Country · North America

Shipping to Cuba

Air and ocean freight from the United States to Cuba, arranged through Gelle Transport and our international partners — with routing, documents and timing confirmed for every shipment.

Export restrictions apply. Shipments from the USA to Cuba are affected by comprehensive US embargo. Some goods or parties may be prohibited or require a US export licence. Please contact us before buying or shipping so we can confirm what is possible.
CapitalHavana
Main air gatewayJosé Martí International Airport (HAV)
Main seaportPort of Mariel
CurrencyCuban peso (CUP)
RegionNorth America
Typical US gatewayCross-border trucking, or Gulf and East Coast ports for the Caribbean

Shipping from the USA to Cuba

Gelle Transport arranges freight from the United States to Cuba through vetted international air and ocean partners, building on our experience as a Kansas City trucking company since 2014. We collect your cargo in the US, prepare it for export, book the international leg and coordinate arrival in Cuba, with routing and availability confirmed before every booking.

For Canada and Mexico, road freight across the border is often faster and more economical than ocean or air. Caribbean and Central American islands are mainly served by short-sea routes from Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Aerial view of a cargo vessel on open water
Ocean cargo for Cuba arrives through Port of Mariel.

Air freight to Cuba

Air cargo from the United States to Cuba normally arrives at José Martí International Airport (HAV). Air freight is the best choice for urgent, compact and high-value shipments such as electronics, spare parts, documents and medical supplies. Typical door-to-door transit from the USA to this region is about 1–5 days, depending on the origin airport, connections and customs clearance. Air cargo is charged on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.

Sea freight to Cuba

Ocean freight to Cuba usually arrives at Port of Mariel. Choose a full container (FCL) for larger volumes or a shared container (LCL) for smaller consignments. Typical ocean transit from the USA to this region is about 1–3 weeks, depending on the US port, sailing schedule and transhipment.

Customs and import documents for Cuba

Most shipments to Cuba need the following. Product-specific requirements vary, so we confirm them before your cargo leaves the US:

  • Commercial invoice with item values
  • Detailed packing list
  • Bill of lading or air waybill
  • Importer registration / tax ID in Cuba
  • Certificates of origin or conformity where required
  • Permits for regulated goods (food, medicines, chemicals)

Import duties and taxes are assessed in Cuba in the local currency (Cuban peso (CUP)) and are normally paid by the importer. US export rules also apply — some goods, technologies and destinations need an export licence.

How Gelle Transport helps

  1. 01

    Assess the shipment

    We confirm the route to Cuba, what can be shipped and any restrictions before you commit.

  2. 02

    US pickup and export

    We collect from your address or supplier and prepare the cargo and documents for export.

  3. 03

    International freight

    Air or ocean booked with vetted carriers, with updates while in transit.

  4. 04

    Arrival coordination

    Clearance and delivery in Cuba coordinated with local agents where available.

Shipping to Cuba: FAQs

How long does shipping from the USA to Cuba take?

Air freight typically takes about 1–5 days and sea freight about 1–3 weeks, plus clearance and inland delivery. We confirm timelines on every quote.

Which airport and port serve Cuba?

Air cargo usually arrives at José Martí International Airport (HAV). Sea cargo usually arrives at Port of Mariel.

Can Gelle Transport ship to Cuba?

Restrictions apply (comprehensive US embargo). Contact us first and we will confirm what is possible. Our main international lane is USA to Kenya.

Who pays import duties in Cuba?

Duties and taxes are normally paid by the importer in Cuba, in Cuban peso (CUP).

Other countries in North America

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