Travel to Cuba IS Possible

Looking for guidance on how to travel to Cuba from the US? As Americans,

planning a trip to Cuba may be certainly overwhelming. Unlike visitors from

Canada and the U.K., Americans are subject to certain restrictions. Since

“tourism” technically is not permitted, your trip will need to fall into an

authorized travel category. You’ll also be subject to certain financial

restrictions while on the island. By following a few guidelines, you can still

visit Cuba.

The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has

issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the

regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not

need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. Even

though it’s called a license, it’s not actually a license like a driver’s license or

even a tourist visa. It’s not a physical document that you need to bring with

you to Cuba.

CAN AMERICANS REALLY TRAVEL TO CUBA?

The simple answer is yes. It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba

with a U.S. passport, despite an announcement in June 2019 that Cuba travel

rules would dramatically change. In other words, there’s no Cuba travel ban

preventing you from visiting the island. However, knowing how to travel to

Cuba from the US legally is still a little trickier. Let's walk you through what it

takes to get there.

HOW IS CUBAN TRAVEL LEGAL?

The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has

issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the

regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not

need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. Even

though it’s called a license, it’s not actually a license like a driver’s license or

even a tourist visa. It’s not a physical document that you need to bring with

you to Cuba.

The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official

business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain

intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research

and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public

performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and

exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities

of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation,

importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and

certain authorized export transactions.

SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE CATEGORY

Support for the Cuban people travel is the category under which most

Americans can visit Cuba. A traveler is required to provide support for the

Cuban people and promote independent activity intended to strengthen

civil society in Cuba. A traveler is required to engage in a full-time schedule

of “Support for the Cuban People” activities. These include:

-Meeting with local artists, tobacco manufacturers, and people who run

their own businesses.

-Meeting and engaging with musicians at a performance.

-Exploring independent museums

-Exploring independent markets.

-Participating in dance classes

-Visiting art shows and private galleries

-Discuss Cuban culture and society with locals

As part of this travel category, you are required to retain records, like receipts

and itineraries, and keep them on file for five years. A traveler must avoid all

transactions with a military-owned business.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO CUBA?

Entry requirements include: 1) Valid US passport, valid for at least six months

after your Cuban trip ends.; 2) a Cuba tourist visa; 3) travel insurance for Cuba

(required!) that covers any unexpected medical expenses you may incur

during your time on the island; 4) your valid general license to Cuba

(meaning you’ve chosen one of the U.S. government’s 12 categories for legal

travel to Cuba and you meet all the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your

chosen category).

Now that you know what it takes to get you Cuba, it seems a bit daunting.

The planning is not for the faint of heart. There are, however, several

reputable Cuban travel companies that are authorized to take any American

to Cuba under a general license, and their OFAC approved itineraries make

sure that your travel is fully legal. These travel companies design itineraries

that are fully compliant with the OFAC guidelines for the Support for the

Cuban People category, including activities such as music and dance

performances, artist visits, meals at private restaurants, and more. Tours are

open to all US citizens and residents, and no application process is necessary.

Support for the Cuban people means you will have the chance to meet the

local people of Cuba and have meaningful interaction with them. Cubans are

very friendly and passionate, and the memories of these interactions make a

lasting impression on even the most seasoned travelers.

I WANT TO GO TO CUBA! HOW DO I START MY PLANNING?

Consult with Where2Next? Travel, LLC for your plans. I have the connections

to reach out to the reputable travel companies authorized to legally bring US

citizens to Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People category. If you are

truly considering a trip, start your planning sooner rather than later, before

there are any changes to travel policies.

When Where2Next? Travel, LLC plans your trip to Cuba, you're certain to

have the trip of a lifetime with off-the-beaten-path adventures and refined

cultural experiences. You'll have insider access to the island's artists and

musicians, the best culinary experiences, and the most exclusive hotels and

B&Bs. A trip for March 2022 is currently being vetted with more details to

come. When you are ready, let's start planning your trip to Cuba.

Where2Next? Travel, LLC is a Special Needs Group™ Certified Accessible Travel Advocate, and a Scootaround Certified Blue Star Advisor - with knowledge in accessibility needs for luxury travel.

We all miss travel. When you're ready to start traveling again, I'd love to help you pull together all of the elements of your next vacation so that you can travel confidently. Time to start your travel planning and booking your trips for 2021, 2022, and beyond. Set your virtual appointment with me (https://link.where2nexttravel.co/16187) or take my travel interest survey (https://www.where2nexttravel.co/travelinterest).

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