A new direct weekly service between New York City and Havana started this week, as interest in Cuba from US travellers continues to surge

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

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The first direct charter flights between New York City and Havana have taken off this week, marking a significant milestone in the easing of relations between the US and Cuba.

Cuba Travel Services is now offering the 31/2-hour flight as a weekly Tuesday service between JFK International and Havana José Martí International airports.

A round trip will cost $849, including Cuban medical insurance and taxes.

Officially, US travellers are still not allowed to enter the country as tourists but it is now possible to visit Cuba without having to apply for a special licence and wait for government approval.

Travellers must declare a purpose for their visit that fits into one of 12 approved categories, including family visits, educational activities or public performances. This amendment has made it far more straightforward for US citizens to visit and those curious to experience the country before it completely opens up are eager to take advantage of the current diplomatic thaw.

In December 2014, President Obama announced his desire to improve diplomatic relations with Cuba, which included the relaxation of travel restrictions on US citizens to the country.

Airlines are keen to take advantage of the peak in interest. As well as the New York City flights, direct charter flights between New Orleans and Cuba have also resumed, with the first flight since 1958 taking off on 14 March. JetBlue has also announced it will add a second direct flight between Tampa and Havana from June.

Scheduled flights will not be able to run until the two countries negotiate a bilateral Air Service Agreement, but assuming diplomatic headway continues, this could happen within the next six months.

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Tour operators and travel companies have also reported a surge in enquiries since the Obama administration made its announcement.

Hotel search website trivago.co.uk saw searches from US users to Cuba increase by 180% following Obama’s speech, with UK searches also increasing by 42%.