Articles tagged “cuba”

Will we finally see a real easing of restrictions on travel to Cuba? Attitudes are changing, but it will still be rough going.

The effects of the significant rule change depends on which nations will offer average Cuban visas, as intellectuals like doctors and lawyers will not be allowed to leave to avoid a national “brain drain.” And remains to be seen if it comes back around in bigger inbound travel into Cuba.

Many operators thought they were going to have to wait until after the election to know their fate, but the government unexpectedly -- and somewhat randomly -- started handing out renewals last week.

For now, the hardliners on Cuba have won, despite earlier optimism on tourism opening up. The Obama administration has done the backtrack, and the tourists and Cuban economy are the losers.

In theory, travel to Cuba from the U.S. is easier now. But travelers may have better luck with the time-honored method of traveling via Canada or Mexico to avoid the high prices and red tape.

The strict educational tours are the only way for citizens to experience local Cuban culture, but operators are facing delays for licenses renewals sparking curiosity as to whether the U.S. is phasing out the short-lived exchange.

These numbers will likely shoot up if U.S. eases up more travel restrictions.