Ahead of an announcement from Washington tomorrow, details are starting to emerge regarding the policy as it relates to American citizens traveling to Cuba. The reversal of the policy first came to light a few weeks ago.
Under current rules, it became fairly easy for American citizens to qualify under 1 of 12 ‘reasons’ for traveling to Cuba, including humanitarian, religious, education, and healthcare provider categories.
With the new rules set to be unveiled tomorrow, Americans would no longer be allowed to travel to Cuba individually, but rather would need to be part of a group and have a very specific reason for going to Cuba. Tourism would not be one of those reasons. In addition, applications for travel to Cuba would be scrutinized severely as compared to the relatively lax process currently in place.
There was no indication if the announcement will include closing the US Embassy that was opened in Havana in 2015.
What if you have a ticket to Cuba for travel next week?
Don’t worry. People currently with plans to go Cuba can continue with their trip as scheduled. Tomorrow’s announcement will simply put in motion the process to change the policy and no dates have been announced as far as when the new rules would take effect. What will happen tomorrow is that the announcement will request that appropriate government agencies start working on new travel policies within 30 days in alignment with Trump’s directive, but not necessarily have anything in force until sometime after the 30 day window expires.
So go and enjoy your Cohiba Robustos and drams of Havana Club 15…….but hurry!
Related: Travel Ban To Cuba Set To Return?
