United States Authorities to decide who can visit Canada, Mexico and Cuba

New rules require British Airways and other airlines flying to certain airports outside America to submit passengers' personal data to US authorities.  The information is checked against a "No Fly" list containing tens of thousands of names. Even if the flight plan steers well clear of US territory, travellers whom the Americans regard as suspicious will be denied boarding. One million British travellers planning to fly to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico this year face the risk of being turned away at the airport – at the insistence of the US Department of Homeland Security.

WHO IS AFFECTED?
Visitors to Canada. Airports affected: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary. Visitors to Mexico. Airports affected: Mexico City and Cancun.  Visitors to Cuba. Airports affected: Havana, Varadero and Holguin

New security checks are already in place, even for flights hundreds of miles from American airspace.

"The concern by the United States for its own security is entirely understandable, but it seems to me it's a whole different issue that American wishes should determine the rights and choices of people travelling between two countries neither of which is the US."

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats

Every US-bound passenger has had to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) before departure for several years now, but Washington has extended the obligation to air routes that over-fly US airspace, such as Heathrow to Mexico City or Gatwick to Havana. Now the US is demanding passengers' full names, dates of birth and gender from airlines, at least 72 hour before departure from the UK to Canada. 

Any passenger who refuses to comply will be denied boarding. Those who do supply details may find their trip could be abruptly cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security, which says it will "take boarding pass determinations up until the time a flight leaves the gate ... If a passenger successfully obtains a boarding pass, his/her name is not on the No Fly list." In other words, travellers cannot find out whether they will be accepted on board until they reach the airport. 

Air Canada and British Airways said they would comply with any new rules. The US will have full details of all British visitors to Cuba, including business travellers, which could potentially be used to identify people suspected of breaking America's sanctions against the Castro regime.

"This extension of the rule to include flights that never enter US airspace is scarcely credible. What on earth right does the US have to ask for passenger information if you're flying London-Havana."

Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet

The land called 'home of the free' seems to be becoming more like a tough parent than a big brother. Canada, Mexico and Cuba cannot do anything to stop this information being passed to US Authorities, acting more like a state within it. It appears to be an extension of US borders, a demonstration of a desire for control of a growing American Empire.

This could lead the way, that one day, Washington may have the authority to get Advance Passenger Information on any flight, and decide if your allowed on - or not.

Source:  Planning a trip to Canada or the Caribbean? US Immigration may have other ideas...

Blau Varadero - Hotel Review

Along the peninsula of Varadero is a long strip of hotels and resorts, and not much else, with some lovely shallow beaches and clear blue warm waters, which are perfect for families or all-inclusive package holidays.

The Blau Varadero is located near the end of the strip, a large structure compared to others in the vicinity but still isolated. Since Varadero offers so little to see, its important to find a place that can cater to all needs on location.

Blau delivers with excellent room sizes and nice views if you get the ocean view rooms. If you get non ocean view rooms you'll be facing and getting the sun rays all day long, which may be bothersome to some.

A large pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, garden, outdoor pool bar, 2 a la carte restaurants, 2 buffet restaurants, 24 hour beach bar and snack bar, fitness rooms, jacuzzi and sauna, evening entertainment and inside bar in the large open lobby. After a couple of days this feels natural and routine, but a pleasant array of choices as menu's change daily with plenty of options of what to try next.

It does the job, clean and comfortable. If your staying in the higher floors, waiting for the lift/elevator may become a bit of a wait at peak times. An internet room with one PC is available, but no wifi.

Varadero isn't much more than a resort town, and Blau at least offers everything in one place without having to leave the resort or needing your wallet.

Links:
Blau Varadero - Tripadvisor
Blau Varadero