The Future of Cuban-American Tourism

Cigar vendor in Havana, Cuba © Les Haines | Flickr

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, President Obama announced his plan for re-establishing relations with Cuba. While this proposal has large scale foreign policyimplications, the average American is most intrigued by the possibility of visiting the island — finally smoking a Cuban cigar, drinking a mojito and riding in the back of a classic car.

Here are the outlined possibilities for what Obama’s legislation could mean in realizing those dreams.

Diplomatic change

The United States will attempt to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba, including opening an American embassy in Havana — which means more security and resources for Americans traveling to the island.

Easier travel

The travel ban and economic embargo will remain in place, but will have a smaller impact. Pre-existing exceptions, such as people-to-people trips, will no longer need to require a specific travel license to visit the island; rather, travelers will mark a box (for one of 12 legal reasons for travel) to denote the purpose of their trip and will be required to keep receipts of their travel transactions for five years after returning.

One of the many classic cars in Havana, Cuba © Elifranssens | Dreamstime

Loosening business restrictions

The United States will make it easier for Americans to obtain business licenses to work in Cuba without outright permitting tourism. Banking restrictions will be eased to allow for American credit and debit cards to be used on the island and limits will be increased on the amount of remittances families are able to send from the United States to Cuba.

Small-scale imports

Although the economic embargo will persist, formally barring the use of American dollars in Cuba, U.S. travelers will be able to import up to $400 in Cuban goods, including $100 of alcohol and tobacco products.