Travel to Cuba IS Possible
Looking for guidance on how to travel to Cuba from the US? As Americans,
planning a trip to Cuba may be certainly overwhelming. Unlike visitors from
Canada and the U.K., Americans are subject to certain restrictions. Since
“tourism” technically is not permitted, your trip will need to fall into an
authorized travel category. You’ll also be subject to certain financial
restrictions while on the island. By following a few guidelines, you can still
visit Cuba.
The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has
issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the
regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not
need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. Even
though it’s called a license, it’s not actually a license like a driver’s license or
even a tourist visa. It’s not a physical document that you need to bring with
you to Cuba.
CAN AMERICANS REALLY TRAVEL TO CUBA?
The simple answer is yes. It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba
with a U.S. passport, despite an announcement in June 2019 that Cuba travel
rules would dramatically change. In other words, there’s no Cuba travel ban
preventing you from visiting the island. However, knowing how to travel to
Cuba from the US legally is still a little trickier. Let's walk you through what it
takes to get there.
HOW IS CUBAN TRAVEL LEGAL?
The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has
issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the
regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not
need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. Even
though it’s called a license, it’s not actually a license like a driver’s license or
even a tourist visa. It’s not a physical document that you need to bring with
you to Cuba.
The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official
business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain
intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research
and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public
performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and
exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities
of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation,
importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and
certain authorized export transactions.
SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE CATEGORY
Support for the Cuban people travel is the category under which most
Americans can visit Cuba. A traveler is required to provide support for the
Cuban people and promote independent activity intended to strengthen
civil society in Cuba. A traveler is required to engage in a full-time schedule
of “Support for the Cuban People” activities. These include:
-Meeting with local artists, tobacco manufacturers, and people who run
their own businesses.
-Meeting and engaging with musicians at a performance.
-Exploring independent museums
-Exploring independent markets.
-Participating in dance classes
-Visiting art shows and private galleries
-Discuss Cuban culture and society with locals
As part of this travel category, you are required to retain records, like receipts
and itineraries, and keep them on file for five years. A traveler must avoid all
transactions with a military-owned business.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO CUBA?
Entry requirements include: 1) Valid US passport, valid for at least six months
after your Cuban trip ends.; 2) a Cuba tourist visa; 3) travel insurance for Cuba
(required!) that covers any unexpected medical expenses you may incur
during your time on the island; 4) your valid general license to Cuba
(meaning you’ve chosen one of the U.S. government’s 12 categories for legal
travel to Cuba and you meet all the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your