For Americans Traveling to Cuba

When he was President, Donald Trump virtually shut down travel to Cuba by Americans. A year ago, President Biden returned to Obama-era policies, meaning American travelers may again join escorted groups hosted by U.S. tour companies to engage in meaningful exchanges with Cuban people. Solo traveling is still not permitted.

As an American traveling to Cuba, red tape restrictions felt daunting, and I was hesitant to book the trip. But Gillian Flaherty, the primary contact for group trips for Bluewater Travel in Culver City, CA, answered all my questions with plenty of helpful information. She emailed detailed instructions on obtaining the required visa and other required forms for into Cuba and re-entry into the U.S. Bluewater even conducted a Zoom meeting with the group to provide detailed explanations of the requirements and photo workshop information.

I flew to Miami and overnighted at the Miami Airport Marriott. Had I wanted to take a 3-day cultural extension before the cruise, I could have flown to Havana. Otherwise, one flies either to Camaguey or Santa Clara, each a 3- to 4-hour transfer to the harbor (from Havana, it is a 6-hour bus ride). I chose a nonstop American flight to Santa Clara because of the favorable flight times and costs.

At the Miami airport, long lines formed at American's special counter for travel to Cuba past their check-in counters. There's even a visa desk for travelers who had not yet purchased their entry visa. I departed Miami at 8:30 a.m. for the one-hour flight to Santa Clara, and I whizzed through Cuban immigration and customs without any issues. By traveling prepared, my trip to Cuba proved no more daunting than traveling to any Caribbean country.

-V.A.