Globe Aware programs will continue under the newly released regulations.
On June 16, 2017, the Trump administration released new rules related to US citizens traveling to Cuba:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2017/06/16/fact-sheet-cuba-policy
Here is a list of FAQs related to his announcement:
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_20170616.pdf
How will these affect Globe Aware programs?
- Changes to non-business travelers will not take effect until the new regulations are issued, which is expected to be September 16th, 2017. This means programs prior to this date will not be affected.
- The new regulations will prohibit *individuals* (as opposed to groups) from traveling to Cuba under the people-to-people license; therefore Globe Aware programs are *not* affected by this provision. Globe Aware programs are educational programs that do not involve academic study pursuant to a degree, they *do* take place under the auspices of an organization (Globe Aware) that is subject to US jurisdiction that promotes meaningful people-to-people contact;
- A Globe Aware coordinator has always and will continue to accompany each group on a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities
- The changes do NOT change how US citizens travel to Cuba via airlines or cruise ship as they relate to Globe Aware programs
- As Globe Aware volunteers do not stay in government run hotels, they are not affected by the new provision disallowing government-run hotel stays.
The biggest anticipated changes will be relating to the licensing process and enforcement of those regulations that are expected to be announced in mid September 2017. What we do not know yet is:
- Will there be an additional cost to apply, and if so, what is it?
- What is the lead time and completion time for the application process? (perhaps OFAC will begin processing in January of 2018 or maybe immediately or ? Maybe they will take 24 hours to process or maybe they will take a year? Who knows?)
- What does the application process entail (1 page, 30 pages, appear in person with passport, etc?)
- In the likely event that additional resources are needed for the application cost and process, this will directly affect the cost per person of the program.
Lastly, if you have registered for a program that begins AFTER September 16, 2017; the new regulations say, “Provided that the traveler has already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to the President’s announcement on June 16, 2017, all additional travel-related transactions for that trip, whether the trip occurs before or after OFAC’s new regulations are issued, would also be authorized.” Therefore, as long as you have registered for our program BEFORE June 16th, 2017, we have already reserved your accommodation and your program will not be affected.
