Is it legal to travel to Cuba on a mission trip?
Yes! Religious travel is one of twelve categories of Cuba travel authorized under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, and it covers organized religious activity like Experience Mission (EM) trips. Ordinary tourism to Cuba remains prohibited, but a full-time schedule of "religious activity," organized by a U.S. religious organization, is a well-established, legal way to go.
What is the legal basis for a Cuba mission trip?
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulates travel to Cuba through the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. Within those regulations, the Religious Activities general license authorizes U.S. religious organizations, their staff, and their members to travel to Cuba for a full-time schedule of religious activity.
This is a general license, not a specific one. That means EM does not apply to the government for permission or receive a "license" before each trip. Like any qualifying U.S. religious organization, EM self-certifies that its trips meet the requirements: a full-time schedule of religious activity, organized under the auspices of the sponsoring organization, with no more than incidental free time or recreation. EM keeps records of each trip's itinerary and activities, consistent with OFAC's record keeping expectations for authorized travelers.
Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now?
The U.S. Department of State currently places Cuba at Travel Advisory Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," due to crime and an unreliable power grid. EM's local staff and partners monitor conditions on the ground and adjust team activities and locations accordingly. As with any location EM serves, we take precautions for team safety and stay in contact with our in-country partners about current conditions before and during every trip.
Read the State Department's full Cuba travel information for the latest updates before you go.
Where do EM's Cuba trips stay, and who do teams support?
Part of staying compliant with U.S. regulations is knowing who you do business with in Cuba. The State Department maintains a Cuba Restricted List of entities connected to the Cuban government, military, and security services, along with a separate Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List of properties U.S. travelers cannot book. EM's Cuba partners and lodging are independent of the Cuban government, and our team confirms this as part of trip planning.
In keeping with EM's approach everywhere we serve, our Cuba team joins local churches and community partners already at work rather than arriving to lead or direct their ministry.
Do you need a Cuban visa?
Yes. Most travelers need a Cuban tourist card or visa in addition to meeting OFAC's travel requirements. These are two separate sets of rules, one from the United States and one from Cuba. Requirements can vary depending on your citizenship and how you are flying into the country, so EM's mission trip support staff will walk you through the current process once you are registered for a trip.
Do you need health insurance to travel to Cuba?
Yes. Cuba requires visitors to carry non-U.S. medical insurance. This is often included in the price of your plane ticket on flights departing the United States, and it typically covers the first 30 days of your stay. If it is not included, you can usually purchase it on arrival. Check with your airline before you travel, and reach out to EM's support staff with any questions.
What does an EM mission trip to Cuba actually look like?
Cuba mission trips are an opportunity to experience local culture and see what daily life looks like for the people EM's partners serve. During your time in Cuba, you will build relationships with local believers, encourage churches already at work in their communities, and take part in a full-time schedule of activities organized around that partnership, from conversation and shared meals to hands-on service projects.
What makes an EM mission trip to Cuba different?
EM has organized trips to Cuba for more than five years, working alongside the same local ministry partners rather than arriving as outside experts. Teams join work that is already happening in Cuban communities rather than leading, directing, or taking credit for it. For security reasons, EM does not publish the names of its Cuba partners, but our mission trip support staff can share more detail once you are registered for a trip.
Still have questions about a Cuba mission trip?
EM's mission trip support staff answer questions like these every day and can walk you through the registration process, travel logistics, and what to expect once you are on the ground in Cuba.
Interested in joining us on a Cuba mission trip? Fill out an interest form today to learn more!
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