How to travel to Cuba legally, Cuba has topped many travel lists. Interest in the country is off the charts. Cuba even topped the list of top emerging destinations for the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
“This is the first time Cuba has debuted on USTOA’s list of top emerging destinations, and given the continually growing demand to visit the culturally rich nation, our tour operator members plan to enhance and expand their already popular itineraries to offer more extensive, immersive programs to Cuba,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA.
But, until the travel ban has been lifted, travel to Cuba is still restricted for U.S. travelers. While the U.S. and Cuba are working to normalize diplomatic relations, it is now the responsibility of visitors to Cuba coming from the U.S. to ensure that they are following the rules. These rules could change quickly however, since the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act (S. 299), a bipartisan bill, was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 29 and “would repeal all provisions relating to U.S. residents’ travel to Cuba in their entirety, saying simply that ‘the President may not prohibit or otherwise regulate, directly or indirectly, travel to or from Cuba by United States citizens or legal residents,”’ according to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
The bill was introduced by Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Tom Udall (D-NM), John Boozman (R-AR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). A House version of the bill will reportedly be introduced next week by Reps. Mark Sanford (R-SC) and Jim McGovern (D-MA).
ASTA noted that among the several rationales for the measure were the prospective economic opportunities awaiting both countries if current travel restrictions were to be lifted. However, until the bill clears the House of Representatives and the Senate, tours remain the easiest way to visit the country legally and U.S. travelers may be surprised by just how accessible these tours are to them. Known as People to People cultural emmersion trips. Anyone can travel on these trips. The key is to travel with a “licensed educational tour.” So, in order to ensure that you are traveling to Cuba legally, you need to make sure that you are going with an organization that is licensed to provide people-to-people trips.
“Can Americans jump on a plane today to visit Cuba? The short answer is ‘no,’ at least not for some time until commercial flights begin and the infrastructure is in place,” said Dale. “But, U.S. travelers can visit Cuba today through the existing cultural programs offered by tour operators, such as the members of USTOA.”
Several USTOA members currently are licensed to offer these types of experiences. Here is a sampling:
Globus offers three itineraries to Cuba in 2015, two of which are new.
Collette’s “Rediscover Cuba-A Cultural Exploration” is offered February through May of this year.
Alexander + Roberts’ “Undiscovered Cuba” small group journey showcases smaller towns rarely visited by American travelers.
Explorica Inc. unearths the country’s vibrant culture with open dialogues with the artists of the brilliantly painted streets of Callejón de Hamel on its “Havana Highlights” tour.
Mayflower Tours’ “Cuba Experience 2015” includes visits to a cigar factory, ceramic studio & gallery, botanical gardens, a craft market and more.
Travcoa offers the seven or 10-day “Cuba: Community, Culture & Cuisine” escorted tour on select dates in February, March, April and May.