How the new U.S. Cuba policy changes will impact travel

In response to the U.S. Cuba policy changes, announced Friday June 16 2017:

Traveling to Cuba is one incredibly enriching experience. It’s a country that’s unlike any other, a Caribbean paradise we think everyone should visit. But thanks to the President’s just-announced policy change, the rules for Americans who want to visit have become a little more complex.

There’s been a lot of conversation around his decision to enforce these rules more strictly and what it means for the future of American travel to Cuba. Having operated legal trips for American passengers since August 2015, we’re in a pretty good position to explain it all.

Here’s exactly what the announcement means for American travelers, some options for how to travel to Cuba legally, and some essential advice on what to expect when there:

The new rules for American travel to Cuba

Under the Obama administration, Americans could travel both independently and as part of a group if they were on a legal people-to-people (P2P) trip. These trips required travelers to fall into 12 categories of authorized travel. They were a way of ensuring there were meaningful interactions between American travelers and Cubans through a variety of cultural and educational exchange activities.

Before President Trump’s policy announcement, people-to-people travel was loosely enforced and self-reported. But from now, people-to-people travel has been banned for individuals not on a Treasury-licensed tour. While the consequences of violating these enforcements remain unclear, traveling with a legal P2P operator has never been so important. 

The news comes as a step back for travel to Cuba. American hotel chains will now face increased red tape and demand for U.S. airlines stands to drop. For Intrepid Travel and other licensed P2P operators, these changes will have little impact on day-to-day tours. We will still be offering a legal 9-day Hola Cuba people-to-people tour, as we have done the past few years.

Megan, an American passenger on our P2P trip in Cuba

If you want more details on the Cuba announcement, check out these FAQs published by the Department of the Treasury.

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Advice for Americans traveling to Cuba

What to bring: A valid passport, visa or Tourist Card, and travel insurance are all required for Cuba travel, as well as the completion of an affidavit. Intrepid provides all our travelers with a signed affidavit that they must keep in their passports for five years after returning from the country. You can get your Tourist Card through the airline you travel with.

Money: Cash is king in Cuba, so travelers must convert their money into Cuban pesos (CUCs) which is most easily done at airports, hotels or banks. Please be sure to budget appropriately as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

Internet: Don’t rely on the Internet here. You can purchase Wi-Fi cards for designated areas, but you may just want to take the time to disconnect and enjoy.

Safety: Cuba is safe! There are very low rates of violent crime so even if you are a solo traveler on a P2P tour there’s nothing to be worried about. Feel free to read through these solo travel tips for Cuba in case you’re wondering what to expect.

Accommodation: The guesthouses (Casas) we use on our trip allow for a truly authentic Cuban experience. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country.

Flights: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue currently operate direct flights to Cuba from the United States. All three airlines currently have applications out for more routes after Spirit, Silver Airways and Frontier backed out of Cuba in June 2017, according to the Miami Herald.

What to expect on a P2P trip with Intrepid

On Intrepid’s Hola Cuba tour, you’ll get your meals included, travel by minibus, and stay in local guesthouses. For 9 days, you’ll encounter the faded buildings of Havana, visit tobacco farms in beautiful Viñales, stroll the European boulevards of Cienfuegos, salsa dance in charming Trinidad, all while learning the history and culture from an expert local guide.

Included activities are plentiful and range from a cooking demonstration in Viñales to a leader-led city tour of Old Havana to a pottery center visit in Trinidad. (Read more: 5 reasons why Trinidad is the real star of Cuba.)

The countryside just outside of Trinidad

All of the above is pretty exciting in itself, but if you really want to know what the experience is like as an American, these articles written by a Chicagoan blogger will explain:

-What traveling to Cuba taught me about making the most of life
-What a tobacco farmer taught me about the art of Cuban cigars

We ran our first Cuba people-to-people departure in August 2015 and since that day have carried over 700 U.S. passengers, on 47 departures to Cuba. The feedback from our American travelers has been outstanding – our travelers are hosted by the Cuban people and so forge friendships and gain an understanding of the real Cuba. In other words, travel with Intrepid and you’ll be in good hands.

Old Havana

It’s also worth mentioning that for travelers looking for a smaller more immersive cruise option, our sister company Peregrine Adventures offers a legal P2P for a maximum of 34 travelers. This 8-day small ship cruise is a great option because it lets you visit part of Cuba travelers never see. Highlights include visiting a local school in San Juan del Valle, stopping off at port towns like Cienfuegos or Maria la Gorda, and a guided look at Hemingway’s Havana.

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Cuba is like nowhere else on earth. Experience the magic of this Caribbean island nation on our 9-day trip that’s legal for U.S. citizens.

Not a U.S. citizen? We have plenty of small group adventures in Cuba for you too! Check out our sailing trip, our cycle trip, and even our family holiday trip.

(Image credits from top to bottom: iStock, Megan Arzbaecher, Jen Welch, iStock x2)