The US government implemented significant changes to the rules about travel to Cuba yesterday (June 5, 2019).
What are the new restrictions?
Cruises are no longer allowed to visit Cuban ports. This is a significant and sudden change which brought chaos and confusion to many travelers. The government gave no advanced notice of the specific changes. In theory, the government could issue licenses to allow cruises to visit Cuba. However, as of right now, we are not aware of any licenses being granted. Cruise lines are canceling Cuban ports of call. Royal Caribbean, for example, is offering partial or full refunds to travelers that were already booked.
What ways can you travel to Cuba?
Travelers can still visit Cuba but must travel via air. Tourists will need to document that they are visiting under one of the other allowable reasons besides “people-to-people” visits. Family visits, for example, can still continue. However, there is a risk that airlines will cut flights in the future if fewer people plan trips to Cuba. We are in touch with travel suppliers that offer private custom tours in Cuba and they are still able to provide services under “support for the Cuban people” licenses. It is more important than ever to speak with a professional travel advisor to ensure that your travel will be compliant with the new rules.
How are the rules being enforced?
The new rules only went into effect on June 5, 2019, so it is not yet known how the government will enforce the new rules. Prior to the recent changes, paperwork must be kept on file for 5 years by the traveler. When I returned from travel to Cuba recently, I was not asked to show documentation of the reason for my travel at US immigration. It is possible that this may change now but it remains to be seen how the federal government will enforce the new rules.
If you would like to travel to Cuba, yes, it is still possible! But your options are more limited. Please contact us to discuss planning your Cuba itinerary.