Research License
Memorandum

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20220


OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL


Travel to Cuba to conduct professional research and similar activities

Guidelines for License Applications:


The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 (the "Regulations") , prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in all unlicensed transactions in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest. This includes travel-related transactions.
Professional Research
Pursuant to 31 C.F.R. 515.560(b)-and (c) of the Regulations, the Office of Foreign Assets Control will consider on a case-by-case basis, the issuance of specific licenses to permit travel by U.S. persons to Cuba to conduct research in their professional areas. The provisions for professional research require that the research be generally of a noncommercial, academic nature, that it be specifically related to Cuba, that it constitute a full work schedule in Cuba and that there be a substantial likelihood of dissemination of the product of such research.
License applications may be prepared in letter format and should include the following information so that a fully informed determination may be made on the application:
The application must include the following information:
1. A description of your research.

2. A copy of your Curriculum Vitae or resume.

3. Your-basis for representing that there will be public dissemination of the product of your research.

4. The proposed dates of travel to and from Cuba.

5. The name, address and telephone number of each traveler.

6. The telephone number of the person to contact in case we have any questions concerning the application.



SIMILAR ACTIVITIES

Section 515.560(b) also provides for the issuance of specific licenses to authorize travel transactions in connection with two categories of similar activities. These include travel for: (a) noncommercial research purposes specifically related to Cuba by persons who are working to qualify themselves academically as professionals (e.,q., certain graduate degree candidates) (See A, on Page 2), and (b) attendance by professionals with an established interest in Cuba at professional meetings where research on Cuba is shared. The term "meeting" includes such forms of group assembly as conferences, seminars, symposia, etc. (See B. below).


A. Research by Graduate Degree candidates

License applications of graduate degree candidates may be prepared in letter format. The application must include the following information so that a fully informed determination may be made on the application:
1. A description of the research.

2. A statement concerning the academic degree the applicant is working toward and how the research in Cuba is related to fulfilling the degree requirement.

3. The proposed dates of travel to and from Cuba.

4. The name, address and telephone number of each traveler.

5. The telephone number of the person to contact in case we have any questions concerning the application.



B. Meeting Attendance

License applications by professionals with an established interest in Cuba for attendance at professional meetings where research on Cuba is shared, may be prepared in letter format. License applications should include the following information so that a fully informed determination may be made on the application:
1. A statement describing your established interest in Cuba.

2. A copy of your curriculum vitae or resume.

3. A copy of the meeting agenda or conference brochure.

4. The proposed dates of travel to and from Cuba.

5. The name, address and telephone number of each traveler.

6. The telephone number of the person to contact in case we have any questions concerning the application.

The application shall be mailed to:


Director
Office of-Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Department of the Treasury
2nd Floor Annex
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20220


NOTE: When numerous individuals are involved in the proposed travel, a consolidated application may be submitted, as long as the information above is furnished for each person. Attorneys or others acting on behalf of applicants must affirm they are authorized to act on behalf of the individual travelers. Questions concerning the license application process may be directed to the Licensing Division at (202) 622-2480, For additional information regarding the Cuba embargo, please refer to the attached overview.