Research in Cuba - Qualifying for the program

• Full time professionals and researchers with an academic research interest in Cuba and a likelihood of dissemination of their findings may qualify to travel under General License.  Read more about the U.S. Treasury Department regulations, and the General License, 31 CFR 515.564, OFAC Comprehensive Guidelines, page 27. 
• Full time professional and researchers as above may be eligible to travel under their institution’s OFAC license. See U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), 31 CFR 515.565(a), OFAC Comprehensive Guidelines, page 30. 
• Graduate students whose research in Cuba is accepted as meeting qualifications towards their advance degree may be eligible under their university’s specific license or their own license obtained from OFAC.  Read more about academic guidelines, 31 CFR 515.565(b), OFAC Comprehensive Guidelines, page 31.

All travel to Cuba is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under General License (stated guidelines without individual application procedure) or under specific license (granted to individual or institutional applicants). The regulations apply to all those considered under the jurisdiction of the United States, whether resident or citizen, whether traveling directly from the United States or from another country. Understanding and complying with the U.S. regulations is the individual responsibility of all travelers.

Research in Cuba - How Programs are Organized

• Each program is organized with a hosting institution in Cuba which reviews research proposals and provides information, support and contacts in Cuba
• Background briefings comprise approximately 10 hours of the program and provide context and history both on Cuba in general and specifically in the area of study.
• Site visits and group meetings compromise approximately 10-15 hours of the time in Cuba.  These visits and meetings are organized specifically in conjunction with the research proposals of the participants and are optional, depending on the utility to each researcher participant.
• Independent research time comprises the remaining time, approximately 35 hours

Research in Cuba - Application Process

• Review the U.S. Treasury Department OFAC regulations, which are available in summary and in comprehensive detail
• Select date of program from schedule, with alternate choice of date if possible
• Complete the  application form for research in Cuba
• Complete the travel affidavit
• Consult the flight schedule and if traveling via Miami complete a flight reservation form found in "forms" section
• Send application, copy of passport, affidavit and flight reservation form to Common Ground (359 Main Street, 2A, Easthampton, MA 01027), together with a $350 deposit.
• You may email (info@commongroundtravel.com) or fax (413-529-1119) the forms in order to get the process started but original copies are required to follow

Research in Cuba - Schedule 2006-2007 Academic Year