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: Religious activity

Yes — religious activities are authorised.

Authorising regulation: 31 CFR §515.566 — Religious activities in Cuba

Authorises travel and related transactions for religious activities by religious organisations or members travelling under the auspices of such organisations.

Compliance checklist for this trip

  1. Travel under the auspices of a recognised religious organisation.
  2. Maintain a full-time schedule of religious activities.
  3. Lodging — verify no CPAL listing; many faith-based delegations historically use church guesthouses.
  4. Retain itinerary and organisational sponsorship documentation for 5 years.

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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