As of late 2017, regular tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. According to the US Department of State, you must obtain a licence from the Department of Treasury OR your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel.
The 12 "categories of authorized travel" are:
- Family visits
- Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organisations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Certain authorized export transactions
In the past, "people-to-people" travel has been considered a form of acceptable travel to Cuba, which is what most American travellers fall under. As of November 2017, nonacademic people-to-people travel was prohibited by the president. For now.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hilary White