WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
US SANCTIONS ON CUBA.
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
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.574
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UPDATED: January 21st,2025
President Trump reinstated Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing a decree made just days earlier by President Biden that removed Cuba from this list. This shift effectively restores policies to their status from 2020, prior to Biden’s brief removal of the designation.
Visiting Cuba remains completely legal for U.S. citizens under the
12 OFAC Travel Categories:
1. Family Visits
Reunite with relatives who are Cuban nationals. Rekindle family ties and share unforgettable moments in this beautiful land.
2. Official Government Business
Engage with Cuban officials under authorized business endeavors that foster international relationships.
3. Journalistic Activities
Capture Cuba's essence through the lens of journalism and share their stories with the world.
4. Professional Research
Explore academic and professional engagements that expand knowledge and cultural exchange.
5. Educational Activities
Participate in structured educational programs that deepen your understanding of Cuban culture and society.
6. Religious Activities
Connect with Cuban communities through religious practices and cultural celebrations.
7. Public Performance and Competitions
Showcase your talents in Cuba's rich artistic scene, from music and art to sports and beyond.
8. Support for the Cuban People
Engage in activities that promote independent economic activities that benefit the Cuban populace.
9. Humanitarian Projects
Contribute to international humanitarian efforts that support health, education, and basic human needs in the Cuban community.
10. Exportation of Food and Agricultural Products
Involve yourself in the agricultural exchange and learn about Cuba's diverse farming practices.
11. Donations
Support charitable organizations that provide educational or humanitarian help to the Cuban people.
12. Research and Maintenance of Monuments
Participate in efforts to preserve and study Cuba’s architectural heritage and cultural monuments.
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All the tours we provide fall in the
Support for the Cuban People travel category.
- You will be staying in "Casas Particulares" ( Cozy Colonial Houses), Deluxe Boutique Hotels owned by a Cuban family or individual, or at Hotels that are not on the OFAC restricted list of Cuban entities.
- Most meals will be enjoyed at Paladares—family-run restaurants operated by Cuban families or privately owned fancy restaurants & cafes.
- Additionally, travelers will support local entrepreneurs by shopping at stores owned by Cuenta Propistas, who are self-employed Cuban business owners. Throughout the trip, meaningful conversations will be fostered with the Cuban owners of these establishments, providing insight into their daily lives, lifestyles, entrepreneurial challenges, and aspirations.
The full schedule of activities for American travelers will encourage substantial interaction with the local Cuban community.
As a result, this immersive experience will qualify for the General License for Support for the Cuban People.
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Direct Flights from USA
US AIRLINES CONTINUE TO SERVE CUBA
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.
US AIRLINES CONTINUE TO SERVE CUBA
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.
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Cigars & Rum
US travelers may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption in Cuba.
Effective June 9, 2022, travelers may no longer return to the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba as accompanied baggage for personal use.
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Lodging
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 Cuba; 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/