Cuba Travel Changes

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In case you hadn’t heard, travel to Cuba has taken a rather dramatic and sudden turn.  In the past couple of weeks, the United States Government has changed its policy on travel to Cuba.  The change had been rumored but no one expected it to be as drastic and immediate as it turned out to be.

 

What does this mean for you?  If you have booked a cruise to Cuba that departs after June 5^th, 2019, then your cruise will be changed.  It is that simple.  There is no grace period and no grandfathering.  Most of the travel industry thought that the government would allow those who had already booked travel to complete their travel.  What was not expected was the immediate action taken by the government.  The “People to People” educational visa is what almost every cruise line was using to stop at ports in Cuba.  This visa has been discontinued as of June 5^th and there is no recourse.  Cruise lines literally changed course on the way to Cuba when the news broke of the change and its effective date.

 

If you have a future cruise to Cuba booked, you will be hearing from the cruise line shortly (if you have not already) with their terms and conditions for changing the cruise itinerary.  Many are offering a partial refund and or the opportunity to change their cruise entirely with no penalty.  Hopefully, you were clever enough to book your cruise with a travel agent and they can help you unravel the mysteries of the travel changes to Cuba.

 

All is not lost for those who booked a tour through a tour operator.  It will all depend on how the tour was booked and what form of visa they are using.  Many of the escorted tours in Cuba used a different visa and that will allow them to continue with those who booked their package prior to the June 5^th, 2019 booking date.  Many of the airlines have been allowed to continue their flights but passengers need to be aware of the visa changes and be certain they have the correct visa.  Be sure to check with your tour operator or travel agent to be certain of your options and visa needs.

 

Cuba still has much to offer but navigating the new travel sanctions to Cuba will be a challenge.  Contact us, your travel experts to help you navigate your travel needs.