OFAC is short for the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. This office oversees economic and trade sanctions between the United States and Cuba. It also administers U.S. sanctions against other foreign countries.
OFAC has two ways in which it can allow U.S. Persons to travel to Cuba.
One such way is a general license (the second way is a specific license). A general license is a statement in the OFAC regulations allowing U.S. Persons to do something in Cuba. U.S. persons only need to read the general licenses and decide on their own if any one of the numerous statements apply to their purpose of travel to Cuba.
OFAC has two ways in which it can allow U.S. Persons to travel to Cuba.
OFAC also can allow U.S. Persons to travel to Cuba under a specific license. This term means a “written authorization” from OFAC. If a general license does not apply to a U.S. person’s purpose of travel, the traveler must submit an application to OFAC and wait for OFAC to process the application and issue the specific (written) license.
Over the years, each President has directed OFAC to make changes to the travel restrictions. Under President Obama, OFAC simplified the travel restrictions to make it easier for U.S. Persons (like you) to travel to Cuba for particular reasons. It is important for U.S. Persons to read the general licenses and decide if any apply. If a general license applies, then the U.S. Person who qualifies for it may travel to Cuba without having to submit a written application to OFAC.
Airline Brokers can imagine that you do not want to scour the regulations for the right general license. Thankfully, OFAC made the process easy. Years ago, OFAC established 12 travel categories as a road map for directing U.S. Persons to the general licenses that are stated in the OFAC regulations. U.S. persons simply review the 12 travel categories, select one that is appropriate, and read the general licenses for the selected travel category.
The travel categories are:
1) Family visits
2) Official government business
3) Journalistic activity
4) Professional research and professional meetings
5) Educational activities
6) Religious activities
7) Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions
8) Support for the Cuban people
9) Humanitarian projects
10) Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
11) Exportation & importation of information/informational materials
12) Transactions for exports authorized by U.S. Department of Commerce
OFAC also permits Cuban nationals to travel to and from the United States.
To help you, Airline Brokers has summarized the general licenses that fall within each of the twelve travel categories here. Sorry, but tourism is not a valid reason for a US Person to travel to Cuba.
***A substantial majority of all travel to Cuba fall within six travel categories. These are: family visits; professional research and meetings; educational activities (including people-to-people exchanges); religious activities; support for the Cuban people; and humanitarian projects.**
OFAC established the 12 travel categories as a road map – to direct U.S. Persons (like you) to the right general license.
For example, the travel category for “family visits” directs U.S. persons to the general license that allows travel to visit close relatives in Cuba.
U.S. Persons should read the travel categories to find the general license that states their reason for visiting Cuba. Once the travel category is determined, U.S. Persons may review the general license(s) under that category. To help you, Airline Brokers has summarized the general licenses that fall within each of the twelve travel categories here.
U.S. Persons should select the travel category that best describes the reason for their visit to Cuba. This is like an honor system. OFAC expects you to read the general licenses in order to decide your travel category on your own. Airline Brokers, though, offers a summary of the general licenses to help U.S. Persons find the subsequent travel category that states their reason for traveling to Cuba. Travelers Notice.
Yes, OFAC does have other requirements, but these are not difficult to follow.
– Certain (but not all) general licenses require that you to participate in a full-time schedule of activities related to your reasons for traveling to Cuba. This means that travelers must spend approximately 8 hours each day participating in such activities. The only exceptions to this full-time schedule requirement are on the days U.S. Persons arrive and depart Cuba or on days in which U.S. Persons are traveling long distances within Cuba.
– OFAC also requires that all travelers maintain records of their trip. This requirement is addressed below in a separate FAQ found below.
This is the easy part. After U.S. Persons determine that they qualify for a general license, they may contact Airline Brokers to assist them with their travel arrangements. Airline Brokers will ask travelers to (a) provide personal data from their passports and driver’s licenses and (b) sign a Travel Certification stating the travel category or general license under which they are traveling to Cuba. With this information, Airline Brokers can provide the requested services.
Each travel agency or carrier may use different terms as a way of explaining the travel rules. Some may ask for the OFAC travel category or the travel purpose. If this is the case, U.S. Persons simply need to provide this information. Others may ask for more details, namely the general license that falls within the travel category. If this happens, U.S. Persons should provide the general license name or section number. For example, if a U.S. Person is traveling to support the Cuban people, he should simply state that he is traveling under the general license to support the Cuban people.
– A copy of the Travel Certification, signed by the traveler;
– A copy of the airline tickets or cruise passage tickets;
– Invoices for hotel accommodations and travel activities in Cuba;
– Invoices or statements for Cuban visa application fees;
– Receipts and/or invoices for purchases in Cuba;
– A copy of the travel itinerary (reflecting a full-time schedule of activities related to the reason for traveling to Cuba); and
– Any other records required in the general license under which the traveler is visiting Cuba (e.g., for educational travel).
OFAC has a right to request a copy of these records. So it’s important for U.S. Persons to maintain them – just in case OFAC asks to see the records.
OFAC has a right to request copies of the records after U.S. Persons return from Cuba. OFAC generally does not do this. However, in the off chance that OFAC may ask for records, U.S. Persons must make them available for OFAC to see.
In addition, when U.S. Persons return to the United States, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”) may ask U.S. Persons why they traveled to Cuba. If requested, U.S. Persons should be prepared to show CBP a copy of the Travel Certification. Airline Brokers recommends that all travelers have a copy with them when they travel to Cuba.
Updated Wednesday June 5, 2019
The Trump Administration (through OFAC) has not banned all non-family travel. Americans may continue to travel to Cuba legally, if they fall within one of 12 travel categories.
People-to-People Educational Travel: Removed
– On June 5, 2019, OFAC eliminated authorization for People-to-People educational exchanges. OFAC did not eliminate other educational travel.
– Travelers, who paid for any portion of their upcoming People-to-People exchange before June 5 2019, may continue with their travel plans to participate in these exchanges because OFAC has grandfathered their trips.
– All 12 categories of travel remain unchanged. It is still legal for Americans to travel to Cuba under the following 12 travel categories:
1) Family visits
2) Official government business
3) Journalistic activity
4) Professional research and professional meetings
5) Educational activities
6) Religious activities
7) Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions
8) Support for the Cuban people
9) Humanitarian projects
10) Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
11) Activities related to the exportation & importation of information/informational materials
12) Activities related to other exports authorized by U.S. Department of Commerce
Cruise Ships to Cuba: Canceled
– On June 5, 2019, the Trump Administration removed the authorization for cruise ships and pleasure boats to operate to Cuba. This means that cruise ships may not depart for Cuba on or after June 5, 2019.
Additionally, OFAC added a new prohibition in its regulations. Certain U.S. Persons may not engage in direct financial transactions with Cuban entities and sub-entities (called “Cuban Restricted Entities”) that are listed on the U.S. Department of State’s website at: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/cuba/cubarestrictedlist/287349.htm. This means that U.S. Persons may not book listed Cuban hotels. An experienced U.S. travel agency – like Airline Brokers – can help U.S. Persons comply with this prohibition.
Under President Trump’s administration, OFAC has added a new prohibition in the regulations. U.S. Persons may not engage in direct financial transactions with Cuban entities and sub-entities that are identified on the U.S. Department of State’s website at: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/cuba/cubarestrictedlist/287349.htm. This means that U.S. Persons may not book listed Cuban hotels. An experienced U.S. travel agency – like Airline Brokers – can help U.S. Persons comply with this prohibition.
Yes! And you’ll be so happy if you travel to Cuba! If you qualify for a general license within a travel category, you may travel to Cuba.
Yes. All U.S. Persons – no matter where they are or how they plan to travel – must observe OFAC’s requirements. This means that you must qualify for a general license that falls within a travel category, even if you decide to travel through a third country to Cuba. Please note that if you travel from a third country to Cuba, you still must comply with Cuba’s visa requirements. See FAQs under the caption “CUBAN ENTRY DOCUMENTS.”
If your reason for traveling does not fall within one of the travel categories, you cannot travel to Cuba – unless you submit an application to and receive a specific (written) license from OFAC. OFAC will not issue a license if your reason for traveling is to engage in tourist activities.
NO. U.S. law prohibits U.S. Persons from traveling to Cuba for tourism. However, U.S. Persons are permitted to travel under one of OFAC’s general licenses.
Yes, when you are within the United States, you are subject to U.S. jurisdiction. This means that you must qualify for a general license that falls within a travel category. If you do not qualify for a general license, you cannot travel from the United States to Cuba, unless you apply for and obtain an OFAC specific (written) license.
Not likely. The OFAC travel categories (and the general licenses under those categories) are based upon U.S. law. Cuba does not restrict visitors to the OFAC travel categories.
It is possible that CBP agents will ask you why you traveled to Cuba. So, Airline Brokers suggests that you have a copy of the Travel Certification ready to show the agent. CBP agents are not likely to ask for other records.
Everyone arriving in Cuba from the United States is required to have 3 travel documents:
– A signed copy of the Travel Certification;
– A Valid Passport; Valid Passport should not expire less than 1 month from the departure date from Cuba
– A Cuban Entry Visa
If U.S. Persons need help with the Cuban entry visas, Airline Brokers would be happy to assist: Cuban Travel Documents
Foreign nationals must observe the U.S. travel restrictions if they plan to travel from the United States to Cuba. Foreign nationals will need the same documents as U.S. Persons, namely:
– A signed copy of the Travel Certification;
– A Valid Passport; Valid Passport should not expire less than 1 month from the departure date from Cuba
– A Cuban Entry Visa issued by traveler’s country of residency.
Cuba requires all visitors enter the island with a Cuban Entry Visa.
There are several Cuban Entry Visas. The following comparison of visas only applies to U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba directly from the United States:
Cuban “Tourist” Card
Cuba has a catch-all visa that is called the “tourist card.” Only certain U.S. Persons qualify for this entry visa. They are:
– Non Cuban-born persons who are:
• Traveling to Cuba directly from the United States;
• Visiting Cuba for less than 30 days;
• Not traveling for journalistic activities, official government business, religious activities, or professional meetings with Cuban government officials; and
• Traveling with a valid passport that is NOT ISSUED by one of the following countries: **List the 20 countries**
A-1 Visitor Visa
This visa is required for travelers who are:
– Non Cuban-born persons who are:
• Traveling to Cuba directly from the United States;
• Visiting Cuba for less than 30 days;
• Traveling with a valid passport that is ISSUED by one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Yemen.
HE-11 Visa
Cuba requires this visa for those who emigrated from Cuba prior to January 1, 1971 and are citizens of another country
Cuban Passport
Cuba requires a Cuban passport for those who emigrated after January 1, 1971.
If you are traveling to Cuba directly from the United States, Airline Brokers would be pleased to assist you with the visa process. Simply click on the Airline Brokers Visa Purchase Page If you are traveling to Cuba from a country other than the United States, you should contact the Cuban Embassy in your departing country.
Each country’s Cuban Tourist Card varies in color and/or other attributes. Travelers should acquire their Cuban Tourist Card from the Cuban Embassy located in their country of residency.
If you are a U.S. Person traveling to Cuba directly from the United States, Airline Brokers would be pleased to assist with your visa process. Simply click on the Airline Brokers Visa Purchase Page. If you are traveling to Cuba from a country other than the United States, you should contact the Cuban Embassy in your departing country.
Yes, each Cuban Entry Visa is valid for only 1 round trip visit to Cuba. Persons traveling under a Cuban passport may enter Cuba multiple times.
The processing time varies depending upon the type of Cuban Entry Visa. Generally, the processing times are:
Cuban Tourist Card: 1-2 business days plus mail delivery
A-1 Visitor Visa: 3- 4 weeks
HE-11 Visa: 30-45 days
New Cuban Passport: 4-8 months
Renewal of Cuban Passport: 45-60 days
These travel documents have different effective or validity dates.
• Cuban Tourist Card: The visa does not expire; however, this visa cannot be used to stay in Cuba for more the 30 days. It is only valid for 1 round trip to Cuba.
• A-1 Visa: This visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. It is valid for 1 round trip to Cuba.
• HE-11 Visa: This visa must be used within 90 days from the date issuance. It is valid for 1 round trip to Cuba.
• Cuban Passport: The passport itself it valid for 6 years from the date of issuance. HOWEVER, the traveler must update the Passport’s Prorroga every 2 years. The Cuban Passport is valid for multiple trips to Cuba.
Cuban Customs wants to see your travel documents. These are:
1) A Cuban Entry Visa
2) A Valid Passport Valid Passport should not expire less than 1 month from your departure from Cuba.
It is unlikely that Cuban Customs will stamp your passport. Historically, some travelers have asked Cuban Customs to stamp their passport in commemoration of their trip. You certainly can ask the Customs agent to stamp the passport, if you want.
If you take more than the equivalent of $5,000 USD in cash, you have to declare it on entry into Cuba. If you fail to do so, you risk confiscation.
Travelers may carry baggage containing reasonable quantities of personal effects (clothing, toiletries, etc.) and tools of the trade. Travelers also may bring a gift package to Cuba, if the items in the package do not exceed $800 in value and if the package is not being given to certain Cuban Government officials or certain Communist Party members.
Do Not bring these items to Cuba
• Fresh food items, live plants or seeds
• Outdated school text books
• Expired medicine or vitamins
• Old or non-functioning computers
• Items considered to be weapons
• Narcotics, pornography
CBP will want to see your passport. The CBP agent also may ask you why you traveled to Cuba. So, Airline Brokers suggests that you have a copy of the Travel Certification ready to show the agent. CBP agents are not likely to ask for other records.
Yes. If you purchased items in Cuba, you must declare those items on the Customs Declaration. The declaration can be found at: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Sample%20Watermark%29.pdf
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