Since President Obama has restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, Americans have been itching to travel to the once forbidden island and airlines, such as American Airlines, have been having hotter than hot flash sales for chartered flights ($298 taxes + fees included) . But the real question is, can Americans now travel to Cuba by simply booking a flight? No, not quite. Although America and Cuba are becoming more friendly, the 5 decade embargo still remains in place. So if you're wondering how so many Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba and post amazing pictures and experience the rather untouched gem; The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued regulations that allows almost every American to travel to Cuba without a license.
Here are the 12 approved categories that will allow you to travel to Cuba
1. Family travel: Americans are permitted to visit close relatives, defined as any individual related “by blood, marriage, or adoption, who is no more than three generations removed from that person or from a common ancestor with that person.
2. Official government business: Employees, contractors or grantees of the United States government, any foreign government, or any intergovernmental organization (of which the U.S. is a member or observer) can travel to Cuba on official business on behalf of their government or intergovernmental organization.
3. Journalistic activity: Cuban travel is open to full-time journalists, supporting broadcast or technical personnel, or freelance journalists with experience
4. Professional research and meetings: This is an opportunity for people to conduct research in their fields or attend professional meetings.
5. Educational activities: Under this category, insightCuba offers people-to-people trips to those who register for one of our Cuba tours. Staff and students from academic institutions and secondary schools also are allowed to engage in certain educational activities in Cuba under this classification.
6. Religious activities: Religious organizations, members, and staff are allowed to engage in programs and religious activities. This category of travel to Cuba must consist of a full-time schedule of religious activities.
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions: In general, this category applies to athletes, performers, and artists who plan to participate in amateur and semi-professional sports, perform publicly, attend clinics or workshops, or exhibit their work.
8. Support for the Cuban people: The U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) defines “support for the Cuban people” as “human rights organizations; independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; and individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba.”
9. Humanitarian projects: These include medical and health-related projects; certain beneficial construction projects; environmental projects; and undertakings involving educational training (in entrepreneurship and business, civil education, journalism, advocacy and organizing, adult literacy, or vocational skills; community-based grassroots projects; projects suitable to the development of small-scale private enterprise; projects related to agricultural and rural development that promote independent activity; micro-financing projects with some exceptions; and endeavors to meet basic human needs).*Update:
10. Activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes: People affiliated with private foundations or research or educational institutes may travel to Cuba for “an established interest in international relations to collect information related to Cuba for non-commercial purposes.”
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials: This category allows a number of activities related to the publishing, music, and film industries.
12. Export: Travel to Cuba is permitted for some authorized export transactions.
If your travel falls within one of these categories you are legally allowed to visit Cuba without having to apply for a license. There is no paperwork involved. You simply arrange travel and go to the island. If you have purchased a ticket or are interested in finding out more information regarding travel to Cuba, please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury's website and/or contact approved travel agencies to help you through the process.
*agamine.com does not own rights to the images shared in this post. All sources are explicitly credited in image captions*
