Decision tool · 12 OFAC categories · CACR §515.560–.578

Can I Legally Travel to Cuba?

Three quick questions to find out whether your trip is authorised, which OFAC category covers it, and what records you need to keep.

Step 3 of 3 · Passport: U.S. citizen / green-card holder · Purpose: Public performance, sports, workshop, exhibition

Yes — public performances, clinics, and exhibitions are authorised.

Authorising regulation: 31 CFR §515.567 — Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

Authorises U.S. participation in qualifying public performances and competitions, clinics, workshops, athletic events and exhibitions. Used by U.S. sports federations, music ensembles, and exhibitors at the FIHAV trade fair.

Compliance checklist for this trip

  1. Confirm the event is a public performance / competition / exhibition (not a private engagement).
  2. Maintain documentation of the event, schedule, and any compensation arrangements.
  3. Profits from athletic competitions must be donated to U.S. NGOs that benefit the Cuban people.
  4. Lodging — verify no CPAL listing.

Cuban-side entry requirements (every traveller, every passport)

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Important: Educational decision aid, not legal advice. CACR (31 CFR Part 515) and the State Department’s Cuba Restricted & Prohibited Accommodations Lists change periodically — verify before booking, and keep full-time-schedule + transaction records for five years per §515.601.
When to retain counselHide
For any high-stakes trip — particularly journalism (§515.561), business travel, group people-to-people travel (§515.565), or anything involving transactions with Cuban government counterparties — retain qualified U.S. sanctions counsel before booking. The CRL changes intra-administration, the CPAL between our refreshes, and OFAC enforcement priorities can shift without notice.

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