What Is “Support for the Cuban People” Travel?

Support for the Cuban People is not only a legal way for Americans to visit Cuba — it’s a meaningful style of travel that focuses on genuine connection. Instead of simply sightseeing, travelers engage directly with Cuban residents, learning about their lives, their work, and their culture. These personal exchanges are what make travel to Cuba so memorable.

Traveling under this category allows guests to experience Cuba from a local perspective. You’ll meet artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday Cubans who open their doors and share their stories. These interactions create the kind of insight and warmth that traditional tourism rarely offers.

On Support for the Cuban People programs, you’ll still visit Cuba’s most iconic destinations — but the heart of the experience lies in the people you meet along the way. You may explore private art studios, visit community projects, enjoy live music with local performers, or learn directly from artisans and small business owners. These activities not only enrich your trip, they also help strengthen and support Cuba’s growing civil society.

Why This Category Exists

Travel to Cuba is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). OFAC authorizes 12 categories of legal travel, but most of them apply only to very specific professions or purposes. Support for the Cuban People is the broadest category — and the one that allows everyday Americans to visit Cuba legally.

To qualify, travelers must follow a full-time schedule of compliant activities while in Cuba. These activities must:

Increase meaningful contact with Cuban people

Support independent Cuban entrepreneurs and community groups

Promote the Cuban people’s independence from government authorities

When your itinerary is built around these principles, your travel is fully authorized under U.S. regulations.

Why It Matters

Support for the Cuban People travel creates a win‑win:

Travelers

enjoy deeper, more authentic experiences

Cuban residents 

benefit directly from engagement, visibility, and economic support

It’s a modern, responsible way to explore Cuba — one that honors its culture, uplifts its people, and gives visitors a richer understanding of this extraordinary island.

Cuban Visa Information

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Cuba?

Travelers visiting Cuba are required by the Cuban government to obtain a valid Cuban visa before arriving on the island. This visa, commonly referred to as a tourist card, permits one entry into Cuba and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Marimar Travel & Tours issues Cuban visas to all registered guests as part of their travel package. Each package includes one electronic visa (E‑Visa) per traveler.

Cuban American Travelers

Travelers who were born in Cuba and are now Cuban American must hold a valid Cuban passport to enter the country. This document must be processed prior to travel.

Additional Requirements

A valid U.S. passport is required both for entry into Cuba and for us to process your Cuban visa. If you need to apply for or renew your U.S. passport, you may do so through the U.S. Department of State’s official passport website. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Please ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Renewing early helps you avoid delays or the need to pay expedited service fees.

Our goal is to make your travel experience smooth, enjoyable, and stress‑free. If you have any questions, our team is here to help at 562‑464‑0278.

About Cuba:

Cuba is a captivating island rich in culture, music, and colonial charm. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a population as vibrant as its tropical climate, Cuba offers travelers a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Now open once again to American visitors, it’s a destination full of discovery.

Overview

Just 90 miles south of Key West, Florida, Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It spans over 44,000 square miles—slightly smaller than Pennsylvania—and shares maritime borders with Jamaica, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands. The landscape ranges from fertile farmland and rugged mountains to historic cities and pristine beaches.

Cuba is divided into 15 provinces and one special municipality, Isla de la Juventud. Highlights include the tobacco-rich region of Pinar del Río, the Afro-Cuban rhythms of Santiago de Cuba, and the colonial town of Trinidad, nestled between mountains and sea.

With a population of over 11 million, Cuba’s culture reflects a rich mix of Indigenous, European, African, and North American influences.

Environment

Cuba is recognized globally for its commitment to sustainability. It has shifted toward eco-friendly farming and was among the first nations to phase out incandescent bulbs. The island is home to six UNESCO biosphere reserves and boasts over 3,500 miles of coastline. Nature lovers will find diverse ecosystems—from mangroves and forests to coral reefs—and rare species like the zunzuncito, the world’s smallest bird.

Education

Cuba’s literacy rate stands at an impressive 99.8%, supported by a nationalized education system that includes 47 universities and 23 medical schools. Education is free and accessible to all citizens, with students choosing between academic and technical paths after secondary school.

History

Cuba’s story is one of resilience. First claimed by Spain in 1492, it gained independence in 1902 after the Spanish-American War. The Cuban Revolution (1953–1959) led to the rise of Fidel Castro, who declared the country a socialist state in 1961. Today, Cuba is governed by the Communist Party under a Marxist-Leninist framework.

Economy

Cuba operates under a socialist economic model, with most citizens employed by the state. However, private enterprise is growing, with recent reforms allowing ownership of homes and vehicles. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Major exports include sugar, nickel, seafood, citrus, tobacco, and rum.

Weather

Cuba enjoys a semi-subtropical climate with two seasons: wet (May–October) and dry (November–April). Average temperatures hover around 77°F, with July and August being the hottest months. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but Cuba maintains a strong disaster preparedness system.

Language

Spanish is the official language, though Cuban Spanish has its own rhythm and expressions. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, and travelers are encouraged to learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance their experience.

Religion

Catholicism is the dominant religion, often blended with African spiritual traditions like Santería, Palo Monte, and Abakua. Cuba also has communities of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, and a small Muslim population.

Cuba Destination:

Havana Neighborhoods

Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

The historic heart of the city, filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, lively plazas, and iconic landmarks like El Morro. It’s vibrant, walkable, and full of music and culture.

Vedado

A modern, energetic district known for the Malecón, classic American cars, wide boulevards, and popular spots like Coppelia. It’s the center of Havana’s nightlife and everyday local life.

Miramar

An elegant residential area with grand mansions, embassies, and tree‑lined streets. It offers a quieter atmosphere and great places to enjoy authentic Cuban music.

Guanabacoa

Located east of Havana, this neighborhood is rich in Afro‑Cuban traditions and spiritual heritage, closely tied to the practices of Regla and its patron saint.

Western Cuba

Pinar del Río A region of mountains, tobacco fields, and sugarcane farms, known for its warm hospitality, traditional guajiro music, and classic countryside charm.

Viñales A peaceful valley surrounded by dramatic limestone formations, where life moves slowly and farmers return home on horseback along cobblestone streets.

Soroa A lush mountain retreat nicknamed “The Rainbow of Cuba,” home to thousands of plant species, vibrant orchids, and a refreshing 72‑foot waterfall.



Las Terrazas A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve filled with diverse wildlife, forest trails, artist studios, and a welcoming community rooted in restored coffee‑growing history.

Central Cuba

Cienfuegos

A coastal city known as “The Pearl of the South,” with a relaxed waterfront, elegant architecture, and the scenic Punta Gorda peninsula.

Trinidad

A beautifully preserved colonial town framed by mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Colorful homes, cobblestone streets, and lively music define its charm.

Matanzas

A cultural city of bridges and rivers, famous for its literary history and authentic local life. Nearby caves, rivers, and reefs add to its appeal.

Santa Clara

A youthful university city known for its Che Guevara memorial, bustling plazas, and traditional tobacco‑making heritage.

Varadero

One of Cuba’s most stunning beach destinations, offering white sand, turquoise water, ecological reserves, and a long history of glamorous visitors.

Playa Larga & Playa Girón

Quiet coastal communities surrounded by nature. Playa Larga is rich in wildlife, while Playa Girón (the Bay of Pigs) blends beautiful beaches with important history.

Caibarién

A friendly seaside town called “Villa Blanca” for its bright beaches. Known for its December festivals and delicious crab dishes.

Cayo Santa María

A serene island paradise with white sand, clear waters, abundant marine life, and modern resorts connected to the mainland by a long causeway.

Remedios

A peaceful town most of the year, transformed in December by its vibrant parrandas—a festive celebration of music, fireworks, and dancing.

Eastern Cuba

Holguín Known for its scenic viewpoints and lively parks, Holguín offers a mix of culture, history, and beautiful beaches like Playa Esmeralda, famous for its calm waves and emerald‑colored water.

Baracoa Cuba’s oldest city, filled with tropical flavors, chocolate aromas, and pastel homes. Surrounded by beaches and the iconic El Yunque peak, Baracoa is beloved for its unique cuisine and laid‑back charm.

Santiago de Cuba The island’s cultural heartbeat, set between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Music, festivals, Afro‑Cuban traditions, and vibrant street life define this passionate city.

Bayamo A historic town known for its weekend street celebrations, lively music, and love of chess. Visitors experience authentic Cuban culture through food, dance, and community gatherings.

Camagüey A maze‑like colonial city with winding streets, numerous churches, and distinctive clay water jars. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends architecture, art, and rich local history.

When to go:

Travel to Cuba Any Time of Year

Cuba’s warm semi‑tropical climate makes it a great destination year‑round. The dry season runs from November to April and is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures in the upper 70s to mid‑80s. Summer months are hotter—often reaching the 90s—but offer fewer crowds and more affordable travel.

Hurricane season lasts from June to early November, with the highest chances of storms between August and October. Overall, the best time to go depends on the type of experience you want.