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: Journalism / news gathering

Yes — full-time journalists for news organisations are authorised.

Authorising regulation: 31 CFR §515.561 — Journalistic activity

Authorises travel by full-time journalists employed by news-gathering organisations and by supporting broadcast / technical staff. Freelancers must demonstrate a regular publishing track record. Cuba separately requires a journalist visa (D-6) issued by MINREX — the U.S. OFAC authority does not waive Cuban-side accreditation.

Compliance checklist for this trip

  1. Carry employer credentials and a letter of assignment.
  2. Apply in advance for the Cuban D-6 journalist visa via the Cuban Embassy / MINREX — the standard Tourist Card does NOT cover journalism.
  3. Document the news-gathering schedule.
  4. Lodging — verify no CPAL listing.
  5. Retain reporting records, story drafts, and source contact list (with appropriate source-protection care) for 5 years per §515.601.

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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