Travel to Cuba

Since Cuba is a U.S. sanctioned country, Appalachian employees and students may only engage in travel-related transactions that are authorized by the U.S. Government.

The International Education and Development website on Cuba explains the Cuban Travel Regulations and the procedures for compliance. Additional information on the General License is below.

Equipment and Goods Transferred to Cuba:

Any equipment or goods taken to Cuba as part of an authorized activity must be documented as allowable under the law. Generally, the following types of equipment may be taken to Cuba as long as the items have been classified and documented by Appalachian.

  • Computers
  • Printers, Keyboards, and Mice
  • Mobile Phones
  • Digital Cameras
  • Batteries, Chargers, and Carrying Cases

Complete the Equipment Documentation form and provide information on the type of item (e.g., make and model) so that we can classify it and show that it is an allowable export that does not require a license.  If you have any questions, please call (828) 262-2692 or email tyndallrs@appstate.edu.

General License:

The U.S. Government has established a general license authorizing travel-related transactions with Cuba that are described below:

  • Participation in a structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the licensed institution provided the program includes a full term of study in Cuba that is not less than 10 weeks.
  • Noncommercial academic research in Cuba specifically related to Cuba and for the purpose of obtaining a graduate degree.
  • Participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student's undergraduate or graduate degree at Appalachian and provided the course of study is no shorter than 10 weeks in duration.
  • Teaching at a Cuban academic institution by an individual regularly employed in a teaching capacity at the licensed institution, provided the teaching activities are related to an academic program at the Cuban institution and provided that the duration of the teaching will be no shorter than 10 weeks.
  • Sponsorship (e.g. payment of a stipend or salary) of a Cuban scholar to teach or engage in other scholarly activity at Appalachian. There are further stipulations on the way earnings may be remitted to Cuba.
  • The organization of and preparation for activities described above by a full-time permanent employee of Appalachian.

OIED is responsible for documenting that Cuba related activities are authorized by the U.S. Government. For more information on both the General License and Specific Licenses, see the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.