On February 16, 2016, the governments of the US and Cuba signed an agreement eliminating all restrictions on commercial flights scheduled between the two countries. This new legislation exempts US passengers to process the authorizing license to travel to Cuba, in condition that the purpose of the trip meets the requirements stipulated by the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control).
In this manner, passengers whose journey is made by any of the following reasons shall be exempt from the permission process:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
- Certain authorized export transactions.
In case of failure to meet any of these requirements, passengers should make the necessary steps with OFAC to achieve authorization.
Be aware that, with this new agreement, holiday travels still not authorized. Furthermore, in compliance with any of the above requirements, does not exempt from having a visa and all other documentation required for entry into Cuba. By general rule, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry to Cuba.
For more information on these new rules and conditions for US citizens to travel to Cuba, do not forget to visit the website of the US Department of Treasury.