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The U.S. government announced on Wednesday new restrictions for vessels arriving from Cuba, arguing that the island does not maintain effective measures against terrorism.
The measure, established by the U.S. Coast Guard, will take effect on April 2, 2025, according to the official notice published on the Federal Register website.
According to the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the recent National Defense Authorization Act 2024, any port under the jurisdiction of a State Sponsor of Terrorism is automatically deemed deficient in antiterrorism measures.
The designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, made by the U.S. Department of State, has been the main argument for the imposition of these new entry conditions.
The Coast Guard updated its list of countries that do not comply with adequate port security measures, which also includes Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Sudan, Yemen, among others.
According to the operating standards of the U.S. Coast Guard, the goal of its International Port Security Program (IPS) is "to mitigate the risk of importing terrorism through foreign trade by informing the U.S. port state control, warning the public, and enhancing the security of foreign ports through targeted technical assistance and capacity building."
Among the measures that this force would apply to ships from countries designated as high risk are "security boardings" and "foreign port security assessments."
Vessels arriving at U.S. ports from Cuba must meet additional security conditions, which have not been fully detailed in the announcement, but typically include more rigorous inspections, operational restrictions, and additional verification protocols before being granted permission to dock.
This policy reinforces control over maritime traffic between Cuba and the U.S., increasing the difficulties for ships coming from the island to enter.
The diplomatic conflict between the United States and Cuba intensified at the beginning of 2025 following the island's reincorporation into the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the government of Donald Trump.
This decision, announced in January, provoked an angry reaction from the Cuban regime, which labeled it an "imperialist assault" and blamed Washington for the economic and migration crisis facing the island.
In February, the Trump administration further strengthened sanctions by reactivating Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, allowing U.S. citizens to file lawsuits for properties confiscated by the Cuban government.
Additionally, the list of restricted Cuban entities was expanded, further blocking transactions with companies linked to the state apparatus. The Department of State, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on the Cuban regime and its policy of "oppression and malign activities in the region."
Interestingly, this escalation of tensions occurred just a few days after the outgoing administration of Joe Biden considered removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Frequently asked questions about the new U.S. restrictions on vessels coming from Cuba
Why has the United States imposed new restrictions on vessels coming from Cuba?
The United States has imposed new restrictions on vessels coming from Cuba due to the designation of the island as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The U.S. administration argues that Cuba does not maintain effective measures against terrorism, which has led to strengthened control over maritime traffic between the two countries.
What are the new conditions that vessels coming from Cuba must meet upon arriving in the U.S.?
Vessels arriving in the U.S. from Cuba must comply with additional security conditions established by the Coast Guard. These conditions include more rigorous inspections, operational restrictions, and additional verification protocols before being granted permission to dock at U.S. ports.
How does Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism impact commercial and political relations with the United States?
The designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism has a significant impact on its commercial and political relations with the United States. It entails additional financial sanctions, restrictions on international transactions, and greater isolation of the Cuban regime in the global banking system. This complicates the Cuban government's access to credit, trade relations, and external financing.
What measures has the Trump administration implemented to pressure the Cuban regime?
Since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has implemented measures to increase pressure on the Cuban regime. These include the reinstatement of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, economic sanctions, immigration restrictions, and the suspension of remittances through entities controlled by the Cuban government. These actions aim to weaken the repressive machinery of Castroism and cut off its sources of funding.
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