Blog

As an American travel company that has operated in Cuba for over 17 years, we have weathered all kinds of storms, both literally and figuratively. Through it all, safety and satisfaction of our guests have always been our number one priority. InsightCuba, along with many prominent companies in the travel industry firmly believe that Cuba remains a safe destination and continue to send travelers to Cuba without incident or concern, despite the recent travel warning issued by the U.S. Department of State.

I was in Havana last week and flights were full, hotels and restaurants were brimming with activity (I couldn’t even get a table at my three favorite restaurants), and guests on insightCuba tours were telling me stories of their favorite experiences. As a world traveler and someone who has dedicated a significant portion of my life providing travel to Cuba for Americans, I can say with absolute confidence that the last thing the Cuban government would ever do is put anyone in harm’s way, jeopardize tourism, or damage the positive relationship that has developed between Cuba and the U.S. over the past two years.

WHY DID THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ISSUE A TRAVEL WARNING?

Since November of last year, the U.S. and Cuban governments have cooperatively investigated undetermined health issues reported by some U.S. and Canadian Embassy employees. Despite both countries’ best efforts, they are still unable to determine a cause of the health issues or the source. Furthermore, none of Cuba’s almost 4 million tourists, including 468,000 Americans, have experienced these symptoms according to the U.S. Department of State. Despite this fact, the U.S. Department of State surprised many in the global community by issuing a Cuba travel warning in response to these undetermined health issues.

CAN I STILL TRAVEL TO CUBA?

InsightCuba as well as commercial airlines, cruise ship operators, and hundreds of other travel providers firmly believe Cuba remains safe and whatever the cause or source of the diplomats’ illnesses, poses no threat to U.S. travelers. Commercial flights, cruises and our tours are currently operating.  Furthermore, no other country has issued any travel warning or advisory, including the Canadian government who sends millions of tourists to Cuba each year.

Despite a reduction in Embassy staff in Washington D.C. and Havana, tourist visas for U.S. citizens are still available, and insightCuba has a sufficient supply for our travelers for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Embassy in Havana remains open to assist travelers as part of its mission and insightCuba is operating at full capacity. Moreover, travel to Cuba on a people-to-people tour remains 100% legal.

LIFE IS BACK TO NORMAL AFTER HURRICANE IRMA:

While in Havana, I, as well as many of our recent travelers, are happy to report that life is completely back to normal after Hurricane Irma. Everything I love and appreciate about this wonderful country is intact. I was actually hard pressed to notice any damage to infrastructure that would impact the daily lives of Cubans or visitors to the island.

In summary, all insightCuba tours are scheduled to depart as planned and we look forward to sharing everything we love about Cuba.

Sincerely,

insightCuba President 
Tom Popper