At Cuba Buddy, we prioritize your safety and comfort. With years of experience helping U.S. citizens and U.S. residents travel to Cuba, we understand the rules, regulations, and potential concerns travelers face. Our goal is to give you peace of mind while delivering an unforgettable experience. Here’s why you can trust us:
Easy to travel to Cuba with us
Cuba Buddy
At Cuba Buddy, we are committed to ensuring that every part of your trip follows U.S. regulations. From your initial booking to the activities we plan, we ensure that:
As of February 13, 2022, Cuba is no longer considered a high-risk area. This means there are no longer any restrictions or travel warnings for non-essential travel to Cuba.
Traveling with Cuba Buddy is fully legal under U.S. regulations because your trip is organized under the “Support for the Cuban People” category. During your stay, you will reside in privately-owned accommodations rather than government-run hotels, and you will actively support local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs through your activities. We assist you in maintaining the necessary documentation of your itinerary and activities, so you can simply focus on enjoying your trip.
Important: You are required to keep a copy of your travel itinerary and any relevant receipts for five years to comply with U.S. law — but don’t worry, Cuba Buddy ensures you are fully prepared with everything you need.
Family visits
Official government business
Journalistic activities
Professional research/meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances and competitions
Support for the Cuban People (this is the category for travel with Cuba Buddy)
Humanitarian projects
Activities for foundations/educational institutes
Exchange of informational materials
Certain authorized export transactions
No, U.S. credit and debit cards cannot be used in Cuba. You will need to bring sufficient cash for your entire trip. You can exchange U.S. dollars for Cuban pesos at the airport, hotels, or official exchange houses. We recommend exchanging at your casa particular (private accommodation), where rates are often more favorable.
You should bring U.S. dollars (USD) and exchange only a portion of them into Cuban pesos (CUP) after you arrive in Cuba. Exchanges can be made at the airport, your accommodation, or at official CADECA exchange houses — however, we recommend exchanging at your casa particular (private accommodation), where rates are often more favorable. Only exchange what you expect to need in CUP for local expenses.
Yes, Cuba Buddy can help you book accommodations, flights, and organize your entire itinerary in a way that complies with U.S. regulations. We make sure your accommodations are privately-owned and not on the U.S. government’s restricted list.
U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba need a Cuban Visa. You can either purchase it directly through Cuba Buddy or receive it automatically when booking a trip with us — no need to go through the Cuban Embassy or your airline. We make the process simple, fast, and fully compliant with all travel regulations.
Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. The country has low crime rates, and tourists generally feel safe during their stay. Cuba Buddy International also provides on-the-ground support with our Local Buddies, who are there to assist you at any time during your trip.
Yes, under the Support for the Cuban People category, U.S. citizens can bring certain items that support the local community, such as humanitarian aid, school supplies, and non-commercial goods. We recommend consulting with us to ensure that what you bring complies with U.S. and Cuban regulations.
If you need help during your trip, Cuba Buddy International provides support through our Local Buddies, who are available to assist with any issues. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Havana is available to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
Most U.S. health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses in Cuba. However, if you are traveling on a flight from the U.S., travel health insurance is already included with your ticket.
This insurance typically provides coverage for medical care while in Cuba. In case of emergencies, Cuba offers healthcare services that are accessible to tourists and generally of a good standard.
If you’re not traveling via the U.S. or would like additional coverage (e.g. for trip cancellations or lost luggage), we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes international medical coverage.
While it’s possible to book last-minute trips to Cuba, we recommend booking at least six weeks in advance to ensure availability of accommodations and compliance with U.S. regulations. Last-minute bookings may also limit your options for flights and accommodations.
Cuba Buddy stays up to date with any changes in U.S.–Cuba travel regulations. If there are any changes to travel policies that impact your trip, we will notify you immediately and assist with any necessary adjustments to ensure your trip remains compliant and smooth.
In the event that changes in travel policy make your trip impossible or non-compliant, you are entitled to a full refund.
