The ink was barely dry on my Top Ten Place to Go list, and I have to make changes.
Turns out that on March 1st U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming) introduced the “Freedom to Travel Cuba Act,” which would finally remove the embargo now in place and allow Americans to legitimately travel to Cuba. Although not the first time that this type of legislation has been proposed, this time there is bi-partisan support, and there may be a very real chance for a change in policy.
Cuba is “officially” off limits to American travelers when it comes to tourist travel. There are exceptions when it comes to journalist travel, education, political groups, meetings, humanitarian aid, etc.
Some Americans go to Cuba via Canada or Mexico, effectively circumventing this travel restriction. However, the State Department’s Consular Sheet makes it clear that this, still, is illegal, and returning travelers will be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
The newly introduced legislation would normalize travel between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as remove all restrictions and penalties for U.S. citizens who wish to travel to Cuba. You can read the details of the bill, and get further information about it, at Senator Enzi’s website.
I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba. Now that it may be a real possibility, it’s going back on my list.
Photo credit: SXC
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