Travel as an individual under a support for the Cuban People General License

Although restrictions placed on US citizens and residents visiting Cuba have been relaxed in recent years, Americans seeking to connect with Cubans and experience Cuban culture and history first-hand must adhere to a set of laws and regulations. While tourist travel remains illegal for US citizens and residents, the laws and regulations set out by the US Department of the Treasury permit travel for purposes aimed at providing Support for the Cuban People.  Black Tomato works with individual travelers to arrange Cuban travel itineraries which are consistent with the regulations, and provides assistance to clients in completing the necessary paperwork in order to  comply.

For U.S. citizens and residents, regardless of where you live, you should be aware that we intend for this trip to be compliant. However, as educated travelers, we expect that you will review and understand the current status of regulations governing Americans traveling to Cuba, as well as safety, weather, and other important information.

You can find more information at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cuba.html

For your information, we’ve outlined some of the requirements of the Support for the Cuban People General License:

• Travelers are required to engage in activities that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba, and;
• Travelers must engage in a full-time schedule of activities that: (a) enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (b) result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba.
• Each traveller should retain the following records for five years from the date of any related transaction and be prepared to produce them to OFAC upon demand:
  • a full and accurate record of each transaction engaged in;
  • any books of account, contracts, letters or other papers connected with any such transaction, in your custody or control (this includes electronic information and email);
  • a certification from each traveler indicating the general or specific license, indicating the relevant CFR section, under which that customer is authorized (i.e., 31 CFR § 515.565(b);
  • If the person is traveling under a specific license, a copy of that license from OFAC; and,
  • The names and addresses of each individual traveler.

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