27. Are there any restrictions for foreign nationals traveling to Cuba from the U.S.?
Foreign nationals traveling to Cuba from the United States are required by U.S. law to comply with the same requirements as U.S. citizens. All passengers traveling on U.S. carriers may only travel to Cuba for one of the 12 OFAC authorized travel categories. All passengers, including foreign nationals, will be required to certify their reason of travel is within one of the 12 travel categories authorized by OFAC. Leisure travel is currently prohibited from the U.S, and thus, is not one of the OFAC categories. Foreign nationals traveling to Cuba for tourist purposes should not attempt to book travel on a U.S. carrier.
Initially, Delta will restrict international connecting traffic from flights to/from Cuba to avoid any potential lapses in communication regarding the U.S. law restrictions. After Delta’s Cuba operations are satisfactorily established and communications processes for foreign travelers are developed and verified, Delta will remove the international connection restrictions.
In addition, all passengers traveling on U.S. carriers will be required to purchase medical insurance from ESICUBA (the Cuba government insurance provider), which will be sold as part of the cost of the ticket. If the foreign national has medical insurance that is accepted in Cuba, they may request a refund directly from ESICUBA. Delta will not issue refunds for Cuban medical insurance.
Travelers without a valid travel document for entering Cuba (e.g., tourist card, business visa, Cuban passport, etc.) will also be required to obtain a visa or tourist card, with the exception of Cuban citizens or dual citizens born in Cuba. Delta will make tourist cards available for purchase at the U.S. gateway departure gates prior to boarding on the day of departure.