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: Foreign national resident in the U.S. · Purpose: Activity of a private foundation or research institute

Yes — qualifying private foundations and institutes are authorised.

Authorising regulation: 31 CFR §515.576 — Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

Authorises travel for U.S. private foundations or research / educational institutes that have an established interest in international relations, to collect information not generally available and to conduct programs not for profit.

Compliance checklist for this trip

  1. Confirm the institution qualifies as a §515.576 foundation / institute.
  2. Travel must be in the institutional capacity, not for personal use.
  3. Standard CPAL / CRL screening for lodging and vendors.
  4. Retain institutional documentation and full-time schedule 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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