The new American policies towards Cuba, announced by President Barack Obama, have inspired travelers across the United States to make plans to visit the once forbidden Caribbean paradise. Though the announcement holds a lot of promise for travelers who wish to visit the island, there is plenty of conflicting and confusing information about what the new regulations mean right now. When will travelers be allowed to visit Cuba?


And, more importantly, what will they be subject to when they do visit?

Before you start packing your bags, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Despite what you think you understand about the new policies on Cuba, these five myths can stop your travels dead in their tracks.

Myth: the new Cuba polices are effective immediately

Truth: Just because the President has announced the change in policies towards Cuba, it does not mean those policies will take effect starting on day one. The policy change affects a number of different departments within the federal government, each with a different interpretation of how the changes will affect travelers traveling to or returning form Cuba.

For instance: the policy announcement highlights that the Obama Administration wants to facilitate expanded travel by Americans to Cuba. However, Americans are still required to have a license from the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFEC) in order to legally travel to and from Cuba. In addition, while the policy changes allows for travelers to bring back up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, travelers are still limited to the Havana daily spending allowance set by the U.S. Department of State.

Myth: Americans can bring back Cuban goods under the Cuban goods allowance

Truth: Americans traveling directly to and from Cuba may be able to bring back goods under the Cuban goods allowance. While the new policies allow for travelers to bring back up to $400 worth of goods from their travel, including $100 of liquor and tobacco, how that will be implemented is subject to interpretation.

Both the United States Interests Section in Havana and OFEC advise travelers that, despite the announcement, the policies have not yet been implemented. In addition, Customs and Border Protection has not yet announced how they will enforce the change in policy. Therefore, while new policies allow for an allowance, travelers may have their non-exempt goods confiscated upon arrival to the United States.

In addition, the Cuban goods allowance only applies to travelers coming directly to or from Cuba. Travelers who purchase Cuban goods while in other countries, including duty free stores while traveling internationally, will have any discovered Cuban goods confiscated upon re-entry to the United States. 

Myth: Cuba will soon be open to American tourism

Truth: The Obama Administration announced their intentions to facilitate more American travel to Cuba. However, the 12 qualified travel categories, as defined by OFEC, still stand. In order for travelers to be issued a license to travel to Cuba, the purpose must fall within an approved reason, including (but not limited to) family visits, educational activities, religious activities, and humanitarian projects.

Travelers who want to visit Cuba are not yet allowed to book tourist travel just yet. However, options for travel still remain. Those who want to learn more about the Cuban culture as part of an organized tour, or are willing to work on a service or humanitarian project while in Cuba, can still be licensed to travel.

Myth: All American consular services are fully available for visitors to Cuba

Truth: President Obama announced his intention to renew diplomatic channels with Cuba, but a full embassy takes a tremendous effort to open. Although the full embassy has not yet been opened, the United States Interests Section maintains a single office in Havana. 

Although the office does not function as a full embassy, officials with the United States Interest Section can assist travelers with a number of common travel problems, including providing applications to replace lost and stolen passports and coordinating medical evacuations on behalf of American citizens. Until a full embassy is opened in Havana, the United States Interest Section office can help travelers facing an emergency.

Myth: Cuban travelers have access to all American Consulate services

Truth: While the United States Interest Section office is available for American travelers, they may not be able to get full access to their services. Depending on the situation, Americans may be denied access to an American Citizens Services official.

According to the State Department, the Cuban government: "...does not consider itself obligated to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to detained Cuban-born U.S. citizens." This means that Cuban-born, naturalized Americans returning to Cuba for a family visit (or other reason) may be denied access to consular services if they are detained or arrested in Cuba. And while the American Citizen Services Unit can provide limited assistance to American detainees, the office cannot act as an attorney for American citizens.

Myths have a way of spreading faster than the truth. By staying ahead of the rumors and understanding how the developing situation with Cuba affects Americans, travelers can be one step ahead in making better planning decisions for their next adventure.