Since 1997, we’ve distilled ever-changing, often mind-boggling US-Cuba travel regulations. From Cuba travel openings by presidents Clinton and Obama to rigid rules under G.W. Bush and brutal clampdowns by Trump, we’ve kept Americans abreast. As global citizens, we work for a brighter future when travel between Cuba and the United States is unfettered.
So far, Trump has eliminated a subcategory of Cuba travel known as people-to-people travel and ended cruise ship visits to the island. No other categories of Cuba travel are affected.
People-to-people travel, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Americans during president Obama’s tenure, was part of an initiative to normalize relations with Cuba and enable citizen-to-citizen dialogue, understanding, and people’s diplomacy.
Many meaningful Cuba travel options are available for Americans to visit the island legally. The longstanding twelve categories of authorized Cuba travel are intact.
Academic travel to Cuba has not changed. Students, teachers, school staff, and chaperones can come to Cuba just like study abroad to Canada, Asia, or Europe.
The popular categories of Support for the Cuban People, Humanitarian Projects, Religious Activities, Professional Research, and Journalism, are wonderful ways to witness Cuba, engage with its people while partaking in their culture.
If you ever dreamed of visiting Cuba, do it now! Cubans are eager to host American guests. Indeed, there is no better time to visit. It’s a nation of fun-loving, open-minded people living in an unspoiled natural environment, with very few tourists. You’ll be special during your stay.
President Kennedy first imposed Cuba travel restrictions in 1963. Every president since has maintained, or adjusted Cuba travel rules. President Jimmy Carter significantly eased Cuba travel regulations in 1977. George W. Bush reversed Carter’s reforms in 2004, condemning peaceful Cuba as “beyond the Axis of Evil” with Libya and Syria! During Barack Obama’s terms, easy Cuba travel became the norm. Trump, branded Cuba as a leg in a “Troika of Tyranny” together with Venezuela and Nicaragua, severely curtailing Cuba travel. Trump’s objective is to wreck Cuba’s economy and cause mass starvation.
No president has been able to end Cuba travel. Fortunately, the US Constitution enshrines freedom to travel, however manacled by Executive Branch whims.
The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforces Cuba travel regulations. OFAC allows for twelve themes under which Americans can legally visit Cuba without any government documentation or permission in advance. The twelve categories are known as “general license” travel.
There is no actual license or paper issued. It is an honor system. If the purpose of your Cuba travel falls under any of the twelve pre-approved Cuba travel categories, you can hop on a plane and visit Cuba. It’s that simple.
On your own. Cuba is an ideal destination for sojourners with foreign travel under their belt and ample planning time. If you speak fluent Spanish, independent travel is tops.
Design your own custom private Cuba trip in collaboration with a legitimate tour operator. If you, your family, and friends, prioritize time, ease, certainty, and economy, working with a Cuba travel agent or tour operator will ensure unrivaled rewards. Cuba travel professionals provide the best cultural experiences, entertainment options, meals, accommodations, transportation, and health-conscious guides.
Prepaid small group Cuba travel packages guarantee your Cuba trip conforms to US legal requirements. Small group tours, hosted by US agencies, are nearly all-inclusive, incredibly economical, and offer tons of cultural encounters in a brief period – many more than the most inveterate independent traveler could assemble.
We encourage potential Cuba visitors to browse the internet to shop and compare options. It’s fun and enlightening. You’ll find lots of travel agencies and tour operators with decades of professionalism, offering excellent services with a broad range of prices. Locate them on Google by searching “cuba tours for americans” or “cuba trips for americans”.
Call us at 1-888-965-5647 toll free. Email us. Or chat with us online.
