Traveling legally to Cuba
It is still legal for U.S. citizens and residents to travel to Cuba!
The governmental entity responsible for regulating travel to Cuba for Americans is the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Under OFAC regulations, any individual may travel to Cuba if the purpose of travel falls in one of the 12 legal categories allowed within the U.S. travel restriction guidelines.
The categories are:
- Family Visits
- Official Business of Governments or Certain Intergovernmental Organizations
- Journalistic Activity
- Professional Research and Professional Meetings
- Academic Educational Activities
- Religious Activities
- Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Athletic Competitions and Exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban People
- Humanitarian Projects
- Activities of Private Foundations, Research or Educational Institutes
- Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Informational Materials
- Certain Authorized Export Transactions Special Category
Ordinary tourism remains prohibited under the current regulations.
Our tours are legal under the Support for the Cuban People category
PlazaCUBA is the leading expert in cultural travel to Cuba and we have taken thousands of travelers to the island since the year 2000. All current PlazaCUBA tours meet the requirements for legal travel under Support for the Cuban People. We are authorized to take any American to Cuba on one of our tours because our itineraries are fully compliant with the OFAC guidelines for this category.
Our programs are open to all Americans, as well as travelers from other countries.
What is support for the Cuban people?
Support for the Cuban People General License Category §515.574 is for American travelers that have a full-time schedule of activities that support Cubans and independent businesses, and create meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba. Per the regulations, all travelers in this category are required to provide support to the Cuban people and promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba.
Any American can join one of our tours!
PlazaCUBA’s program itineraries adhere to the regulations by offering a full-time schedule of activities that comply with the Support of the Cuban People General License category. You can be comforted to know that we will provide you with a written itinerary and documentation of legal travel, making your re-entry into the U.S. a breeze.
Travelers must retain specific records related to the authorized travel transactions, including the itinerary and receipts. OFAC requests that travelers retain supporting documents for 5 years after the travel dates.
Travelers should avoid financial transactions with Cuban military-owned businesses.