Rules for Americans Traveling to Cuba

Since 1960, when Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, the United States government has limited its citizens from traveling to Cuba. However, in April 2009, president Barack Obama lifted some restrictions on traveling to the country.

Tourist Travel

The United States prohibits its citizens from traveling to Cuba for tourism. In order to travel to Cuba, visitors must be issued a license.

Licenses

Sanctioned travel to Cuba is limited to those who have immediate family in Cuba, journalists, official government and educational travel.

Illegal Travel

It is illegal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba by skirting travel regulations. It is illegal and punishable by law to enter Cuba from the Cayman Islands, Mexico, the Bahamas and Canada.

Commerce

If granted a travel license by the U.S. government, it is illegal to financially contribute to Cuba's economy, such as purchasing items or renting a hotel room.

Telecommunications

In April 2009, president Barack Obama granted telecommunication companies permission to travel to and conduct business in Cuba. This lifted sanction allows for cell phone and Internet usage in Cuba.

References

• U.S. Department of State

Resources

• U.S. Treasury Department