Can I Send Money to Cuba? Rules and Available Methods

Sending money to Cuba from the United States involves navigating a distinct regulatory landscape. The ability to send financial support to individuals and certain entities in Cuba is possible under specific conditions. These regulations aim to balance humanitarian concerns with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Understanding the authorized channels and requirements is a primary step for anyone considering such a transfer.

Understanding US Regulations on Cuban Remittances

The legal framework governing remittances to Cuba from the United States is primarily administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) through the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR). These regulations generally prohibit transactions with Cuba, but OFAC issues “general licenses” that authorize specific categories of remittances without requiring individual applications. A general license means that if a transaction meets all specified conditions, it is permitted.

These general licenses are self-executing. This means individuals or financial institutions can proceed with a transaction if they assess it falls within the scope of the authorization, without needing further confirmation from OFAC. However, all transactions are prohibited if they involve any entity or subentity identified on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List (CRL). Engaging with CRL-listed entities for remittance purposes is not authorized and specific license requests involving them are typically denied.

While caps on family remittances were previously imposed, they have since been eliminated. Financial institutions, including U.S.-registered money transmitters, are authorized to process these remittances, provided they adhere to record-keeping and reporting requirements and do not engage with prohibited entities.

Eligible Parties and Purposes for Remittances

U.S. regulations delineate specific categories of individuals who can send and receive remittances, as well as the permissible reasons for these financial transfers. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are 18 years of age or older are authorized to send money to Cuba. This authorization extends to various types of remittances, each with its own set of conditions.

Family remittances allow individuals to send money to “close relatives” in Cuba. A close relative is defined by OFAC (31 CFR 515.339) as any individual related by blood, marriage, or adoption who is no more than three generations removed from the remitter or a common ancestor. Recipients cannot be prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba, members of the Cuban Communist Party, or close relatives of such prohibited individuals.

Beyond family support, individuals can send donative remittances to any Cuban national, provided the recipient is not a prohibited official or party member, or a close relative of such. This category of non-family remittances was reauthorized and dollar limits removed in June 2022. Funds can also support specific purposes such as humanitarian projects, religious activities, or pro-democracy and civil society groups in Cuba. Remittances are also permitted to encourage the development of private businesses and independent economic activity within Cuba’s non-state sector.

Methods for Sending Money to Cuba

Sending money to Cuba from the United States requires using authorized channels. Licensed money transfer operators and qualifying banking institutions facilitate these transactions. Services like Western Union, Fonmoney, Sendity, VidaiPay, and Tocopay offer remittance services, though their availability and features can vary.

Before initiating a transfer, the sender must gather specific recipient information for compliance and delivery. This includes the recipient’s full legal name, physical address in Cuba, a contact phone number, and their national identification number. For family remittances, the sender’s relationship to the recipient must also be specified. The purpose of the funds must be declared to align with authorized categories.

Many authorized services require the sender to complete an Electronic Remittance Affidavit, a legal declaration confirming compliance with U.S. regulations. Senders also need to provide personal identification, such as a government-issued ID. Digital payment methods, including mobile money, digital wallets, and transfers via credit or debit cards, are authorized if processed through U.S.-registered money transmitters or qualifying banking institutions.

Navigating the Remittance Process and Recipient Access

Once information is gathered and a remittance method selected, the sender proceeds with the transfer. This involves inputting recipient details and the transfer amount into the service’s online platform or providing them to an agent. The sender confirms transaction details and completes payment, often using a debit or credit card. Many services allow senders to save recipient details for future transfers.

In Cuba, recipients primarily access funds through Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) accounts or associated debit cards. These accounts are held at specific Cuban banks, such as Banco de Credito y Comercio, Banco Metropolitano SA, and Banco Popular de Ahorro, or on cards like AIS cards. Funds are deposited in MLC and appear as a balance on a card. Recipients can use these cards for purchases at state-run stores or withdraw Cuban pesos at the official exchange rate.

Processing times for remittances vary depending on the service and recipient’s access method. Transfers to MLC accounts or debit cards take between 24 to 48 hours, though some services may quote 5 to 7 business days. While some services offer cash delivery, availability can change. Senders can track the status of their transfers through the service’s website or mobile application, confirming successful delivery.