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;

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:

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

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://www.ecfr.gov/current/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.

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, the General License for Group People-to-people Educational Travel and other Academic Educational Activities, 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-prohibited-accommodations-list/cuba-prohibited-accommodations-list-initial-publication/

"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)

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.

Support for the Cuban People Departures:

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 2025 and 2026. 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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Effective September 24, 2020, OFAC amended section 515.567 to remove a general authorization related to public performances, clinics, workshops, other athletic or non-athletic competitions, and exhibitions previously found at § 515.567(b). OFAC will consider issuing specific licenses, on a case-by-case basis, for travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to participation in or organization of a public performance, clinic, workshop, athletic competition not covered by the general license in § 515.567(a), non-athletic competition, or exhibition in Cuba, subject to certain conditions. As a result of these amendments, effective September 24, 2020, the only remaining general license in Section 515.567 for participation in and organization of athletic competitions in Cuba will be the general license in § 515.567(a) for athletic competitions by amateur or semi-professional athletes or athletic teams.

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.

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.

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.

Who can travel legally?

Individuals falling in the following categories are permitted under current US regulations to travel into Cuba:

• US residents interested in going to Cuba to support the Cuban people and participate in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance the contact and result in meaningful interactions with the Cuban people *1.
• Full time US professionals attending professional meeting or conferences in Cuba.
• Full time US professionals conducting research in their specific professions and professional areas while in Cuba *2.
• US professors, students and staff of accredited universities and schools participating in structured educational programs as part of a for-credit course with their sponsoring US institution *3.
• US secondary schools and US secondary teachers, students and staff to take part in courses or structured program offered by the secondary school or other US academic institution.
• US amateur or semi-professionals athletes attending athletic competitions in Cuba held under the auspices of the international sports federation for the relevant sport.
• Members and staff of US religious organizations.
• Those travelling for official US government business.
• US Journalists.
• US persons visiting close relatives who are Cuban nationals.
• US Persons visiting close relatives who are government employees that have been assigned to the US Embassy in Havana.
• US persons who have received a Specific License to travel to Cuba.

*1 Check some of our most popular Support-for-the-Cuban-people tours: Cuba Jazz, Cuba Engage, Cuba Dance, Havana Art, Cuba Photography, and Cuba Real.

*2 Check some of our most popular Professional Research Cuba tours: Cuba Tours for HealthCare Professionals, Cuba Tours for Business Professionals, Cuba Tours for Architecture Professionals, Cuba Tours for Education Professionals, Cuba Tours for Lawyers and Judges, Cuba Tours for Performing Arts & Theatre Professionals, among others.

*3 Check some of our most popular Cuba Study Tours®: Healthcare Study Tours, Business Study Tours, Architecture Study Tours, Spanish Immersion Cuba Tours, Cuba Ballet Training Course, Sports Training & Competition, among others.

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.

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

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 September 24, 2020, 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 (515.565 (b)) has been removed.

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

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.

Will organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsor exchanges to promote people-to-people contact be required to apply to OFAC for a specific license?

No, a general license at § 515.565(b) authorizes, subject to conditions, 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. See FAQ 704.

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including U.S. academic institutions and their faculty, staff, and students, are authorized to engage in the travel-related transactions set forth in 31 CFR § 515.560(c) and such additional transactions as are directly incident to the 12 categories of educational activities, as described in § 515.565(a).

Among other things, this general license authorizes, subject to conditions, faculty, staff, and students at U.S. academic institutions and secondary schools to engage in certain educational activities, including study abroad programs, in Cuba, Cuban scholars to engage in certain educational activities in the United States, and certain activities to facilitate licensed educational programs. U.S. and Cuban universities may engage in academic exchanges and joint non-commercial academic research under the general license. This provision also authorizes persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide standardized testing services and certain internet-based courses to Cuban nationals. For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see § 515.565.

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 U.S. Department of State’s Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List, it is a list of properties in Cuba owned or controlled by the Cuban government, a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, as defined in 31 CFR § 515.337, a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party, as defined in 31 CFR § 515.338, a close relative, as defined in 31 CFR § 515.339, of a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, or a close relative of a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party. For information regarding the restrictions on transactions with these properties, please see 31 CFR 515.210. All properties were listed effective September 28, 2020, unless otherwise indicated.

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 September 24, 2020, 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