President Obama's easing of sanctions on Cuba has been big news for the past couple of weeks, but the new regulations were officially instated last week.
While this move affects trade, finance, and even perhaps baseball, we're of course most interested in what this means for travel to the island nation.
Well, technically tourism is still a big "no-no," BUT you can now enter Cuba for a dozen reasons without having to obtain a special license to do so. Here they are, as outlined by the White House:
- -Family visits
- -Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- -Journalistic activity
- -Professional research and professional meetings
- -Educational activities
- -Religious activities
- -Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- -Support for the Cuban people
- -Humanitarian projects
- -Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- -Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
- -Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.
The good news? We certainly think sending Oyster hotel investigators to scope out hotels can be categorized under almost all of these options! Journalistic activity? Check. Professional research and professional meetings? Check. Educational activities? Check. Humanitarian projects? Er, sure. After all, our research helps out many a traveler in need!
Both Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways have announced plans to offer direct flights to Cuba from the US, and in some of the best news to stateside cigar aficionados, travelers can now return from the island with up to $400 worth of souvenirs, including up to $100 of alcohol and tobacco. And purchasing these items will be much easier now that regulations allow for US travelers to use credit and debit cards, and bring $10,000 cash with them.