dblaca - please see the post below regarding the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

I am trying to open a travel agency that will provide visas, travel to Cuba. Do you have any helpful information?

Cuba is a very interesting market that I think US business owners cannot ignore as it become increasingly more democratic. Once they open trade restrictions a little bit and lower some of the ridiculous tariffs currently intact we will be able to start making a very dictatorial country feel the warmth of a capitalist economy.

Hi Buzz Guy, It will be very interesting to see what happens. Currently, the guidance applies only to those with 'close' family members in Cuba, meaning those 'related to that person by blood, marriage, or adoption who is no more than three generations removed from that person or from a common ancestor with that person.' In these situations, one visit per year (no time limitations) is authorized. According to OFAC, 'specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis for transactions related to additional visits during the 12-month period, as well as for travel to Cuba to visit a close relative who is not a national of Cuba.' It will be interesting to see if/how this impacts the travel industry.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers guidance on sanctions related to trade and travel transactions with Cuba, including those related to Travel Service Providers and the Travel Industry (scroll about 1/2 way down the page). At a glance, it looks like you will need to apply to OFAC for Service Provider Certification. Details can be found in the Guidance to Service Providers documents on their website. Questions concerning the SP Programapplication process should be directed to the OFAC-Miami Office at (786) 845-2828. Hope this helps steer you in the right direction. Please keep us posted on your progress. Message Edited by NicoleD on 05-15-2009 12:27 PM