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Updated OFAC Cuba Travel Sanctions 2015
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HOW TO TRAVEL TO CUBA LEGALLY FROM USA AFTER PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON CUBA?



What You Need to Know about US Sanctions to Cuba for Travel Planning Purposes



AN OVERVIEW BY Authentic Cuba Travel®



LAST UPDATED: JUNE 13, 2022.

HOW TO GO TO CUBA UNDER NEW RESTRICTIONS ON CUBA TRAVEL FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS PUBLISHED IN JUNE 9, 2022?



On June 9, 2022, the Department of The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published new amendments to the 1963 Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 (“Regulations”) to further implement President Trump's policy toward Cuba.

The Regulations have been amended by most US administrations since they were first introduced back in 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C 4301- 4341) for either to relax or to restrict travel to the island, financial transactions, business and certain other activities. The most positive amendments were made under the administration of former President Barrack Obama.

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to lodge at any property that is owned or controlled by the Cuban government; a prohibited official of the Government of Cub; a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party; a close relative of a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, or a close relative of a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party. In furtherance of this change, the State Department is creating a new list, the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List, to publish the names, addresses, or other identifying details, as relevant, of properties identified as meeting such criteria.

For the complete Cuba Restricted List, please visit:

https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list-initial-publication/

As also anticipated, OFAC Regulations also expanded its list of Prohibited Officials of the Government of Cuba (515.537) to include Ministers and Vice-Ministers; members of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers; members and employees of the National Assembly of People’s Power; members of any provincial assembly; local sector chiefs of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution; Director Generals and sub-Director Generals and higher of all Cuban ministries and state agencies; employees of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT); employees of the Ministry of Defense (MINFAR); secretaries and first secretaries of the Confederation of Labor of Cuba (CTC) and its component unions; chief editors, editors, and deputy editors of Cuban state-run media organizations and programs, including newspapers, television, and radio; and members and employees of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Nacional).

At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have updated our itineraries to make sure that US organizations, educational institutions, religious organizations and American travelers in general are not directly or indirectly dealing with any of these prohibited entities. We do monitor constantly any updates to this list of entities to make sure our itineraries remain in compliance for our American customers.

For many years, Authentic Cuba Travel® has been organizing educational programs for the most prestigious US Academic Institutions. US Universities, Colleges, High Schools; Religious Organizations, Architecture Organizations, Art Foundations and Museums; and others have trusted Authentic Cuba Travel® with their travel plans to Cuba. We have a long list of referrals!

US Airlines continue to serve Havana, Cuba



The Obama administration facilitated the flow of American visitors to the island by restoring commercial US flights.

American Airlines currently operates 10 daily flights to Cuba from Miami.

Southwest operates daily flights to Havana from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

Delta offers flights to Havana from Miami, New York-JFK and Atlanta.

JetBlue flies to Havana from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York-JFK and Boston.

Swift Air and World Atlantic are also flying to Cuba from Miami International.

Notice: due to a change in the US government policy towards Cuba. US airlines are allowed to serve Havana only after December 10, 2019.

Legal Cuba Travel for Americans

SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS UNDER PRESIDENT OBAMA

On January 14, 2011 President Obama announced US policy changes towards Cuba in an effort to reach out to the Cuban people, to increase people-to-people contact, to enhance the free flow of information, etc.

On January 28, 2011, the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, published the new Regulations. Enhancing licensing (general licensing) for the purpose of USA- Cuba travel for educational, cultural, religious and journalist activities were among the new amendments of the 1963 Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 (“Regulations”).

On December 17, 2014 President Obama made another historical announcement intended to normalize relations with Cuba and to further ease travel restrictions to the Caribbean island.

The highly anticipated easing of travel restrictions were implemented by OFAC on January 16, 2015 through a series of amendments and enhancements to the existing 12 categories under which persons subject to US jurisdiction can travel to Cuba.

On January 26, 2016 and on March 16, 2016 new enhancements to the travel restrictions were introduced to better implement the people to people program reinstated by the Obama administration. The latest changes attempted to improve the relationship in between the American and the Cuban people by expanding the ability of US citizens to visit Cuba and making the trips more affordable and accessible.

Can Americans travel to Cuba through a third country like Canada or Mexico?

Absolutely! US authorized travelers can make their travel arrangements with any travel service provider (including tour operators, travel agents and airlines) in the USA, Canada or the rest of the world.

Direct travel to Cuba from the US remains permitted and we can help booking your flights with most US airlines flying to Cuba including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Southwest.

There are direct non-stop flights to Havana from Miami, New York, Newark, Atlanta, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando and Boston.

We can also help with flight arrangements via Canada, Mexico or other country in the world.

The following two Frequently Asked Questions are an extract from the latest Frequently Asked Questions published by the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC.

721. As an authorized traveler, may I travel from a third country to Cuba and from Cuba to a third country?

Yes, a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction engaging in authorized travel-related transactions may travel to Cuba from a third country or to a third country from Cuba. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction traveling to and from Cuba via a third country may only do so if their travel-related transactions are authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, and such travelers are subject to the same restrictions and requirements as persons traveling directly from the United States.

712. Can I purchase a ticket to Cuba directly from an airline based or operating out of the United States?

Yes, provided that you are authorized to travel to Cuba pursuant to an OFAC general or specific license. Airlines and travelers are responsible for maintaining records of their Cuba-related transactions for at least five years.


Please, notice that the information in this webpage is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. For a complete list of OFAC's FAQ and other information pertaining Cuba legal travel, visit:
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf


Why US Organizations choose Authentic Cuba Travel®?

We specialize in custom-made programs for US Schools, US Cultural and Historic Preservation Organizations, US Religious Organizations, US Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, ect that meet OFAC guidelines.

US Educational, Cultural & Religious Institutions can organize a trip to Cuba for their members under the General License for Educational Activities; the General License for Support for the Cuban People; the General License for Professional Research; the General License for Religious Travel; the General License for Amateur and Semi- Professional Sports; and others.

However, most of these US organizations do not have the legal contracts with Cuban providers, the contacts and the know-how in Cuba to run their trips. It can take years for US organizations to obtain all approvals and permissions from the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and other pertaining Cuban bodies.

If your organization plans to run more than 20 tours a year, it may make sense to embark on the process of approval with Cuba, but if your organization just runs 1- 4 trips a year, it makes more sense (even for most US tour operators and travel agencies) to rely on the travel services of a well-established Cuba tour operator that:

has many years of experience in the Cuba travel industry;

has all contracts, contacts and approvals in Cuba to run any sort of Cuba group tours from US;

has the best rates in the industry due to high volume of travelers, years of operation, and reputation among Cuban travel service providers (hotels, transportation companies, tour guides, ect);

has the largest selection of thematic Cuba tours (educational, arts, architecture, sports, ect) to choose from.

General and Specific Licenses



Traveling to Cuba for tourism or recreational activities or free time in excess is not allowed for US citizens. The US embargo remains in place. The US travel restrictions to visit Cuba remain in place for American citizens. US travelers can go to Cuba legally only if traveling under the provisions of the General License or Specific License.

There are two license options for Americans looking to travel to Cuba- General and Specific licenses. Here, we will explain both options.

General License



A General License for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License simply requires you to prepare all of your own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines.

After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License remains in place for the 12 Categories of permitted travel to Cuba. The General License for Individual People-to-people Travel (§515.565(b)) have been removed.

TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR AMATEUR AND SEMI- PROFESSIONAL INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATION COMPETITION
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCES, CLINICS, WORKSHOPS, OTHER ATHLETIC OR NON- ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS, AND EXHIBITIONS
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR FAMILY VISITS
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR JOURNALISTIC ACTIVITIES
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS
TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TRAVEL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON USA- CUBA TRAVEL

Specific License



The specific license is much more complex and much lengthier and must be submitted to OFAC. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who wish to engage in any travel within the 12 categories of activities specified in the CACR that does not meet the requirements of a general license will need to apply for a specific license from OFAC. Approval is dependent on the response received from Washington, and the wait can take anywhere from six weeks to months or even years.

Religious Cuba Travel for Americans

TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE



The General License for Support for the Cuban People for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License for Support for the Cuban People simply requires US individuals to prepare their own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines.

After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the the General License for Support for the Cuban People (515.574) remains in place.


When traveling to Cuba under the General License for Support for the Cuban People, US travelers should carry the following documentation that proves how they qualify for the license.

Your documentation package should include the following:



_ A travel affidavit (will be provided by Authentic Cuba Travel®).

Notice: As of June 5 2019, all US travelers traveling to Cuba from USA are required by law to fill out a justification travel form (travel affidavit form) for the U.S. Department of the Treasury- Office of Foreign Assets Control (Cuba Travel Regulations).

_ A written itinerary describing your full-time schedule of compliant activities (will be provided by Authentic Cuba Travel®).

_ We also recommend you take a copy of the actual US Treasury Department regulations pertaining to a General Research License with you to Cuba in case US immigration officers have any questions as to the legality of your trip on return. Download a Summary

In order to meet OFAC guidelines, the purpose of your trip to Cuba should be to engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance the people-to-people contact with the Cubans; support civil society and private enterprise; and result in meaningful interaction with Cuban citizens.

Your trip to Cuba should not include free time or recreational activities in excess. Ordinary tourist activities are not allowed (renting a bike a spending the whole day biking through the city just for sightseeing or going to the beach, for example).

US travelers relying on the General License for Support for the Cuban People are responsible for maintaining all Cuba travel records for up to 5 years to show OFAC (if asked) evidence that they have engaged in authorized activities while in Cuba (staying at accommodations not listed in the Restricted List of Cuban entities, eating at privately-owned restaurants, shopping at privately-owned art galleries and stores, etcetera).

US individual travelers can not engage in financial transactions with Cuban entities which are under the control of, or act for or on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services are not permitted.

For the complete Cuba Restricted List, please visit:

https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-restricted-list/list-of-restricted-entities-and-subentities-associated-with-cuba-as-of-april-24-2019/

"It is the responsibility of individuals wishing to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba to demonstrate or document that their proposed activities in Cuba are authorized by a general license or, with respect to qualification for specific licenses, that they meet the application criteria set forth in the Application Guidelines." (quoted from OFAC Guidelnes)

Support for the Cuban People Departures:


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  • For example: an American individual plans to travel to Cuba on his/her own (or with a group of friends) to learn about the Cuban culture and support the Cuban people in order to 1) launch a new privately-owned business venture; or 2) volunteer with a recognized nongovernmental organization; or 3) carry activities aimed at strengthening civil society; or others with similar intent.

    During this Cuba trip the US traveler stays in a Casa Particular (private rental accommodation owned by a Cuban family or individual) or in a hotel (not on the OFAC restricted list of Cuban entities); the American individual or group of individuals does eat most of his/hers meals in Paladares (family restaurants owned by a Cuban family or individual) and shop at stores owned by Cuenta Propistas (self-employed Cuban entrepreneurs); all while engaging with the Cuban owners of these entities in conversations about their day-to-day life, way-of-living, and entrepreneurial challenges and dreams.

    The full-time schedule of activities of the American individual traveler (or group of travelers) will result in a meaningful interaction with the Cubans and; therefore, it may qualify for the General License for the Support for the Cuban People.

    Cuba School Tours

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES



    The General License for Educational Activities for Cuba travel from USA is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License simply requires that a designated representative of the US sponsoring academic institution issues a letter that states the reason why the traveler (faculty, staff or student) is going to Cuba.

    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License for Educational Activities (515.565 (a)) remains in place.

    Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.

    Participants in these programs must carry a letter on official school letterhead that has been signed by a designated representative of the sponsoring academic institution at all times. This letter should state what the students, professors and other employees are traveling to Cuba for. OFAC defines a designated representative as the dean, academic vice president, provost, or president responsible for overseeing the institution's Cuban travel program.

    The purpose of the Cuba travel should be (among others) for:



    _ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;

    _ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.

    _ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.

    _ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;

    _ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree;

    _ participation in a 10-week structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the U.S. institution;

    _ participation in a formal 10-week course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student’s undergraduate or graduate degree at the U.S. institution;

    _ teaching for 10 weeks at a Cuban academic institution by an individual regularly employed in a teaching capacity at the U.S. institution.

    For many years, Authentic Cuba Travel® has organized educational programs for the most prestigious U.S. academic and educational institutions. Read some of the testimonials of American professors and teachers who have taken their students to Cuba with us.

    Some of the US academic institutions Authentic Cuba Travel® has helped visit Cuba legally:



    Darlington School (Rome, Georgia)
    Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland, WA)
    The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT)
    Schenectady High School (Schenectady, NY)
    Kansas City Kansas Community College (Kansas City, KS)
    Champlain College (Burlington, VT)
    Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA)
    Morningside College (Sioux City, IA)
    Culver-Stockton College (Canton, MO)
    Sierra Nevada College (Incline Village, NV)
    Lorain County Community College (Elyria, OH)
    Philadelphia University ( Philadelphia, PA)
    Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
    Santa Clara University School of Law (Santa Clara, CA)
    Belmont University College of Business Administration (Nashville, TN)
    Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)
    Friends University (Wichita, KS)
    University of La Verne (La Verne, CA)
    The Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business (Boston, MA)
    University of Maine at Augusta (Augusta, ME)
    Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)
    Washington State University (Pullman, WA)


    Some of the US organizations Authentic Cuba Travel® has helped visit Cuba legally:



    American Institute of Architects
    American Library Association
    Minnesota District Judges Association
    Historic Macon Foundation
    Historic Windsor, Inc., Preservation Education Institute
    Knox Heritage Foundation
    The Landmark Society of Western New York
    The Oxford Center for Entrepreneurs
    Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
    Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute
    Georgia Dental Association
    Travel Health of New Hampshire

    Why US Educational, Cultural and Religious Organizations choose Authentic Cuba Travel®?

    We specialize in custom-made programs for US Schools, US Cultural and Historic Preservation Organizations, US Religious Organizations, US Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, ect that meet OFAC guidelines.

    US Educational, Cultural & Religious Institutions can organize a trip to Cuba for their members under the General License for Educational Activities; the General License for Support for the Cuban People; the General License for Professional Research; the General License for Religious Travel; the General License for Amateur and Semi- Professional Sports; and others.

    However, most of these US organizations do not have the legal contracts with Cuban providers, the contacts and the know-how in Cuba to run their trips. It can take years for US organizations to obtain all approvals and permissions from the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and other pertaining Cuban bodies.

    If your organization plans to run more than 20 tours a year, it may makes sense to embark on the process of approval with Cuba, but if your organization just runs 1- 4 trips a year, it makes more sense (even for most US tour operators and travel agencies) to rely on the travel services of a well-established Cuba tour operator that:

    has many years of experience in the Cuba travel industry;

    has all contracts, contacts and approvals in Cuba to run any sort of Cuba group tours from US;

    has the best rates in the industry due to high volume of travelers, years of operation, and reputation among Cuban travel service providers (hotels, transportation companies, tour guides, ect);

    has the largest selection of thematic Cuba tours (educational, arts, architecture, sports, ect) to choose from.

    We have a long list of U.S. referrals, and all the tools, resources and contacts needed in North America and in Cuba, to put together the most amazing cultural and educational exchange for your organization in a way that meets OFAC guidelines and regulations. Experience counts; call us today for a free consultation.

    For further information, please do visit:

    https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/on/2020-09-24/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515

    Please, do notice that we offer several educational familiarization tours for U.S. educators who want to travel to Cuba before taking their students. Qualifying teachers get to travel for free! Click here for more information.

    Familiarization Cuba Tours for US Educators


  • Cuba Education Tour 1Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad Feb 24- Mar 2, 2024Book Now
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  • Cuba Education Tour 10Havana, Bay of Pigs, Santa.. Dec 26- Jan 2, 2025Book Now
  • Cuba Education Tour 11Havana & Santiago de Cuba Dec 26- Jan 2, 2025Book Now

  • Cuba Study Trips
    Do not wait any longer. Now is the time to start planning the next Cuba tour for your students. Your students will consider traveling to Cuba an experience of a lifetime. They will come home optimistic and inspired by fresh perspectives on what is possible not only personally but also socially. Request a custom-made Cuba Educational Trip and complimentary no-obligation Quote for your students, and check some of the resources we put at your service. Request School Tour to Cuba Now!

    Check Our Most Popular Cuba Study Trips


    Legal Cuba Travel for US residents

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TRAVEL



    Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may not travel to Cuba to engage in “people-to-people” educational exchanges on an individual basis. However, group people-to-people travel is generally authorized for educational activities, subject to certain conditions. Effective June 9, 2022, OFAC amended 31 CFR § 515.565(b) to authorize group people-to-people educational travel conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact, provided such travelers are accompanied by an employee, paid consultant, or agent of the sponsoring organization. Travel-related transactions authorized pursuant to § 515.565(b) must be for the purpose of engaging, while in Cuba, in a full-time schedule of activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and will result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba.

    Legal Cuba Travel for American Professionals

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH



    The General License for Professional Research for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License for Professional Research simply requires US professionals to prepare their own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines.

    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License for Professional Research (515.564) remains in place.

    In order to meet OFAC guidelines, the purpose of your trip to Cuba should be to conduct research related to your profession, professional background or area of expertise, including your area of graduate-level full time study.

    You Cuba travels should consist of a timetable of activities that are consistent with a full time schedule of professional research. Your trip to Cuba should not include free time or recreational activities in excess. Tourist travel to Cuba is not allowed.

    With so many thematic tours in our Authentic Cuba roster, chances are that whatever your profession you can find a tour that suits your profession, professional background or area of expertise.

    Click here to see all the tours to Cuba we have scheduled for 2024. If you do not find a tour that suits your profession, professional background or area of expertise, please, simply contact us or join our Cuba Engage Tours or our Cuba Real Tours designed for those US citizens who want to go to Cuba legally to participate in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance the contact and result in meaningful interactions with the Cuban people.

    When traveling to Cuba under a general license, you must carry with you documentation that proves how you qualify for the license.

    Your documentation package should include the following:



    _ A travel affidavit (will be provided by Authentic Cuba Travel®).

    Notice: As of June 5 2019, all US travelers traveling to Cuba from USA are required by law to fill out a justification travel form (travel affidavit form) for the U.S. Department of the Treasury- Office of Foreign Assets Control (Cuba Travel Regulations).

    _ A written itinerary describing your full-time schedule of compliant activities (will be provided by Authentic Cuba Travel®).

    _ A resume or CV (curriculum vitae).

    _ A brief letter that describes your research project. Download sample letter

    _ A letter from your employer, organization, agency, or other documentation that shows that you are engaged in a professional capacity. Recommended options include a letter supplied by your employer or organization, a pay stub, or a letter explaining your employment if you are self employed.

    We also recommend you take a copy of the actual US Treasury Department regulations pertaining to a General Research License with you to Cuba in case US immigration officers have any questions as to the legality of your trip on return. download a summary

    "It is the responsibility of individuals wishing to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba to demonstrate or document that their proposed activities in Cuba are authorized by a general license or, with respect to qualification for specific licenses, that they meet the application criteria set forth in the Application Guidelines." (quoted from OFAC Guidelnes)




    Legal Cuba Travel for American Professionals

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS



    Effective June 9, 2022, OFAC amended § 515.564(a) to include a general license authorizing, subject to conditions, travel-related and other transactions incident to attendance at or organization of professional meetings or conferences in Cuba. This general license authorizes persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to travel to Cuba for purposes of attending or organizing professional meetings or conferences, such as meetings or conferences to support expanded internet access and remittance processing companies and to provide additional support and training to independent Cuban entrepreneurs.

    Please note that these general licenses exclude from the authorization lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to lodge, at any property in Cuba on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by § 515.210. For a complete description of the scope of this prohibition, see § 515.210. The traveler’s schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule of professional research or a full-time schedule of attendance at, or organization of, professional meetings or conferences, respectively. An entire group does not qualify for the general license merely because some members of the group qualify individually. For a complete description of what these general licenses authorize and the restrictions that apply, see § 515.564.


    Religious Cuba Travel for Americans

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR RELIGIOUS TRAVEL



    A General License for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License simply requires you to prepare all of your own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines.

    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License for Religious Travel (515.566 (a)) remains in place.

    Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction can travel to Cuba to engage in religious activities in Cuba. This includes religious organizations, its staff and members. The religious travels to Cuba must consist of a full-time schedule of religious activities.
    Legal Cuba Travel for US amateur and semi professional athletes

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR SEMI-PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITION



    A General License for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License simply requires you to prepare all of your own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines.

    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License for Semi-Professional & Amateur International Sports Competition (515.567 (a)) remains in place.

    Traveling to Cuba to participate in athletic competitions in Cuba is possible for amateur or semi- professional athletes. The athletic competition must be sponsored by an international sports federation relevant to the sport; and it must be open to attendance by the Cubans.
    Attend Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, and Exhibition in Cuba!

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCES, CLINICS, WORKSHOPS, OTHER ATHLETIC OR NON-ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS & EXHIBITIONS



    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in September 2020, the General License for Public Performance, Clinics, Workshops, other Athletic and Non-Athletic Competitions and Exhibitions (515.567 (b)) has been removed.

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR FAMILY VISITS



    OFAC regulations generally authorize U.S. persons and those sharing a dwelling with them as a family to visit a close relative in Cuba, including a close relative who is a Cuban national or ordinarily resident there, who is a US Government official on official government business, or who is a student or faculty member engaging in authorized educational activities in Cuba with a duration of over 60 days. A close relative is defined as any individual related to a person “by blood, marriage, or adoption who is no more than three generations removed from that person or from a common ancestor with that person.”

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR JOURNALISTIC ACTIVITIES



    Travel to Cuba for journalistic activities is now authorized under the General License; provided the traveler is at least regularly employed as a journalist or supporting broadcast or technical staff; or a freelance journalist with a previous journalistic experience. And whose schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess and it is consistent with a full time schedule of journalistic activities.

    TRAVEL TO CUBA UNDER THE GENERAL LICENSE FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS



    Employees, contractors, or grantees of the United States Government, any foreign government or any intergovernmental organization (of which US is a member or observer) can travel to Cuba on official business on behalf of their government or intergovernmental organization.


    Legal Cuba Travel for Americans

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT USA-CUBA TRAVEL



    The following FAQs will help you understand OFAC regulations more completely and will provide more information on licenses and license qualification.

    We also suggest taking the time to read OFAC’s latest regulations on their website at the following address:

    Cuban Assets Control Regulations 31 C.F.R. part 515 (the "CACR")

    https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/06/05/2019-11755/cuban-assets-control-regulations

    Cuba Restricted List

    https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list-initial-publication/

    OFAC Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2022)

    https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/topic/1541

    Additionally, if you are looking for resources on Cuba Legal Services, the link below can prove helpful: http://cubalegalservices.com

    Can Americans Travel to Cuba Legally?



    Yes, there are many avenues to legal Cuba travel for Americans. In fact, the process is often simple and quick. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call for more information on joining one of our tours.

    Who can travel legally?



    Individuals falling in the following categories are permitted to travel into Cuba under current US regulations:
  • US residents interested in going to Cuba to participate in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance the contact and result in meaningful interactions with the Cuban people, can join monthly support-for-the-Cuban-people tours such as Cuba Engage and Cuba Real.

  • Students, faculty and staff of accredited US graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; US Academic Institutions; and US Schools.

  • Secondary school teachers, students and staff taking part in courses or structured program offered by the secondary school.

  • Amateur or semi-professionals athletes attending athletic and non-athletic competitions in Cuba.

  • Full time professionals conducting research in their specific professions and professional areas while in Cuba.

  • Members and staff of religious organizations.

  • Those travelling for official government business.

  • Journalists.

  • Persons visiting close relatives who are Cuban nationals.

  • Persons visiting close relatives who are government employees that have been assigned to the US Interests Section in Havana.

  • Persons who have received a Specific License to travel to Cuba.


  • As a full-time professional, do I qualify for a General License?



    Yes, provided that the purpose of your trip to Cuba should be to conduct research related to your profession, professional background or area of expertise, including your area of graduate-level full time study.

    Do I need to apply with the government to receive a General License?



    No, you do not. Current regulations state very clearly that a person travelling to Cuba on a General License may do so “without needing to write in to OFAC for a letter of specific authorization” (quoted from OFAC regulations)

    How does the General License work?



    A general license will be prepared and written by you and with no need for further permission from OFAC. You must have the license with you when traveling to Cuba and must present it to US Immigrations officials upon departure (if flying directly to Cuba from a US airport) as well as upon return if asked.

    As an authorized traveler, may I travel from a third country to Cuba and from Cuba to a third country?



    Yes, a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction engaging in authorized travel-related transactions may travel to Cuba from a third country or to a third country from Cuba. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction traveling to and from Cuba via a third country may only do so if their travel-related transactions are authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, and are subject to the same restrictions and requirements as persons traveling directly from the United States.

    As a university professor or secondary teacher, can I take my students on legal Cuba tours?



    Yes, accredited secondary schools and universities are now eligible to take students, faculty, and staff (including but not limited to adjunct and part time staff) to Cuba.

    The following question/ answer is an extract from the latest Frequently Asked Questions published by the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC.

    "703. Are secondary schools and secondary school students permitted to engage in travel-related transactions under the general license for “educational activities”?

    Yes. Educational exchanges, including study abroad programs, sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. Such exchanges must take place under the auspices of an organization that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction who is an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other representative of the sponsoring organization (including the leading teacher or secondary school official) must accompany each group traveling to Cuba. Also, and effective June 9, 2022, OFAC amended this general license to exclude from the authorization lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to lodge, at any property in Cuba on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by § 515.210. For a complete description of the scope of this prohibition, see 31 CFR § 515.21"

    As the leader of a religious organization, can I organize a religious trip to Cuba for members of my organization?



    Yes. You are required only to carry a letter on official letterhead that has been signed by a representative of the sponsoring US religious organization who has been designated to be the official responsible for that organization’s Cuba travel program.

    What is individual people-to-people travel, and how do the new regulations impact this travel authorization?



    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2022, the General License for Individual People-to-people Cuba Travel has been removed.

    Will people-to-people travel still be authorized, what does group travel refer to?



    After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations in June 2019, the General License for Group People-to-people Cuba Travel has been reinstated.

    Does the new regulations limit the means by which US citizens may buy airline tickets for authorized travel to Cuba?



    No. The new regulations do not change the means by which Americans and US organizations traveling to Cuba pursuant to the 12 categories of authorized travel may purchase their airline tickets.

    How do I know that a Cuban provider is affiliated with a prohibited company?



    The names of the entities and subentities that the State Department are published on the Cuba Restricted List, which is available on the State Department’s website and in the Federal Register (updates to the Cuba Restricted List will also be published in the Federal Register).

    Entities or subentities that are owned or controlled by another entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted List are not treated as restricted unless also specified by name on the Cuba Restricted List. The Cuba Restricted List is maintained by the State Department on its website:

    https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list-initial-publication/

    As a US Citizen, am I allowed to spend money in Cuba?



    The per diem rate previously imposed no longer applies, and there is no specific dollar limit on authorized expenses. Authorized travelers may engage in transactions ordinarily incident to travel within Cuba, including payment of living expenses and the acquisition in Cuba of goods for personal consumption there; other expenditures, other than those directly incident to the traveler’s authorized activities in Cuba, are not authorized.

    What can I bring back from Cuba?



    Authorized US travelers may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption in Cuba. Please note that effective June 9, 2022, authorized travelers may no longer return to the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba as accompanied baggage for personal use.


    Can Americans go to Cuba legally using a Canadian Agency?



    Absolutely! US authorized travelers can make their travel arrangements with any travel service provider (including travel agents and airlines) in USA or abroad.


    Please, notice that the information herein is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. We encourage you to read CUBAN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS


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