American Travelers Cautioned On Cuban Travel

Category: USA Connect Created on Thursday, 28 July 2011 10:51

Some tour operators have reportedly been soliciting travelers in the United States, suggesting that they are licensed to provide travel services to Cuba.

Although there has been some easing of restrictions, there are still strict US government rules in place. Not every tour operator is legally allowed to provide travel services to US persons, who are licensed to travel to Cuba.

"While there may come a day when there is unrestricted and free travel to Cuba, that day is not now. Nor does it seem like it will be anytime in the near future," said Ronen Paldi, president of Ya'lla Tours USA. "Travel agencies and travelers need to be very careful if they are making plans for travel to Cuba. Some operators out there seem to be coming close to violating strict regulations, and travelers will end up paying the price."

Ya'lla Tours USA has been a licensed travel service provider (TSP) providing legal travel services to Cuba since 2002.

The key points regarding Americans traveling to Cuba are:

The US Department of Treasury has a list of licensed TSPs to Cuba. A licensed TSP is legally allowed to provide travel services to licensed travelers, and to collect money from these travelers for the travel arrangements.

Only those travel agencies and tour operators listed as TSPs are legally allowed to provide these services.

Any unlicensed travel agent or tour operator that promotes Cuba travel services, makes travel arrangements, or collects funds for travel to Cuba from Americans is in violation of Federal law and is subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.