November 16, 2004 -- During his first term in office, George W. Bush placed more severe restrictions on travel by US residents to Cuba. His administration eliminated virtually all people to people and educational exchange travel that was permitted under the previous administration, and drastically reduced traditional opportunities for Cuban Americans to visit or send money to relatives (including the fact that Cubans living in the United States can now only visit once every three years instead of annually).
Although a Cuba policy did not emerge during the recent US presidential election debates, John Kerry had campaigned aggressively against the Bush restrictions on family travel and remittances. He pledged his support for "principled travel" and reaffirmed his favoring an end to all limits on travel. Since the re-election of George Bush, it now seems inevitable that no relaxations in travel restrictions to Cuba will occur in the near future.
Despite a travel embargo that has been in place since 1963, Americans have long had a fascination with Cuba. Whether you have been inspired by the writings of Ernest Hemingway, or you dream of dancing the night away under the stars to Cuban rhythms with the scent of Cuban cigars in the air, many Americans are still turning to Cuba as a vacation destination, despite any political sentiments they may have. They do so by bypassing US regulations and traveling through countries like Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas. Strangely the fact that it is illegal to do so makes it all the more appealing for some adventurous US travelers.
It is important to be aware of the travel restrictions and how they may impact your vacation. Technically, US residents & citizens are not prohibited from traveling to Cuba. However, the 1917 Trading With the Enemy Act effectively prevents tourism. According to U.S. law, all US residents (not just citizens) are prohibited from spending money (in any currency) relating to Cuban travel unless the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses them. Furthermore, they can be fined if they travel to Cuba and get caught without a license from OFAC. For more information about the Cuban sanctions program begin by visiting https://travel.state.gov/travel/cuba.html. The Consular Sheet provides rules and regulations and although at times confusing, it can assist you in making your travel decisions. Further information is also available at www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sanctions/t11cuba.pdf or contact OFAC, U.S. Department of the Treasury, at 202/622-2520 or 305/810-5140.
Cuba recently announced that it will no longer allow US dollars to be in circulation beginning November 8 due to what it terms "hostile US policy." This means every organization that currently accepts US dollars in cash to charge their transactions is mandated to only accept Cuban pesos, or alternatively Euros, Canadian dollars or Pounds sterling. If US dollars are used, a lien of ten percent will be applied, however credit cards that are accepted in Cuba (not those issued by US banks) will continue to be valid without the lien. At airports and currency exchanges, visitors will still be able to exchange their US dollars or any other currency without paying any penalty.
Currently, you cannot fly directly to Cuba from the United States, however, other countries have tours and packages set up to assist US travelers determined not to let the embargo spoil their Cuban dreams.
The Cuban Connection (www.cuba.tc) is a website that features information for United States citizens traveling to Cuba including maps, tourist tips, links to sports sites, city information and a large section on villa rentals. Canadian-based travel agency sites like Cuba Travel US (tel. 512/327-8511; www.cubatravelus.com), Netssa Travel (tel. 866/504-9988; www.netssa.com/cuba.html), Voyage Culture Cuba (tel. 888/691-0101; www.culturecuba.com) and Solways Travel (tel. 416/224 5225; www.solwaystravel.com) can each tailor-make a Cuban vacation to suit your budget, needs and departure city (most via Toronto). All will provide information and advice to US travelers about regulations.
Airlines that service the Canada to Cuba (from Toronto and Montreal to Havana) route include Air Canada (www.aircanada.com), Cubana (www.cubana.cu), Sky Service (www.skyserviceairlines.com), Air Transat (www.airtransat.com) and Jetsgo (www.jetsgo.net).
Cuba Linda (tel. 537/204-5584 ext. 181; www.cubalinda.com) provides you with multiple Cuban travel options departing from the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico or Canada. For example, a roundtrip flight from Cancun to Havana on either AeroCaribe or Cubana is $230 in December 2004 and January 2005. They can also arrange your car rental, excursions and activities. All prices include taxes, ticket delivery fees and tourist visa cards.
Once you are there, Cuba is relatively inexpensive with three to four-star hotels in major cities and at coastal resorts from as low as $40 per night. Package deals are likewise quite reasonable. For example a three-night package through Solways Travel from Toronto to Havana in late November including roundtrip airfare and accommodation at a four-star hotel is $647 including all taxes. Or a ten-night beach and city combination package in January 2005 including roundtrip airfare and accommodation at a three-star hotel is $1154.
Travel to Cuba can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, however we would advise that you do your research, understand travel limitations and make your decisions wisely. For more information about traveling to Cuba, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/cuba.
To discuss this issue further, head to our Cuba Travel Message Boards.