Cuban Souvenirs: What You Can Bring Back From Cuba
October 6, 2024In 2024, when the US and Cuba came to a historic agreement around restoring diplomatic relations, new forms of travel, and other activities, the ban on importing Cuban goods into the US was removed. Travelers were able to bring back up to 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars duty-free.
However, on September 23, 2020, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that U.S. travelers will no longer be allowed to take home “Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco products”.
Despite these continued restrictions, American travelers can import other types of souvenirs with no limits to the value of these goods for personal use, though standard duties and exemptions on higher value imports still apply.
Approved Cuban souvenirs to take home with you
Clothes and Jewelry
We give you access to Cuban entrepreneurs shaking up the Cuban fashion industry. Meet the founders of Cuba’s first fashion brands, like María Laura García, founder of El Encanto Atelier, and listen to their inspiring stories. Support Cuban entrepreneurs with every purchase and when people ask you where you got it, tell them it was bought and made in Cuba.
Photo credit: May Reguera
CDs
From professionally trained classical musicians to up and coming music groups, the talent in Cuba is undeniable. Allow us to set up a private concert with a world-renowned pianist or show you the best local spot in Havana to enjoy a classic mojito and live music. Many musicians and bands have CDs available for purchase.
Cuban coffee
The main ingredient in the iconic cafecito is, of course, the Cuban coffee bean. Across the island, coffee beans are produced with varying soil types, climate and roasting methods contributing to distinct flavors. The Escambray mountain region is one of the largest coffee producers on the island. Travelers visiting Trinidad can buy Escambray coffee to enjoy at home.
Perfume
Cuban perfume is the perfect gift for a friend or loved one back home with scents ranging from tobacco to mariposa (the national flower of Cuba). Locally sourced and blended, each bottle is unique. Our Old Havana walking tour includes a stop at a private perfume shop where you can mix your own fragrance to take home with you.
Art
Every artist in Cuba has a story – like the Central Havana artist whose house doubles as a studio. Learn what inspires him and the meaning behind his unique characters that you may have seen throughout the city. Take a piece of his art home with you and share his story with dinner guests or simply use it to inspire you each time you admire his creation on your wall.
Duty-free limits and tax rates
The U.S. allows $800 total in goods to be brought back to the U.S. from Cuba duty-free. There is a 4% flat rate plus any applicable IRS taxes on goods that exceed these exemption limits. For goods over $1,800 in value, the duty rates may vary.
For additional information on restrictions of imported goods from Cuba to the U.S., please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
