 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Professional Research License Explained (a general license) |
|
 |
|
|
 Cubans require you have a valid passport and tourist card to visit. The US government requires its residents have a travel license to go to the island. |
|
 |
|
We've sent hundreds of Americans to Cuba on the General Research License without a single complication. |
|
Many people qualify
The General Research License is ideal for (but is not limited to), lawyers, healthcare specialists, architects, experts, technicians, support staff, scientists, artists, agronomists and social workers. These, and many more categories of professionals (and active cultural workers, volunteers and engaged retirees), can travel to the island now on this legal Cuba travel provision. |
|
| THIS WEBSITE and its content is current at . Information herein is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. |
|
What can be brought back from Cuba?
The regulations state:
"No goods of Cuban origin, other than information or informational materials, may be transported out of Cuba or brought into the United States… There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials. Such materials – including books, films, posters, photographs, CDs – are statutorily exempt from regulation under the embargo and may be transported freely." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THIS PAGE addresses the Professional Research License category. It is for individuals conducting research in Cuba that can only be accomplished on the island.
 THE TERM General Research License is a misnomer, as no application, no permission, nor prior approval from Washington is required. The US traveler simply prepares documentation showing that they visited Cuba within the spirit and intent of the regulations. The general research license is a do it yourself license. It is free, no fees are involved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Professional Research License overview and requirements |
|
 |
The traveler is regularly employed or engaged in professional capacity. |
|
|
Travel is noncommercial and academic in nature. |
|
|
Time in Cuba comprises a full research schedule. |
|
|
Your research findings have a substantial likelihood of public dissemination. |
|
|
You prepare the "license" documentation yourself. |
|
|
You take "license" documentation to Cuba with you only to present to US immigration officials upon return home if asked to do so. |
|
|
Cuba Education Tours assists at every stage and reviews your documentation. No fees are involved. |
|
| Persons who qualify |
|
|
Professionals, cultural workers, volunteers, and retired persons whose avocation engages them on a regular basis. |
|
| Steps to write your own license. Preparation time: about one hour |
|
| 1 |
|
| Fill out a travel affidavit. Download a travel affidavit (724 kb PDF file). You must have a notary public witness your signature to this document. |
|
| 2 |
|
| Write a short letter describing your research project. Download sample research letter (MS Word file). Personalize this example. Simply replace the text in BOLD CAPITALS with your details. No other changes are necessary. Don't add, don't subtract. We'll review your letter. |
|
| 3 |
|
| Get a letter from your employer, agency, organization, or other documentation (pay stub) that shows you are engaged in a professional capacity. Optional You can augment your documentation by including a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV). |
|
| 4 |
|
| Print a copy of the regulations. Click here to download the two-pages. Include it with your documentation package. |
|
| 5 |
|
| Register for a Cuba Explorer and Education Tour. We'll provide you with a day-by-day research itinerary, which will serve as the final component of your General Research License documentation. |
|
|
ITEMS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 together comprise your General Research License package. This is your license. Done. Start packing! |
| About flying to Cuba for General Research License holders |
|
As a licensed traveler you can fly to Cuba directly via an air charter service from Miami, New York or Los Angeles. JFK and LAX are mid-week charters. You must prepare your General Research License documentation before making reservations, as air charter companies must approve it prior to issuing a ticket. It is likely they will insist upon additional documentation.
It is perfectly legal to go to Cuban via Canada or México. Many Americans choose this option to avoid extra paper work, US airport congestion, delays and rigorous inspections. We gladly arrange connections from airports and airlines in Canada and México. Click here to compare. |
|
|
|
We urge Cuba visitors to read the official US government guidelines related to legal island travel. Click image above for a PDF summary. We'll gladly clarify any questions. |
|
Note The term "full-time professional" refers to source of funds from which a person's major source of income is derived, the amount of time one pursues a professional vocation, or the extent of community one has the opportunity to disseminate Cuba research findings.
As such, considerations are made for artists, musicians and cultural workers, as well as retirees and volunteers who dedicate much of their time and labor diligently to their art, craft, technical or scholarly pursuits, but who are not necessarily remunerated for these activities. This also applies to professionals between jobs or on sabbatical. |
|
|
Bonus Travel and accommodation cost related to professional development and research can be tax deductible. AND, you can earn graduate level credit courses for your research project! |
|
Can't decide what flights to take to Cuba?
Click here to compare direct charter flights from the US versus flights from Canada or México. |
|
|
Our services
