurance (printed out)
• Return travel documents (flight tickets)