We just got back from a glorious 2-week trip to Cuba.  It was such an exciting trip that I implore everyone with the means to go.  During our last week there, President Trump decided to tighten travel sanctions for US citizens to Cuba and it caused such a stir and lot of conversation everywhere we went.  Since President Obama lightened the sanctions against Cuba, there's been an influx of American tourists visiting the Caribbean island for the first time in decades. Back in November, JetBlue had a good deal on flights to Havana, Cuba for about $215 so Le Boyfriend and I snagged two round trip tickets with the intention of exploring the island for two weeks. 

Over the past seven months, I scoured countless online forums, Facebook groups and blogs to learn more about navigating the Cuba and how to enjoy a vacay there without knowing a lick of Spanish, the official language.  Several Facebook friends have asked me to elaborate on the trip booking process so here I go...

BOOKING THE FLIGHT TO CUBA

When you book your flight, you'll be asked for the reason for your trip. There are 12 different categories for travel. I chose journalism because I plan on blogging about my trip extensively. Most people choose the People-to-People travel, which is not only a legal way for Americans to visit Cuba. JetBlue sent us a form to fill out online and submit to them. You will need a visa to enter and exit Cuba. You can buy the tourist visa for $50 at the airport on the day of your flight.

12 REASONS TO VISIT CUBA

• 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 authorized export transactions 

If you fit into one of these categories you qualify for a general license. There is no need to apply for a specific license through the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

TRAVELING TO CUBA UNDER NEW TRUMP POLICY
Trump doesn't want American dollars going to the Cuban Military anymore, which he says is guilty of humanitarian violations to the Cuban people.  The gist of the new policy is that Americans can still travel to Cuba but can no longer select the "people-to-people" or educational travel classification for the purpose of travel.  According to the Treasury Department, which licenses Cuba travel, under the new rules, a "traveler's schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess."

Trump has tasked the State Department to write the new rules and regulation for Cuba travel, which is likely to take month to go into effect.  But Trump's announced policy means Americans won't be able to stay in Cuban hotels, rent cars or take buses at all since the Cuban government owns them. Approved group people-to-people travel through tour operators will remain legal if you are booked to stay in pre-approved accommodations such as privately owned bed and breakfasts or a casa de particular (a homestay with a Cuban family) and take part in only pre-approved activities.