Yes. Due to U.S. government restrictions, any person considered a U.S. person (U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S. or any person physically present within the territory of the United States) is not allowed to travel to Cuba for tourism. If you travel, you must fit one of the 12 categories authorized by the US government:
- Family visits.
- Official government business of the United States, foreign governments and certain government organizations.
- Journalistic activity.
- Research and professional meetings.
- Educational activities.
- Religious activities.
- Public events, clinics, workshops, sports competitions and exhibitions.
- Support for the Cuban people.
- Humanitarian projects.
- Activities of private foundations, research institutes or educational institutions.
- Activities related to export, import, transmission of information or informational materials.
- Certain authorized export transactions.
Remember that a U.S. person can travel to Cuba with a specific license issued by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or as a returning Cuban citizen.
Please note that the airport may request to see the OFAC statement or your specific OFAC license, if you and/or members of your travel party are a U.S. person.