Travel to Cuba Keeps Getting Easier
Until recently, traveling to Cuba was tricky for Americans, with the privilege reserved for just a handful with special permission from the government. With ties between the US and Cuba becoming friendlier every day, it's now possible for the average American to visit via charter flights like Sun Country Charters, guided people-to-people cultural tours or by entering through a third country like Mexico. Last December, the US State Department also announced that regularly scheduled flights to the island nation could begin as early as 2016. The latest policy changes mean that American carriers will soon be able to enter previously blocked airspace and form codeshare agreements with Cuban airlines.
Requirements to enter the country have also loosened up for Americans visiting the country under a general license, which allows travelers to avoid the paperwork once associated with travel to Cuba. But don't expect to just hop on a plane and head down just yet — you'll still have to have an approved reason for visiting, such as journalistic, academic or religious purposes, people-to-people cultural activities or plans to visit relatives. However, recent changes mean you can also fly to Cuba to organize professional events, or to pursue creative endeavors, such as art or television production. Normal tourism outside these reasons is still prohibited, but as restrictions continue to ease, it's possible that Americans will have open access to travel to Cuba — for any purpose — in the future.
Ready to plan your trip? Try renting your own apartment in an authentic Cuban neighborhood with Airbnb, now an Amex Membership Rewards partner — use this link to get $20 off your first stay! — or staying in a traditional casa particular (homestay) like TPG did when he visited Trinidad, Cuba, last May. Here's TPG's guide to booking Cuban hotels, like the Hotel Occidental Miramar in Havana, if that's more your style.
H/T: New York Times
[card card-name='Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card' card-id='22125056' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app