Operations to Cuba

This regulation sets special requirements for flying from the U.S. to Cuba. You must depart from a designated international airport of entry listed in customs regulations—you cannot leave from just any airport.

If departing from the lower 48 states or Washington D.C., you must file either a Defense VFR (DVFR) or IFR flight plan as required by Part 99. Additionally, within one hour before departure, you must provide a written statement to the Immigration and Naturalization Service office at your departure airport. This statement must include all the flight plan information plus the names and total number of people on board, and a description of any cargo.

These requirements exist because flights to Cuba involve international border crossing and national security considerations. The advance notification allows customs, immigration, and security agencies to properly process the flight before departure.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*