What is an OFAC license and do I need one for Cuba?

OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) licenses regulate travel to Cuba. If your non-tourist travel doesn't fit under a general license for one of the 12 authorized categories, you must seek a specific OFAC license.

What does 'persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction' mean for Cuba travel?

This includes all U.S. citizens or residents (wherever located) and anyone in the United States, regardless of their citizenship and nationality.

What happens if I try to travel to Cuba for tourism?

Travel to Cuba without an appropriate OFAC license is illegal and may result in penalties and criminal prosecution.

How long must my passport be valid for travel to Cuba?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.

Visa Panic· Official Dispatch

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Current DossierSubject · United States passportFile · CUBA

Does Cuba require a visa for US citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

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Last checked 28 Jun 2026Source · Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)How we source this →

Visa Panic answer

Visa requiredHigh paperwork

Do US citizens need a visa for Cuba?

US tourist travel to Cuba is generally prohibited and requires a specific OFAC license, even for short trips.

Apply on the official siteDepartment of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — last checked 28 June 2026

Always confirm with the official source before you travel.

Your panic level

When are you travelling?

Add your travel date and we'll tell you exactly how much to panic, based on typical processing times.

Full visa applications can take several weeks.

Travel date

Health FileSubject · CubaChecked · 22 Jul 2026

Vaccinations for Cuba

Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Conditional

Only if arriving from a risk area

Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.

Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended on health grounds

Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.

Hepatitis A
Recommended — food & water borne.
Typhoid
Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.

Official health sources

NHS Fit for Travel · Cuba ↗CDC Travelers' Health · Cuba ↗

→ Read the Yellow Fever briefing

Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.

Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Travel to Cuba for tourism purposes by US citizens or residents is prohibited by US law. To visit Cuba, you must fall under one of 12 authorized travel categories and may need to obtain an OFAC license. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

Passport	Regular US passport
Purpose	Tourist travel is prohibited for US citizens. Must meet one of 12 authorized categories (non-tourist) and may require an OFAC license.
Visa required	Yes — visa required
Maximum stay	Not specified for tourist travel as it is generally prohibited; verify on the official source based on your specific authorized travel category.
Passport validity	6 months beyond arrival date
Return/onward ticket	Recommended; verify on the official source
Arrival form	None required
Last checked	28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

US law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities.
Travel to Cuba without an OFAC license is illegal for persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
You must fall under one of the 12 authorized travel categories, which are not tourist-related.
Even with an authorized travel category, you may need to apply for a specific OFAC license.
Failure to comply with OFAC regulations may result in penalties and criminal prosecution.
The U.S. Embassy's ability to assist citizens outside Havana can be impacted due to travel restrictions for embassy employees within Cuba.

Before you travel

Determine if your reason for travel aligns with one of the 12 authorized non-tourist travel categories.
Obtain any required OFAC licenses if your travel is not covered by a general license.
Review 31 C.F.R. 515.560 and OFAC’s Frequently Asked Questions for detailed guidance.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.
Prepare for potential prolonged power outages by ensuring communication and medical device power.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including evacuation and medical coverage.
Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid protests or demonstrations.

Common questions

No, U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities for persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

Related briefings for Cuba

Travel Health
Yellow Fever briefing
Full border-enforcement rules for the Yellow Fever certificate, including transit-country traps that catch Cuba travellers out.
Read more

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Field Report Provenance

Human-checked

Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 28 Jun 2026.

Auto-monitored

An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.

Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.

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