Can We Still Hope to Go to Cuba? Yes we Can! (But It’s Complicated)

On June the President announced his new policy on Cuba relations. As part of an apparent plan to deviate from many of the policies put into place by his predecessor, Trump has significantly changed the landscape. Can we still hope to go to Cuba? Yes we can! However, the hoops you must go through are more extensive.

How Were Things When Trump Took Office?

Even under President Obama, Americans could not travel to Cuba simply to be a tourist and/or go to the beach. They had to qualify under one of 12 categories such as journalistic and/or religious reasons. “People to People” exchanges were the most commonly used category. People who wished to fall within this category were supposed to engage in approved cultural educational exchanges. They were also supposed to keep documentation for 5 years  showing that they satisfied  the requirements. However, only an honor system was used, and no known documentation audits were conducted. In fact, in recent months, travelers had been putting together  and getting approval for their own trips with purported cultural exchange events.

How are Things Now?

The new policies have yet to go into effect and will likely take a few months to take effect. From the President’s speech, it appears that some of the prior policies will be maintained. For example, the American Embassy in Cuba will remain open. U.S. Airlines and cruise lines that were going directly to Cuba from the U.S., will continue to do so. The People to People exchange category will be more strictly monitored and audits may take place. U.S. citizens will likely not be able to plan their own trips. All trips will have to take place through larger U.S. tour operators who will satisfy the stricter requirements. You will have to travel with a company representative.

The main purpose of the new regulations is to try to ensure that money does not get into the hands of the Cuban military. The Cuban military maintains ownership interest in many Cuban hotels. Much can change before the implementation of this policy, particularly with the current administration. Nevertheless,  travel  to Cuba will certainly be more difficult. Less Americans will now travel to Cuba.

What to Do From Here?

For those of you who already had trips to Cuba booked, the administration has said it will not interfere with these trips.

If you still want to book travel to Cuba we recommend using established cruise lines and travel companies. It is doubtful, though not inconceivable, for cruises to Cuba to be stopped due to the extensive money these cruises have brought into the U.S. economy. In the last two weeks, several major cruise lines have contacted Purple Light confirming their commitment to continue to offer the Cuban cruise experience. Cuba is still worth visiting. Can we still to Cuba? Yes, we can! However, the rules are changing. Please contact us if you would like assistance walking through the minefield of the new regulations as they go into effect.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).