Washington tightens financial and travel restrictions on Cuba

Wednesday 30 September 2026 - 16:30

By: Azzat Manal

Washington tightens financial and travel restrictions on Cuba

The United States has tightened its restrictions on Cuba, introducing new financial and travel measures as the administration of President Donald Trump continues to increase economic pressure on Havana.

The latest changes affect transactions involving Cuban entities linked to the country’s security and military structures, as well as certain activities involving the island’s private sector. The measures form part of a broader US sanctions framework that has been expanded through several actions during 2026.

The US Treasury Department has maintained restrictions on transactions involving Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., or GAESA, a major Cuban business conglomerate controlled by the military. US authorities designated GAESA under an executive order earlier this year, and transactions involving the group and certain entities it controls remain subject to US sanctions restrictions.

The revised rules also affect financial transactions connected to entities included on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List. According to updated Treasury guidance, authorized activities involving Cuba can be subject to restrictions when they involve entities or subentities appearing on that list, including indirect financial transactions under certain circumstances.

The changes also tighten some rules governing travel to Cuba. US citizens and other persons subject to US jurisdiction can still travel under specific authorized categories, including family visits, journalism, professional research, religious activities and certain humanitarian activities. However, the conditions governing some educational and professional exchanges have been revised.

From September 30, group educational travel known as “people-to-people” exchanges is no longer generally authorized under the previous rules. A limited grandfathering provision applies to certain travelers who had already completed qualifying travel-related transactions before the new restrictions took effect.

The measures come as Cuba faces a severe economic and energy crisis. The Cuban government has repeatedly blamed US sanctions and restrictions on fuel supplies for worsening shortages and power outages, while Washington has continued to argue that pressure on Havana is intended to encourage political and economic change. Cuban officials have also indicated that Havana remains open to dialogue with Washington despite the continuing dispute.

The latest restrictions coincide with economic reforms introduced by Cuba in an effort to attract foreign investment and expand the role of private businesses. Havana has eased some rules governing foreign investment, tourism and private-sector activity, although the US government continues to maintain extensive restrictions on dealings with Cuban state-linked entities.

The dispute reflects the long-running disagreement between Washington and Havana over Cuba’s political system, economic policies and international relations. The United States has maintained a broad trade embargo against Cuba for decades, while successive Cuban governments have called for its removal.

The Trump administration has continued to strengthen the pressure while also leaving open the possibility of negotiations. Trump recently said he expected Washington and Havana could reach an agreement and indicated that military intervention was not necessary, while Cuban officials have expressed willingness to engage in talks.

The new measures are therefore likely to remain an important factor in US-Cuba relations, particularly as Havana attempts to attract investment and stabilize its economy. Their practical impact will depend partly on how Cuban businesses, foreign investors and financial institutions adapt to the expanded restrictions and the associated compliance requirements.