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The United States Department of State published a detailed guide this Thursday to facilitate the send private humanitarian aid donations to the Cuban people following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage in several provinces of the island.
The document, titled “Providing Private Donations of Humanitarian Assistance to the Cuban People After Hurricane Melissa”, explains the legal mechanisms and licenses that allow the sending of food, medicines, and other essential supplies to Cuba, despite the existing embargo.
"While the embargo remains in effect, the U.S. government prioritizes support for the Cuban people," the statement notes, emphasizing that there are exemptions and authorizations in U.S. laws for the delivery of humanitarian and disaster response products.
The guide clarifies that donations can be made either directly or through non-governmental organizations, as long as the recipients are not controlled by the Communist Party of Cuba.
The Department of the Treasury, through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), maintains general licenses that allow for donations of food, medicine, and humanitarian goods. It also authorizes travel and humanitarian projects on the island aimed at "directly benefiting the Cuban people," such as housing reconstruction, medical assistance, or educational projects.
In parallel, the Department of Commerce can expedite export permits for essential items such as medicines, medical equipment, telecommunications products, or materials for clean energy, as long as they are intended for civilian use and not military purposes.
The announcement comes just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the readiness of Washington to provide “immediate” humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, making it clear that the support will not go through regime intermediaries.
"United States is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, both directly and through local partners who can distribute it more effectively to those in need," Rubio posted on the social media platform X, in a message that was shared by the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
The Republican official also specified that Cuba joins the group of countries—along with Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas—that will be able to receive assistance following the hurricane, despite the fact that the island had initially not been included in the list of beneficiaries.
Limit of shipments and personal donations
One of the most accessible mechanisms for U.S. citizens and Cuban-Americans is the gift and humanitarian donation license exception, which permits the monthly sending of a package valued up to $800 in retail value to individual recipients or independent institutions in Cuba, such as churches, schools, or charities not controlled by the state.
These packages can include food, medicines, medical supplies, or personal communication items. In the case of food, there are no limits on value or frequency, according to the document.
Contacts and consultation channels
Individuals or entities interested in sending humanitarian aid can contact CubaHumanitarian@state.gov directly, an email created by the Department of State to address inquiries and guide those wishing to donate or apply for humanitarian licenses.
The U.S. government reiterated that it "actively encourages" citizens, businesses, and organizations to use these channels to support the Cuban people, especially in the context of the emergency caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The publication of this guide comes at a time of severe economic and social crisis in Cuba, where natural disasters exacerbate the scarcity of food, medicine, and construction materials.
Although the embargo remains a barrier to direct transactions, Washington is opening channels to help alleviate the suffering of families most affected by the powerful storm.
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