Can travelers engage in “people-to-people travel” to Cuba on an individual basis or as a part of a group?
OFAC's answer
Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may not travel to Cuba to engage in “people-to-people” educational exchanges on an individual basis. However, group people-to-people travel is generally authorized for educational activities, subject to certain conditions. Effective June 9, 2022, OFAC amended [31 CFR § 515.565(b](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.565)) to authorize group people-to-people educational travel conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact, provided such travelers are accompanied by an employee, paid consultant, or agent of the sponsoring organization. Travel-related transactions authorized pursuant to [§ 515.565(b)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.565) must be for the purpose of engaging, while in Cuba, in a full-time schedule of activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and will result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see [§ 515.565](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.565). The export or reexport to Cuba of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations ([15 CFR parts 730](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-15/part-730) through [774](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-15/part-774)), including vessels and aircraft used to provide carrier services, may require separate authorization from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). See [§ 515.533](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.533). For additional information regarding BIS’s export controls, see [BIS’s Cuba webpage](https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/country-guidance/sanctioned-destinations/cuba). Updated: June 08, 2022