Do US travelers need a license for traveling to Cuba?

Traveling to Cuba for tourism or recreational activities or free time in excess is not allowed for US citizens. The US embargo remains in place. The US travel restrictions to visit Cuba remain in place for American citizens. US travelers can go to Cuba legally only if traveling under the provisions of the General License or Specific License.

There are two license options for Americans looking to travel to Cuba- General and Specific licenses.

Here, we will explain both options.

General License

A General License for US travel to Cuba is created through a do it yourself process rather than by submitting an application and awaiting approval. Fast, free and convenient, a General License simply requires you to prepare all of your own documentation in a way that meets all OFAC guidelines. You must have the license with you when traveling to Cuba and must present it to US Immigrations officials upon departure (if flying directly to Cuba from a US airport) as well as upon return if asked.

After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations on June 9, 2022, the General License remains in place for the 12 Categories of permitted travel to Cuba such as the General License for Support for the Cuban People, the General License for Educational Activities, the General License for Professional Research, the General License for Religious Travel, and others.

Specific License

The specific license is much more complex and much lengthier and must be submitted to OFAC. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who wish to engage in any travel within the 12 categories of activities specified in the CACR that does not meet the requirements of a general license will need to apply for a specific license from OFAC. Approval is dependent on the response received from Washington, and the wait can take anywhere from six weeks to months or even years.

For further information, please visit our How to Travel to Cuba from the USA page.