On March 21, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) published an Interim Final Rule with request for comments, which includes a change to the current travel regulations affecting flights between Cuba and the United States. The new Rule amends the regulations by removing Subpart O in order to make them consistent with the arrangement with Cuba signed in February 2016 that opened up scheduled air services between the two countries.
Previously, only CBP-approved airports could accept aircraft traveling to or from Cuba. A port authority was required to submit a written request to CBP requesting that an airport receive approval to accept flights to or from Cuba. This written request was required even if the airport otherwise had clearance for international flights.
The new Rule removes this requirement, and also makes a few other adjustments to the regulations:
- Flights to and from Cuba are now subject to the same legal requirements under Title 19 as other international flights
- All passengers arriving from Cuba must still complete immigration and customs inspections before they are admitted into the United States
The removal of Subpart O does not have any impact upon any other federal agency, carrier, or traveler requirements that apply to flights between the United States and Cuba.
This new Rule is effective immediately, although CBP will take public comments on the Rule.
If you have any questions or would like further information regarding these rules, please contact our office.
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McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.