U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO CUBA TRAVEL
Updated Jan. 25, 2015
1. Are sanctions on Cuba still in place following the President’s announcement on December 17, 2014?
Yes.
2. What are the travel authorizations in the Cuba program?
OFAC has issued general licenses for 12 categories of authorized travel:
1. family visits;
2. official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations;
3. journalistic activity;
4. professional research and professional meetings;
5. educational activities;
6. religious activities;
7. public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
8. support for the Cuban people;
9. humanitarian projects;
10. activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
11. exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials;
12. certain authorized export transactions.
3. Do travelers who fall within the scope of a general license need to submit a written request to OFAC for permission to travel or conduct transactions?
No.
4. Is travel to Cuba for tourist activities permitted?
No.
5. May an individual authorized traveler use his or her private boat to travel to Cuba?
Yes.
6. Are authorized U.S. travelers permitted to travel aboard a vessel while in Cuba to meet their
transportation needs within Cuba?
Yes.
7. Are there any spending limits for authorized U.S. travelers while in Cuba?
No.
8. Can I purchase Cuban-origin cigars and/or Cuban-origin rum or other alcohol while traveling in Cuba?
Yes, you can return with up to $100.00 worth of alcohol and tobacco products.
9. As an authorized traveler, may I travel from a third country to Cuba and from Cuba to a
third country?
Yes.
10. Are authorized travelers in Cuba permitted to use credit or debit cards issued by a U.S. financial institution?
Yes.