Licenses for travel to Cuba are available to both U.S. government officials and officials from other governments. This includes representatives of international organizations of which the U.S. government is a member. Government travel licenses are available for people traveling on official business.
People traveling to visit close relatives with a humanitarian need can be granted a humanitarian travel license. Licenses are also available for people traveling with licensed humanitarian donations and humanitarian shipments that are exempt from the trade embargo. Licenses for authorized humanitarian projects are also available.
Licenses for religious activities not covered by humanitarian licenses are sometimes granted. Religious licenses not covered by humanitarian regulations are issued on a case by case basis and can be valid for multiple trips over an extended period of time.
Travel licenses are sometimes granted to personnel associated with an accredited U.S. based educational institution. Once approved, undergraduate and graduate students may receive a travel license. In addition, people participating in Cuba related academic research, Cuba scholars, and people planning on teaching all or part of a course at a Cuban educational institution may receive a travel license.
People doing research authorized by an accredited educational institution may be granted a Cuba travel license. Researchers are required to carry a letter from a previously licensed institution stating the institutions license number, the traveler's relationship to the licensed institution, and that the Cuba research is relevant to the licensee's degree program or research activities.
In 2009, the United States relaxed certain travel restrictions to Cuba, making it much easier to get a travel license. Although the travel restrictions have been loosened, it is still illegal to spend more than the approved per-diem. Because of the fluid nature of travel restrictions to Cuba, it is best to check with the State Department about restrictions and limitations before formally planning your travel.
