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In 2014, former US President Barack Obama announced sweeping changes to America\u2019s policy towards Cuba. The United States re-established diplomatic ties and re-opened the American embassy in Havana. Obama also authorized travel by general license for all 12 categories set forth in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, eliminating the need to apply for a specific license for most travelers. Though tourism remained banned, Americans could plan individual \u201cPeople-to-People\u201d trips with a full schedule of educational exchange activities.\u00a0Travelers could meet the regulatory requirements with museum visits, cultural sightseeing, conversations with Cubans about their society, and keeping a daily journal. These relaxed rules made travel to Cuba easier and more affordable for the average American, who prior thereto was relegated to expensive group trips. It also benefitted the growing number of Cuban small business owners, including the owners of casa particulares (private lodging similar to a bed and breakfast) and paladares (private restaurants), taxi drivers and tour guides.<\/p>\n

As many travelers were dreading, on June 16, 2017 President Donald Trump announced changes that would reverse some of the Obama era policies. The new rules, dubbed “A Better Deal for Cuba”, prohibit Individual People to People travel and any direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services, including state-owned hotels, restaurants, tour buses, and other businesses (the State Department will be publishing a list of prohibited entities). Trump also announced increased enforcement actions, with travelers subject to immigration checks or Treasury Department audits to ensure they fall under one of the permitted categories.<\/p>\n

On the same day as Trump\u2019s announcement, the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued FAQS<\/a> regarding the policy changes. Here is what we know:<\/p>\n

1. INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TRAVEL WILL NO LONGER BE AUTHORIZED<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>As directed by Trump, within 90 days OFAC intends to issue regulations that will end individual People to People travel to Cuba. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued. <\/strong>The new policy will not result in changes to the other (non-individual people-to-people) authorizations for travel.<\/p>\n

For persons with pre-planned trips, there is no need to cancel. As long as you have completed at least one travel-related transaction (i.e., purchasing a flight or reserving lodging) prior to the June 16, 2017 announcement, you are exempt from the new rules (provided the travel-related transactions are consistent with then current OFAC regulations).<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0GROUP PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TRAVEL WILL STILL BE AUTHORIZED<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to current OFAC regulations<\/a>, travelers utilizing the People to People authorization must maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people\u2019s independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba.<\/p>\n

Group People to People travel will still be allowed, but it must take place under the auspices of an organization that\u00a0 sponsors such people-to-people exchanges\u00a0and travelers must be chaperoned by\u00a0an organization representative to ensure they maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities.<\/p>\n

3. INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL UNDER THE SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE CATEGORY WILL STILL BE AUTHORIZED<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Support for the Cuban People category encompasses travel-related transactions and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people, which include activities of recognized human rights organizations; independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; and individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)\u00a0that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba.\u00a0 The traveler\u2019s schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule in Cuba.<\/p>\n

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Picture of the night @MarioDB<\/a> and I hammered out the new Cuba policy. Thankful for his leadership! #cubancoffee<\/a> #BetterDealforCuba<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ukpQJo2eev<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 16, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n