By now you are likely aware that recent changes to American government policies have had significant impacts on Cuba travel. Amidst all the legal jargon, we wanted to provide a bit of clarification for our clients, as well as offer some positive reminders.

  • Cruise Travel to Cuba – Effective June 5, 2019, cruise travel is prohibited, regardless of the reason for your trip. Cruise lines are currently working to adjust their itineraries, and many are offering compensation to mitigate the disappointment of not being able to visit Cuba.
  • What if I’m flying, not cruising? – According to United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), people are still able to visit Cuba under previously authorized group people-to-people educational travel. If you have land tours booked, please reach out to your travel professional to confirm your arrangements. SN: I’m curious to know why land travel under people-to-people is ‘grandfathered’ in, but cruise travel is not. If any of our wonderful readers can enlighten me on this distinction, please share!
  • Other travel to Cuba – This is where things get a little confusing. The overwhelming majority of people who visited Cuba in recent years have done so based on the people-to-people educational visa. This is no longer an option. However, there ARE still tour operators who are offering travel to Cuba (land, not cruises). There are some great operators out there who are providing authorized travel under the ‘Support for the Cuban People (SCP) SCP trips tend to be a bit more culturally immersive, as the rules have more stringent guidelines. SCP rules prohibit lodging at large hotels and dining at government-owned restaurants. This is GREAT news for travelers like me who didn’t get to visit Cuba before the recent policy change!

Of course, we are hoping that there will eventually be a resolution that will allow us all to enjoy our Cuba cruises again, but in the meantime give us a call or send us a message to learn more about authorized Cuba travel options.