US Travellers Are Banned From Doing These Things in Cuba

The confusing rules for US travellers who want to visit Cuba were updated once again in November 2017 under President Trump. Travel to the island is still possible under a number of different visa types, but there are now a number of places that are banned under the new rules. It’s not clear how the ban will be enforced, but here are some of the top places in Cuba you can’t go if you’re from the US.

This popular hotel in Old Havana found fame thanks to the fact that esteemed writer Ernest Hemingway used to stay there. US travellers are banned because the hotel is owned by Habaguanex, a holding company linked to the Cuban military.

Keep your eye out for this rum brand, as US travellers officially aren’t allowed to drink it. Again, it’s because the company is owned by a company linked to the military, which is the main focus of the ban. Luckily there is plenty of Havana Club rum around.

Cuba’s knockoff Coca Cola also makes it onto the banned list. It might be hard to spot whether or not it’s used as a mixer in you Cuba Libres, but you can at least try not to buy it in the shops. You will also find Coca Cola for sale if you want the real deal.

The luxurious Kempinski hotel sits in a fantastic location near the Capitolio in Havana, but it’s now banned. It’s one of the best in town, but you’ll have to stay elsewhere. The ban is a blow to the luxury tourism industry in Cuba, which the Kempinski was expected to boost.

If you are out shopping for souvenirs in Old Havana, you’ll have to avoid Coleccion Habana. It’s home to reproductions of colonial-era items such as ceramics, ornaments and jewellery.

Everywhere you go in Cuba you’ll see Gaviota tour buses disgorging visitors at famous sites. Under the new rules, US travellers are banned from joining the tours. You’ll have to find a private tour company instead.

The Memories hotel chain is a major name on the banned list, and the Varadero outpost is one of the most popular for US travellers. Don’t let it put you off visiting the beautiful beaches of Varadero though.