06/05/2019
FYI:
As you may have heard, the Trump administration today announced new restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba, which includes revocation of the general license that permitted ‘group people-to-people’ education travel. This is the authority under which U.S. based cruise lines and many tour operators were able to offer Cuba travel packages. The change in policy goes into effect tomorrow, June 5, 2019.
There is a limited grandfathering provision that permits travel if the traveler already has completed one travel-related transaction, such as booking a tour or purchasing a flight, prior to June 5. It is our understanding that clients who have bookings that were made under the group people-to-people license prior to June 5 can continue with their travel plans.
Again, there are exceptions if the reason for the travel falls into one of the exemption categories that continue to be allowed, such as professional meetings, journalistic activities, religious activities, etc. We recommend that you monitor the OFAC website for updated information.
Outreach has been made to our impacted U.S. supplier partners to understand their specific plans following this announcement. We view it as probable that they will shut down the ability to book future Cuba travel starting tomorrow.
For your information, the American Society of Travel Advisors has issued the following statement:
Last month, ASTA expressed our disappointment with the Trump Administration’s announcement that it plans to further restrict travel and trade between the U.S. and Cuba as well as its activation of Title III of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which allows U.S. nationals to file suits in U.S. courts against entities trafficking in confiscated property in Cuba.
ASTA is reviewing the details of new Treasury and Commerce Department regulations announced today and will issue guidance to all members soon.
Given the recent growth in legal U.S. travel to Cuba, ASTA is concerned about the potential for disruption from these policy changes, especially as they relates to the operations of our cruise line, airline and hotel partners on the island.
ASTA continues to believe that the American people are the best ambassadors of U.S. values abroad, and should be allowed to freely travel to any destination they wish without restriction from their own government. Rather than shutting the door to this market 90 miles off our shores, we call on policymakers to enact legislation to do away with the statutory Cuba travel ban once and for all. While today is a setback, we will continue to advocate toward Cuba travel freedom and look forward to the day it becomes reality.