Recently, the Obama Administration made it easier for Cuban Americans to travel to their ancestral homeland. The measure allows for annual visits to see their relatives on the island. No limits have been placed on the length of the trip. Qualified travelers are only restricted by a $179 per diem. Lifting the requirements for Cuba Americans has all Americans wondering whether or not all restrictions will be ended in the coming years.
Cuba © Zedzap
Last year, 50,000 Americans traveled to Cuba after being approved for educational, religious, or family-based trips. Countless others traveled to Cuba through Mexico or Canada. With a change in the political climate, it’s likely that open travel will be broached within the next few years. Much of the current opposition stems from a selection of Cuba-American politicians from South Florida who feel that allowing American tourist dollars into Cuba strengthens the Castro regime. Others argue that the influx of travelers will help to bring democracy and capitalism to the island. Either way, it’s time for all parties to meet and come to a resolution over the issue. The Cuban Missile Crisis was 47 years ago.
Should the U.S. government end travel restrictions to Cuba? Is it better to wait until the Castro regime is out of power?
Read about the first Western tourists to visit Iraq.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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Tyler
We openly trade and travel to China. Still call themselves communist. Still have human rights violations. Let open travel happen now to Cuba. Not sure it will change things over night, but eventually it will. Europeans are going anyway.
Sheena
Castro is close to passing on. His replacement won’t have much power after that. It has been forever since we even had ab issue with them. We’re talking JFK. How many presidents ago was that. Glad to see families can visit at least.
Gennaro
@Tyler
It comes down to a political issue. Cuban-American politicans need to sit and talk it out. In the meantime, it has to be worked out on a larger scale by the two political parties. And the chief diplomat has leeway here historically.
@Sheena
It has been forever. I’m sure they can work something out to make everyone reasonably happy. Lifting the restrictions for Cuba Americans to visit family was a nice step in that directions.
Jay
Post Castro regime is going to certaintlychange things. Cuba will be a tourist trap before we know it!
Dinny
At least relatives can visit now fairly easily. A good step. Hate to see families that can’t get together over politics.
Gennaro
@Jay
Tourist trap, funny stuff.
@Dinny
That’s true. Glad to see that too.
Carlos
I know people on both sides of this argument and it won’t be easy with Castro still there, but I sense it will come. The people of Cuba could use the money coming in.
fly girl
I have been hoping and waiting for this. Cuba is one of the few Caribbean islands that I haven’t been to and it’s also one of the islands that I have longed to visit because of the rich culture. I’ve had many friends visit under educational and film purposes and I have been tempted to try that route but I really want to experience Cuban culture without fear and hiding. American travel restrictions are silly and haven’t effected any real change in decades. Yes, there’s the concern that Cuba with lifted tarrifs will result in an Americanized tourist trap but I’ve witnessed too much suffering because of the restrictions.
Gennaro
@Carlos
Lots of passion there on both sides. I can see it coming together now though.
@fly girl
You make a really good point about visiting without fear. Yes, it’s possible to go, but there is a discomfort. Part of it is on the Cuba side. Letting al Americans in may end that and the grip of Castro. Not letting Americans go hasn’t worked. Castro is still there.
Nadia-Happy Lotus
One of the places I have always wanted to see was Cuba. I hear it is beautiful. So I am seriously hoping that the current administration will lift the ban. Furthermore, I don’t think the ban had any effect. Cuba is still a communist country.
Gennaro
@Nadia
I hear the same about the beauty. Cuba isn’t a threat. Hasn’t been for a long time.
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com
It is good to see opening doors. I know what communist country and closed doors are first hand.
Gennaro
@Alik Levin
It’s about time.
Julie
As someone who has been to Cuba (without a license) 8 times, I say YES, let Americans travel to Cuba! I’ve written extensively about what I think the US should change its policy: Why Travel Is The Most Patriotic Act You Can Do
Gennaro
@Julie
I agree that there is an element of patriotism to travel. Travelers are ambassadors in a way that politicians (necessary too) can’t be. Change often starts on the ground. Person to person. People who visit Cuba or elsewhere are part of that. Enjoyed your article. Rings true.
Ash
Now this is one COOL shot! Love everything about it….the wide angle, the color of the car…and the sea in the background!!
Gennaro
@Ash
It sums up a bit of Cuba. Beautiful beaches and classic American autos.
Kim Woodbridge
I hope they lift the restrictions. The Cuban Missle Crisis was so long ago. I’m kind of old and this still happened before I was born. Ok – so, it’s a communist country and Castro is the leader – so what?
Jay mentioned the country becoming a tourist trap – I believe in the 40’s and 50’s it was – before all of this started in the 60’s.
Gennaro
@Kim Woodbridge
It’s not like Americans are restricted from traveling to other countries with a lot worse human rights records. That tourist trap line was funny. In the end, it’s the Cuba people who are hurt not Castro.
jen laceda
Cuba is already a tourist trap (I’m Canadian and have been there several times). Nonetheless, La Habana is one amazing city–dilapidated, yes–but still beautiful. The City has been involved in restoring old buildings in the last decade, and so far, it’s been a boon to the city’s tourism industry!
Gennaro
@jen laceda
You’re right. There are lots of tourist down there from Europe and Canada. American tourists (without restrictions) would bring loads more especially from Miami. It a tiny jump over. The industry would be really kicking the first few years just from the novelty.
jen laceda
Don’t even get me started with Cuban food! I think if they want to ready themselves for the discriminating American visitor, Cuba should lift their game and be able to prepare a good meal. Maybe I will post some of the “weirdest” foods we’ve encountered in Havana one of these days 🙂 Try pizza with corn and green beans — this was from a hotel restaurant.
Gennaro
@jen laceda
I love weird food posts so I say go forward with it. Never had pizza with that toping. Almost beats Hawaiian with pineapple.
Sire
Sounds like a good idea. I’m a bit behind with what is going on in Cuba, but I always thought that getting out would be a problem. I take it that’s not the case anymore.
Gennaro
@Sire
Cuba allows Americans in and out. Americans are only restricted by their own government. Travelers go there through Canada or Mexico unless they get permission for educational studies or other similar items.
Sire
What bout those Cubans living in America that initially fled from Cuba?
Gennaro
@Sire
They have access once a year from the States to visit family.
Sire
No, what I meant is, what are the consequences to them for returning to the country they fled?
Gennaro
@Sire
Good question. Haven’t heard of a specific penalty. Most going back to visit are people generations removed.
Sire
Yeah, I reckon I forgot to allow for the time factor. Thanks for putting me straight.