By Jake Reed
The US has had a trade embargo against Cuba since 1960. The embargo restricted tourists from visiting Cuba. There were exceptions as to who could visit the island but the laws were stringent at best. Beginning in 2008, the Obama administration made it easier to get to Cuba. Before this administration, qualified individuals would have to find airports in other countries to fly to Cuba, but with Obama's changes, airports on U.S. soil also fly to Cuba.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- Travel necessities
Passport
License
- Travel necessities
- Passport
- License
Step 1
Determine if you qualify for travel to Cuba. People with family in Cuba are allowed to visit once every 12 months. Beyond that, journalists, academics, government officials, athletes and humanitarian workers can get a license for access into the country. For a comprehensive list of travelers permitted access to Cuba, see the Resources section.
Step 2
Apply through the treasury department. Interested parties should send a letter to the department mapping out why they want to go to Cuba. They should also provide the relevant documentation. For example, a member of a church group should submit information to prove his membership.
Step 3
After you have the appropriate license, you will need to purchase a ticket. This can be difficult as many airlines do not fly to Cuba. One group who does is Cuba Travel Services, Inc. This is a west coast group that flies out of Los Angeles International Airport. You can also fly to Cuba from airports in other countries, such as Jamaica. See the Resources section for more information on flights to Cuba.
Resources
About the Author:
Jake Reed began his freelance writing career in 2002. His work has been published in the "Seoul Times," "Star News," the "Diplomacy Journal" and on various websites. Reed holds a bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy from the University of California at San Diego.
