Once again, new US restrictions on travel to Cuba for persons subject to US jurisdiction are causing confusion and misunderstandings. Don’t let the many rumors and half-truths out there impress you.
Here is the full scoop – executive summary: What happened effective June 6th 2019 is that one available category of travel, the so-called general licenses, was retracted. So now, instead of 12 there are 11. Additionally, cruises from the US are no longer going to Cuba. That’s basically it for most travelers.
A short layover of a few hours during a cruise was never the best way to explore this beautiful country. To meaningfully immerse into the rich culture and get to know the Cuban people, staying at one of the beautiful Casas Privadas and eating at Paladares is the way to roll. Compared to most Central American and Caribbean countries, Cuba is one of the safest and most impressive destinations. Now, the streets are mostly void of the masses of tourists streaming off the cruise ships. If you haven’t been, I am sure your first trip will be an incredible eye opener and have you coming back for more. After all, we are only about a ½ hour flight away coming from Miami.
The most popular remaining categories of general licenses for visitors are Support for the Cuban People and Professional Meetings and Research (similar to a category often called MICE in the travel industry – Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events).
The Professional category will remain to be one of the most popular categories of travel to Cuba. This enables travelers to participate full time in conferences, have meetings and attend other professional events.