With rules updating on a constant basis, you'll need to know these eight new things if you want to travel to Cuba in 2016.
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1. The restrictions are not over — yet.
President Obama loosened the rules substantially and you can now travel to Cuba as an individual; you no longer need to be in a group. But the U.S. government maintains some limitations on entry. You have to be traveling for one of twelve specified purposes; family visits, education, support for the Cuban people, and a few others. You don't need to obtain permission in advance, but you have to certify one of the legitimate purposes when you arrange your trip. Check here for more details. This is strictly a U.S. requirement; the Cuban government's position is, "Y'all come."
Folks in the industry seem to think that nobody will ever try to verify that you did what you said you would. But if you're antsy, I'm pretty sure some enterprising organizations will happily arrange for your participation in a qualifying activity.
RELATED:You Can Now Fly to Cuba on a Commercial Airline
2. You need a tourist card.
Before departing from the U.S., you need to get a 30-day tourist card (visa). As far as I can tell, the big U.S. visa service agencies are not yet geared up to arrange them. But on flights from Cancun, Nassau, and Canada, airlines often sell them, and, presumably, U.S. airlines that "win" Cuban routes will also set up to handle the tourist cards. Also, you can check with any operator running tours to Cuba. Currently, the isn't very helpful Cuban Embassy's website. You also need proof of travel insurance.
3. Scheduled flights will start this fall.
Most big U.S. airlines have applied for rights to fly from various points in the U.S. to various points in Cuba. Although a few applied for Varadero and other beach centers, most want to start by flying from their important hubs to Havana. That makes some sense: Cuba's beaches may be a bit of "more of the same" within the Caribbean and island region, but Havana is a unique big-city destination with a charm and culture all its own. Also, there's a big "visiting friends and relatives" market for Havana. If you're in a hurry, you can already catch a charter flight or fly scheduled airlines from Canada, Cancun, or Nassau. As an alternative to flying, you can expect to see ferry trips to Havana from Key West soon, and cruiseships are already adding Cuban ports to their island itineraries.
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