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Cuba Travel Ban

A Cuba travel ban is valid for US citizens and permanent residents, where ever they are located. They must have a license from the US Department of Treasury (OFAC) in order to travel to Cuba.
Prepaid tour packages included scuba diving, bicycling, fishing and tourist tours are illegal. According to OFAC regulations (31CR part 515) US travelers participating in such prepaid tours trips will be exposed to the possibility of civil monetary penalties from OFAC.
These penalties range up to 10 years in prison and 250,000 USD in fines for US citizens.
The regulations prohibit all transactions relating to travel related tourist transactions in Cuba including prepayment in third countries for Cuba related expenses.

US Travel to Cuba

Legal travel to Cuba for US citizens is only possible with an OFAC license. OFAC grants two types of licenses: a general licence or a specific license

General OFAC license

official government travel by officials of the US Government

journalism by journalists regulary employed in that capacity by news reporting organizations

full-time professional research conducted by professionals in their professional areas, or attendance at professional meetings.

Specific OFAC license

OFAC will consider the issue of a of a specific license on a case by case basis where the activity is not covered by a 'general license'.
A written application in letter format with relevant documentation must be made to OFAC in order to get the license.
Specific OFAC licenses are granted for following categories:

Visiting inmediate family

Journalistic activities

Professional research and meetings

Academic activities

Religious activities

Public performance, athletic and other competitions

Humanitarian projects

Licensed exportations

American Travel to Cuba

List of Authorized Providers of Air Travel to Cuba

Due to the US embargo against Cuba there are no regular scheduled flights between both countries. Travelers with an OFAC license can use the services of travel providers from the list of authorized air travel providers to Cuba These providers organise authorized charter flights between Cuba and the US.

Illegal Travel to Cuba

Its's not the intention to promote illegal activities, but it's a fact that an estimated 100,000 US citizens, have ignored the Cuba Travel Ban and travelled illegal to Cuba via third countries such as Mexico (Cancun), Canada (Toronto) and the Bahamas (Nassau). Cuba does not stamp US passports. On your return to the US don't carry any Cuban cigars, rum or souvenirs that can refer to a visit to Cuba. There is still a risk that you get fined or get a 'Pre-Penalty Notice' a form you must respond to, in this case seek the advice of an attorney.

Disclaimer This webpage is only a brief explanation and no legal advise, for more details and updates check the official OFAC website Cuba Sanctions

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