Maritime & port formalities
Since 1 January 2024, FAL Convention parties must use a maritime single window for ship, crew, passenger and cargo information — coordinating customs, immigration, health, agriculture and port authorities. Private vessels and commercial cargo follow different paths; U.S.-linked vessels need separate Commerce (BIS) authorization to export the vessel to Cuba.
Official sources
- OFAC — 12 authorized travel categories; tourism not authorized✓ · verified 2026-07-20 · volatile
- OFAC/BIS — vessels to Cuba need separate Commerce authorization✓ · verified 2026-07-20 · volatile
- OFAC — 180-day rule for vessels entering U.S. ports after Cuba · verified 2026-07-20 · volatile
- OFAC — 2026 additional Cuba-related sanctions program · verified 2026-07-20 · volatile
- OFAC — travel insurance for authorized/exempt travel · verified 2026-07-20 · periodic
- OFAC — 5-year recordkeeping for carriers/travel providers · verified 2026-07-20 · periodic
- OFAC — restricted entities / accommodations · verified 2026-07-20 · volatile
- CBP — Cuban alcohol & tobacco not allowed as accompanied baggage✓ · verified 2026-07-20 · periodic
- CBP — many ordinary items are prohibited/restricted · verified 2026-07-20 · stable
- CBP — pleasure-boat departure & return reporting · verified 2026-07-20 · stable
- IMO FAL — maritime single window mandatory (Jan 1, 2024)✓ · verified 2026-07-20 · stable