Earilier this year, President Obama relaxed the decade long restrictons between Cuba and the US. Now, eight months later the hype surrounding travel to Cuba has quieted but the possibilities available to travelers are becoming more available as agreements between airlines and Cubas Havana airport increase. On Monday, November 14, 2016 Southwest airlines began flights between Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport to Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport in Varadero.

Although more flights are becoming available to US travelers, there are restrictions in place as to how we may travel. The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

JetBlue currently leads the race in flights to Cuba, recently adding routes from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywodd International Airport into Fort Pais Airport in Holguin. They also fly into HavanaSanta Clara and Camaguey.