This Wednesday, the United States government announced new restrictions for vessels arriving from Cuba, citing the island's lack of effective anti-terrorism measures. Initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard, these regulations will take effect on April 2, 2025, as detailed in an official notice on the Federal Register's website.
Under the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, ports under the jurisdiction of a State Sponsor of Terrorism are deemed deficient in anti-terrorism measures. The U.S. Department of State's designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism serves as the primary rationale for these new entry requirements.
The U.S. Coast Guard has updated its list of countries failing to meet adequate port security standards, including Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Sudan, and Yemen, among others. According to U.S. Coast Guard operational guidelines, their International Port Security (IPS) Program aims to "reduce the risk of terrorism entering through foreign trade by informing U.S. port state control, alerting the public, and enhancing foreign port security through targeted technical assistance and capacity development."
For vessels from countries considered high-risk, the Coast Guard may implement "security boardings" and "foreign port security assessments." Ships arriving at U.S. ports from Cuba will need to adhere to additional security measures, which, while not fully detailed in the announcement, typically involve more thorough inspections, operational restrictions, and extra verification protocols before docking is permitted.
This policy strengthens the oversight of maritime traffic between Cuba and the U.S., heightening the challenges for vessels originating from the island. Diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Cuba escalated in early 2025 following the Trump administration’s decision to reinstate Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Announced in January, this move sparked a vehement response from the Cuban regime, labeling it an "imperialist assault" and blaming Washington for the island's economic and migration crises. In February, the Trump administration intensified sanctions by reactivating Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, allowing U.S. citizens to file lawsuits over properties seized by the Cuban government.
Moreover, the list of restricted Cuban entities was expanded, further limiting transactions with state-linked enterprises. The State Department, through a statement, reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on the Cuban regime for its "oppression and malign activities in the region." Interestingly, this escalation followed shortly after the outgoing Biden administration considered removing Cuba from the terrorism sponsor list.
Understanding U.S. Maritime Restrictions on Cuba
Why has the U.S. imposed new restrictions on vessels from Cuba?
The U.S. has implemented new restrictions because it considers Cuba deficient in anti-terrorism measures, following its designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
What are the implications of the new entry requirements for Cuban vessels?
Cuban vessels must now comply with stricter security protocols, including thorough inspections and additional verification procedures, before being allowed to dock at U.S. ports.
How has Cuba reacted to being placed back on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list?
Cuba has strongly condemned the U.S. decision, describing it as an "imperialist assault" and holding the U.S. responsible for the country's ongoing economic and migration challenges.