Who may travel to Cuba?
Generally, Americans are not permitted to spend money on travel to Cuba. But there are exceptions to that rule. For example, journalists regularly employed by a U.S. news organization, government representatives on official business, members of international organizations (of which the United States is a member) on official business, and persons traveling once a year to visit close relatives in circumstances of extreme humanitarian need may travel under general license. That is to say, these travelers need not apply for an actual piece of paper–a specific license–when they travel. Athletes, academics, religious leaders and persons hoping to travel to Cuba for a particular reason must apply to OFAC for a specific license for each trip. Those wishing to make more than one humanitarian trip to relatives per year also must apply for a specific license for each trip. Rules governing general licenses and the issuance of specific licenses apply to everyone–regardless of citizenship–wishin
