Charming, culturally and historically rich, and proximity to the US (90 miles from Key West to Havana), makes Cuba a desirable tourist destination for US citizens. Add the mystique of its “forbidden” status for over 50 years and you can be sure that when travel restrictions to Cuba were relaxed two years ago, it fast became one of the hottest destinations for US travelers.
No longer required to have advance permission and a special license, US citizens were free to participate in individual “people-to-people” travel. Cruise lines added port stops and Cuba-only itineraries while airlines added regular, passenger service originating in US.
With the announcement of new travel restrictions, confusion reigns supreme on who, what, where, and when travel to the island is allowed. Two primary changes went into effect this month that impact casual travel to the island.
One, is the removal of the individual “people-to-people” allowance. Travelers must be part of an organized group with an educational or cultural component.
Second, the new regulations include a ban on Americans doing business with some 180 Cuban government entities, holding companies, and tourism companies. The list includes 83 state-owned hotels, including famous hotels in Old Havana such as Ernest Hemingway’s erstwhile favorite haunt the Hotel Ambos Mundos.
The purpose of the ban, per the US Treasury Dept, is to keep cash away from enterprises owned or controlled by Cuban military enterprises.
Does that mean no rum and coke during your trip?
“Americans may still consume those soft drinks and rums” — as long as they don’t buy them directly from the companies on the list, Treasury says. They can buy a Tropicola from a street vendor, for example, and they won’t have to tell a bartender: “No Varadero or Caney rum, please.” You can legally purchase a rum and coke at many Cuban hotels, but if a hotel is one of the 83 hotels that are banned, it’s off limits for not only drinks but also lodging.
Are you confused yet?
Besides the beverage companies, there are also stores and shops on the list that you might not readily associate with the Cuban military. “Travelers are expected to consult the Cuba Restricted List to ensure they are in compliance as they make their travel arrangements and during their trips,” Treasury said.
In other words – you figure it out.
So, what are your options if you are planning to visit Cuba? First, I strongly recommend you work with a professional travel consultant. This isn’t a vacation to DIY or plan as you go. Independent travelers must prove a schedule of interactions with Cuban people and not patronizing hotels/restaurants that are government owned or managed. Who wants to deal with that?
Here are three options for Cuba travel:
- If you made and paid for your arrangements prior to the announcement, your trip is grandfathered under the previous regulations. Be sure to carry proof of the payment or deposit date with you for your return to the US.
- Consider a cruise. Cruises and cruise stops are not affected. Cruise lines have vetted their shore excursion offerings to meet new regulations.
- For land trips, use a reputable US licensed tour operator (they don’t have to be US based, but should be US licensed). Using a tour operator doesn’t mean you have to be part of a tour group. They can assist you to form your own group, legally. A tour operator that specializes in Cuba can help you plan an approved itinerary and ensure your personal group meets the “significant cultural and educational” requirements.
Is Cuba on your bucket list?