Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find quick guidance on travel and activities in Cuba. Please note that rules and regulations may change, so we encourage you to consult the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or seek legal advice for questions specific to your situation.
Who can travel to Cuba?
Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited. However, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a general license for 12 categories of travel. Individuals that meet the regulatory conditions of the general license can travel to Cuba. The 12 categories 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. (For more information about the general license categories, go here.)
If I qualify under one of the 12 license categories, are there any other restrictions that I need to be aware of?
Yes. In all cases, certain restrictions apply, including but not limited to the prohibition on staying in most Cuban hotels and even guest houses (list of prohibited accommodations); on use of U.S. credit cards, on export the U.S. of Cuban rum and tobacco; and on expenditures directly related to the purposes of travel. Travelers may also not engage in direct financial transactions with any entity on the restricted list. Finally, most categories require the traveler to keep records for five years of the funds spent in relation to each trip and that their schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule.
Do U.S. citizens with dual nationality have to follow U.S. travel regulations?
Yes. All U.S. citizens and residents must comply with U.S. laws governing travel to Cuba, even if they hold citizenship in another country. Individuals born in Cuba may also be subject to Cuban entry requirements. Generally, those who left Cuba before December 31, 1970 may travel with an HE-11 visa, while those who left on or after January 1, 1971 are typically required to enter Cuba using a valid Cuban passport.
Because entry requirements may change, travelers should confirm the latest regulations with Cuban consular authorities before traveling.
Do I need a visa to enter Cuba?
Yes. Travelers who do not hold a Cuban passport are required to obtain a visa to enter Cuba. This visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, which may be extended once for an additional 30 days while in the country.
For most travelers departing from the United States, the visa—often referred to as a Cuban Tourist Card—can now be purchased online through Cuba’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system.
To apply for the e-visa, you will need:
1. A valid passport – The electronic visa will be linked to the passport used for travel and must remain valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba.
2. A valid email address – Your visa code and application confirmation will be sent to this email.
Applicants typically receive a response within approximately 72 business hours.
Travelers should confirm visa requirements with their airline or the Cuban consulate before departure, as procedures may vary.
Can U.S.-based NGOs work in Cuba? Which categories authorize engagement with Cuban institutions?
Yes. Many U.S.-based organizations have long histories of engaging with Cuban counterparts on a wide range of issues, including the environment, agriculture, public health, arts and culture, urban planning, and academic exchange.
U.S. regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) authorize certain types of engagement through specific general license categories. Many NGOs rely on several different categories to authorize their activities, including Professional Research and Professional Meetings 31 C.F.R. § 515.564), Humanitarian Projects (31 C.F.R. § 515.575), and Activities of Private Foundations or Research or Educational Institutes (31 C.F.R. § 515.576).
Organizations may rely on one or more of these categories depending on the nature of their work and planned activities in Cuba. Because regulations and compliance requirements can vary, organizations should consult current OFAC guidance or seek legal counsel when planning activities.
Can a U.S.-based organization provide financial assistance or support to a Cuban national or institution?
Yes. Section 31 C.F.R.§ 515.590 of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) authorizes U.S.-based organizations to provide grants, scholarships, or awards to a Cuban national or institution. This can include Cuban state-owned entities, provided the entity is not listed on the U.S. Department of State’s Cuba Restricted List.
Such financial support must be connected to authorized activities, including educational activities, humanitarian projects (as outlined in 31.C.F.R § 515.575(b)), scientific research, or religious activities.
Because regulations and compliance requirements may change, organizations should review current guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or seek legal advice when planning financial support activities in Cuba.