Travel to Cuba and Trump
Dec 19, 2016, 9:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 622
Travel to Cuba and Trump
We have a people-to-people escorted tour to Cuba scheduled in late March 2017.
I realize it is an "unknown" as to what Trump may do about the recently relaxed US policies toward Cuba. However, I am wondering how quickly the "people to people" program could be rescinded? As I understand, people to people operates under Treasury Department regulations, which are presumably more tedious to "un-do", as opposed to executive order actions.
I realize it is an "unknown" as to what Trump may do about the recently relaxed US policies toward Cuba. However, I am wondering how quickly the "people to people" program could be rescinded? As I understand, people to people operates under Treasury Department regulations, which are presumably more tedious to "un-do", as opposed to executive order actions.
Dec 19, 2016, 1:38 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
We have a people-to-people escorted tour to Cuba scheduled in late March 2017.
I realize it is an "unknown" as to what Trump may do about the recently relaxed US policies toward Cuba. However, I am wondering how quickly the "people to people" program could be rescinded? As I understand, people to people operates under Treasury Department regulations, which are presumably more tedious to "un-do", as opposed to executive order actions.
I realize it is an "unknown" as to what Trump may do about the recently relaxed US policies toward Cuba. However, I am wondering how quickly the "people to people" program could be rescinded? As I understand, people to people operates under Treasury Department regulations, which are presumably more tedious to "un-do", as opposed to executive order actions.
The tours apply for a specific license (i.e., an application and a case-by-case determination), afaik. They have had permission for this for quite some time now.
The "recently relaxed policies" refer to a "general license" and this is the one Obama signed in by executive order starting in March, used by independent travelers. That could go at the stroke of a pen.
The 12 OFAC (Dept. of Treasury) categories, such as "people to people", are the same for both.
Dec 19, 2016, 1:48 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Naples, Florida
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If Trump were to change things regarding Cuba, everything I have read is he would likely given 11 months notice on a new policy. Too many people
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
Dec 19, 2016, 7:25 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
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If Trump were to change things regarding Cuba, everything I have read is he would likely given 11 months notice on a new policy. Too many people
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
Last edited by djjaguar64; Dec 20, 2016 at 6:40 am
Dec 19, 2016, 8:16 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
If Trump were to change things regarding Cuba, everything I have read is he would likely given 11 months notice on a new policy. Too many people
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
have bought tickets inside the major airlines' 11 month booking window.
Whether or not anything really changes remains to be seen
Dec 21, 2016, 1:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 269
Probably at yesterdays security briefing. All jokes aside, multiple "speaking under condition of anonymity since they are not authorized to comment" people have described some negotiations on keeping Cuba travel along with Trump casino / hotel concessions. We will know more starting the 20th. Personally I think he will have his hands full with more important issues, such as what SNL aired over the weekend...
If the United States closed travel to Cuba I'm sure the airlines will refund tickets or at the very least offer a credit, to save themselves the bad publicity.
If the United States closed travel to Cuba I'm sure the airlines will refund tickets or at the very least offer a credit, to save themselves the bad publicity.
Dec 21, 2016, 5:12 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Jan 31, 2017, 10:05 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 77
Cuba Travel & Exec Orders
Reading the previous messages, it seems like the consensus is that Cuba travel will remain unchanged at least in the short term. In light of the Trump Executive Orders that came through last weekend, however, does anyone think that could change in a quicker fashion?
My gf and I booked a tour package (literally the day before the executive order) for Cuba to happen in April, but are able to get most of our money back if we did decide to cancel within a couple weeks from now. We are concerned about any issues on our return to the US (moreso about any future Exec Orders pertaining to Cuba that may come about). We both possess US Passports, though she was not born in the US.
Any reason for us to be concerned?
My gf and I booked a tour package (literally the day before the executive order) for Cuba to happen in April, but are able to get most of our money back if we did decide to cancel within a couple weeks from now. We are concerned about any issues on our return to the US (moreso about any future Exec Orders pertaining to Cuba that may come about). We both possess US Passports, though she was not born in the US.
Any reason for us to be concerned?
Feb 1, 2017, 12:47 am
#12
Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,580
Trump's recent executive order shows that he has no regard for the needs of legitimate travelers, and will not hesitate to order sweeping travel bans without any warning or concern for the consequences. However, I haven't seen any indication that Cuba is on his radar at the moment. He didn't mention it during his campaign, and since it is a predominantly Christian country, he won't be targeting Cuba to pander to his evangelical base of voters.
Of course things can change at any time, but I wouldn't worry yet.
Of course things can change at any time, but I wouldn't worry yet.
Feb 1, 2017, 8:58 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
Anyone who thinks they can predict what might happen by a stroke of a pen in the hand of a guy like the one who is signing is in the same category as he is. What if he wakes up in the middle of the night obsessing about Cuba for some reason? Maybe we'll be paying for a sea wall across the Gulf coast and around Florida next.
Feb 1, 2017, 9:32 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: Skymiles Silver Medallion
Posts: 955
There's no way to know. The situation changes regularly.
Book on a reputable airline that will offer a refund or credit in case of a sudden change. And take out some travel insurance just in case.
Book on a reputable airline that will offer a refund or credit in case of a sudden change. And take out some travel insurance just in case.
Feb 1, 2017, 7:44 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 622
Fortunately, I do have a written response from the tour operator that it would refund the trip cost in the event it had to be cancelled.