In December of 2015, the United States reached an agreement that opened up the possibility for Americans to travel to Cuba. The agreement restored commercial airline services between the two countries for the first time in 50 years. The restoration of flight service not only gave Americans easier access to Cuba, but also made history. Now, commercial airline carriers are offering a multitude of flights not only to Havana, but also 9 other cities in Cuba with international airports.
Since the agreement, travel to Cuba has really surged. Travel and Leisure reported that a record breaking 3.1 million tourists visited the country in 2015 and The Guardian said in an article that since relations between the United States and Cuba mellowed, there had been a 36% increase in the number of Americans visiting the country.
However, if you’re thinking about taking a relaxing vacation in Cuba, think again. Currently, Americans are not allowed to enter the country for the sole sake of vacationing. You can only legally visit the country for 1 of 12 reasons and those reasons include visiting family, professional travel, and education. If you have questions about why this is the case, we encourage you to take a look at the New York Times’ article, Frequently Asked Questions: How to Travel to Cuba. Just note that for now trips to Cuba strictly for the purpose of tourism are off limits.
OK, Got It, but I’m Not Visiting Cuba as a Tourist
If you plan to visit Cuba for 1 of the 12 approved reasons, the Swift team can be of service to you. In order to travel to the country, you’ll need a Cuba visa more commonly referred to as a Cuba tourist card. You’ll also need a valid U.S. passport. Thankfully, Swift can assist you with both, making the entire process not only easy, but hassle-free.
In order to get your visa to Cuba with Swift, you’ll need to supply required documentation and complete our seamless process. You can do most of this online in the convenience of your own home and if you have questions, our team will be happy to assist. Once you have your Cuba tourist card, you’ll be all set for your trip.
Before you pack your bags and get on your plane, take a look at our blog 6 Things to do When You Finally Travel to Cuba. It’s full of advice on places to see, things to do, and inside tips from our team. We really believe Cuba is a must-see destination!
