For anyone either unaware or unclear about the concept of ‘Support for the Cuban People’ and how it impacts on travel to the island of Cuba, read on!
First off, and for anyone out there who still isn’t aware of this, travel to Cuba by US citizens is tightly regulated; not by Cuba (which welcomes pretty much anyone and everyone to its shores), but by the US Department of the Treasury via the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
As part of the long-established US embargo against Cuba, there are currently 12 categories of authorised travel to the island, none of which involve tourism.
Of the 12 authorised reasons to visit Cuba, 11 are somewhat narrow in definition and include the likes of humanitarian projects, family visits and official US government business.
The one category that does offer unconnected, US citizens the opportunity to visit the island is the aforementioned ‘Support for the Cuban People’.
What this means in essence is that, yes, US citizens can visit Cuba on a group or private tour but in, doing so, all of the travel arrangements must be booked, arranged and conducted in such a way that they benefit private Cuba citizens, ie staying in private accommodation, eating in private restaurants, using local, non-governmental transport and guides and interacting with locals.
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Beyond The Ordinary provide tailor made arrangements for travel to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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In most countries all of that would be very straightforward. In a country like Cuba, where the State has its tentacles in almost every aspect of life, it is less so.
Having been involved with Cuba since 1995, and in conjunction with our local partners on the island, Beyond The Ordinary are qualified to provide travel arrangements that comply with the regulations pursuant to ‘Support for the Cuban People’ while at the same time ensuring that customers have a rewarding and memorable experience.
With so many years’ experience behind us, and having travelled right across Cuba, we understand what works (and what doesn’t) and are experts in creating bespoke arrangements.
About Beyond The Ordinary
Beyond The Ordinary is a UK based tour operator specialising in tailor made travel to Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua & the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
We are authorised and regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (the equivalent of the FAA in the US) and are members of ABTOT.
As a UK based business, here are some things you should be aware of……
We speak English!
All quotes and payments are in British £s, not US$.
We work to UK hours, not US (please don’t expect an email reply at 10pm West Coast time!)
We are unable to book flights between the US & Cuba
We are unable to arrange the Pink Cuba Tourist Card that US citizens require to enter Cuba.
