Can I Still Travel To Cuba Under New Law?

We’ve been on pins and needles since June 2017. That’s when President Trump (aka 45) announced that he was “canceling the last administration’s completely one-sided deal with Cuba.”

It wasn’t a one-sided deal for many of us Americans. We were going to Cuba as if they were giving away free items. Americans had been denied access to this beautiful country for so many years and were taking advantage of the opportunity to finally see it first hand. And thanks to President Obama, there was that short window of travel paradise where I’m sure your Instagram feed was filled with pictures from Cuba.

However, since June 2017 we’ve been waiting for the next shoe to drop and it did November 2017. As of that day, travel to Cuba was no longer as we knew it under the Obama administration. And then further restrictions were made June 5, 2019.

But does this mean you can no longer go to Cuba? No, you can!

Who Can Travel to Cuba

One of the biggest policy changes is that though educational visas are still allowed, they will require individuals to travel as part of a larger group. The other major change was the removal of the “People-to-People” travel category and the restriction of travel to Cuba via American cruise lines.

Many Americans used the People-to-People category because it was so easy. All one needed to do is chat with the Cuban people about their respective countries and have a full schedule of sightseeing activities. It was unfortunate to see the removal of this category, but if you read the “Support For the Cuban People” category, it’s essentially the same…and still legal!

“…individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba. In accordance with the NSPM, OFAC is amending this general license to require that each traveler utilizing this authorization engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities and that result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba.”

TRAVEL ALERT: Ready to go to Cuba now before more changes are made? Join us in November! Click HERE

Support For The Cuban People Category

There are still plenty of other ways to legally visit Cuba, but the easiest for most Americans now is the “Support for the Cuban People” category. To satisfy the requirements for this category, you will need to:

Stay in a private home (casa particular), like an Airbnb.
Engage in a full schedule of meaningful interactions with Cuban people
Keep receipts and itineraries from your trip for at least five years.

Keep in mind you most likely would do all these things anyway. For example, booking a non-government tour, eating at local restaurants, taking a cooking or dance class, exploring independent museums and engaging with locals at music or art shows.

Restrictions While Traveling in Cuba

In addition to restricting travel to Cuba, 45 opted to add a few more restrictions. For those who fit under the category to travel to Cuba will not have the luxury to travel freely.

The U.S. State Department also has blacklisted over 100 hotels, restaurants and stores. This includes one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots in Cuba, Hotel Ambos Mundos. Why would need 45 need to add coal to the fire and further restrict what Americans can do in Cuba? The rationale given is to “steer economic activity away from Cuba’s military…”

I’ve traveled to Cuba a few times and honestly, most of my friends going weren’t staying at hotels or dining at government establishments. However, now to be told we can’t, seems annoying.

I find this entire policy a distraction from other big issues like helping Puerto Rico. Trump has literally taken away our rights to travel freedom and stolen money from the Cuban people who were financially benefiting from the rise in American tourism.

It is a sad day indeed. BUT, not as sad as thinking you can’t travel to Cuba because you can (and legally). If you’re not ready to go on your own, we’d love to help you visit one of our favorite travel destinations. Get more info on our upcoming exclusive girls trip to Cuba this winter: Click HERE.

Approved Reasons To Travel to Cuba:

Support for Cuban people
Family visits
Educational activities (with restrictions)
Journalistic activity
Religious activity
Humanitarian projects
Official government business
Business trip

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updated: August 1, 2019