To plan a group trip, please first see the information on OFAC licenses. You will first obtain a license and/or determined that all members of the group conform to the regulations, and then proceed through the steps below.

Step 1 - Licensing

Ensuring that your group is licensed to travel to Cuba is the most important step before proceeding with travel arrangements. If your group will be pursuing specific research in Cuba in the professional field of each participant, you may qualify under general license under the Professional Research category and may not have to apply for a specific license. In that case each member must qualify and the research must be full time and academic in nature.

If your group needs a specific license Common Ground
can assist you with the application process.

The following kinds of groups are among those needing a specific license:

• Graduate and undergraduate study programs of 10 weeks or more
• Graduate research in Cuba towards qualifying for a degree
• Religious groups

See the comprehensive guidelines in the Treasury Department Regulations for complete information about who needs a specific license. Then read the U.S. Treasury Department guidelines for application for a specific license. Common Ground can help you obtain information and answer questions. We have helped many institutions successfully through the application process. Contact us for information and help applying for a license.

Step 2 – Design a program

Common Ground has more than 30 years experience arranging exchanges between the U.S. and Cuba and specializes in customized academic and professional programs. It has long lasting relationships with many institutions in Cuba and has arranged classes, seminars and information sessions for students, professionals, and religious groups.

Common Ground arranges inclusive programs with the following pre-paid services:

• Flights to Cuba
• Flights from city of origin to departure point
• Hotel arrangements in all areas of Cuba
• Ground and/or domestic air transportation in Cuba
• Full itinerary of program activities
• Academic courses and seminars
• Visits to sites, museums, and institutions
• Field visits and excursions
• Guide and translation services
• Pre-paid meals
• Medical/evacuation insurance

… And any other services in Cuba you may need.

To begin arranging your own program, see some of our sample programs.

Below is a partial list of institutions Common Ground collaborates with to develop comprehensive programs:

Contact us to discuss program goals and price
and to begin organizing your trip.

Step 3 – Receive instructions and forms

Travel to Cuba is different than travel to other destinations because of the U.S. Travel Restrictions. At Common Ground we have helped thousands of travelers through the process. Your group will need to provide us with certain information so we can make your trip an enjoyable and smooth experience.

Each passenger needs to complete and return
the following forms:

Step 4 – Receive invoice and make payment

Invoice

You will receive a detailed invoice for your trip explaining all your services, costs, and the cancellation policy. Final payment is due 45 days prior to date of travel or by arrangement with Common Ground. Names of all travelers as they appear on their passport are due to confirm travel arrangements.

Make Payment

Groups traveling with a university or institution may pay by institutional check or submit a credit card form. We also accept payment from individual group members by check, cash, or credit card form by arrangement between group leader and Common Ground. (If you are a member of a group please do not make payment to Common Ground without checking first with your trip organizer.)

Finalize Program

Program is finalized and confirmed by hosts in Cuba 2 to 4 weeks prior to departure. You will receive a copy of your program with your travel documents.

Step 5 – Receive your travel documents

• Program itinerary
• Connecting airline ticket to departure point
• Charter or other Cuban airline ticket
• Land services voucher
• Insurance voucher
• Copy of legal documentation establishing qualifications for permitted travel to Cuba
• Visa
• Emergency Contact Information

Common Ground also provides its clients with:

• Maps of Cuba
• Travel tips on Cuba
• Copies of passports and legal documentation for group leaders
• Travel handbook on Cuba for group leader

To begin you group trip, please fill out our group application form.

Study Abroad

The OFAC regulations now permit programs of 10 weeks or more only for undergraduate students in Cuba. Common Ground can assist you in arranging such programs for undergraduate and graduate students at Cuba’s universities and at other academic learning centers such as Casa de las Américas and the Center for José Martí Studies, among others. We can also design research study in Cuba for graduate students, traveling either individually or in a group. These latter programs include background briefings as well as contacts, assistance and mentoring with research topics for credit towards a graduate degree.

Our Study Abroad packages include:

• Collaborative assistance between U.S. university and Cuban academic institution to establish program
• Assistance with understanding U.S. regulations and guidelines, and with application for appropriate licenses and permits
• Initial planning trip(s) for faculty/staff to meet with hosting institution, inspect facilities, and gain familiarity with Cuba and the prospective plans and individuals involved
• Assistance in development of background reading materials and presentations
• Provision of housing, transportation where necessary, schedule development, field excursions, medical insurance, visas, English speaking guides and all other in country requirements
• In country emergency contacts and assistance from English speaking Cuban specialists
• Appropriate and economical transportation alternatives for participants, to Cuba and to point of departure for Cuba,
• Coordination of regular and 24 hour emergency contact for students, parents and U.S. university administration during length of program

Please contact us for more information about how your college or university can set up a study abroad program in Cuba.

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