New Government Sanctions Essentially Ban Cuban Rum and Cigars

The Trump administration will no longer allow you to bring back Cuba's famous exports

Cuban cigars
U.S. citizens will no longer be able to return with Cuban cigars.
Manuel Romano/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Enjoy that Cuban cigar and rum while you can — your access is going to be limited starting now.

President Trump has tightened regulations on Cuban goods and on travel to the island, according to Cigar Aficionado reported. Going into effect this week, U.S. citizens will no longer be able to come back home with rum or cigars from Cuba, and they won’t be allowed to stay in government-owned hotels while they’re visiting, essentially forcing U.S. travelers into Airbnbs.

This marks a reversal from the Obama administration, which allowed Cuba’s famous exports back in with few restrictions starting in 2016 (as long as it was for personal consumption).

The Trump administration’s new rules also close loopholes for importing rum or cigars via other countries that trade with Cuba (such as England), as well as take away some of the allowed reasons for travel to Cuba, including meetings, conferences and cultural events.

During the pandemic, travel to the island has been limited, so American visitors probably won’t notice these changes until they can actually attempt to visit the country again.

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