pejpm1

I had a vague idea that travel between the US and Cuba was restricted somewhat, but until I started looking into it I didnt realise how stringent they are! Basically, I want to go Cuba for a short vacation. Anyone done it before? Any tips on the best way to do it?

chicagojlo

I believe you have to go through Canada. It might be worth driving up to Toronto from NY.

SarahInTX

Or via Mexico, I think.

meauxna

More stringent than you thought, perhaps. You might want to wait until you either have US citizenship (and are willing to break the law but probably can't be deported/denaturalized) OR until you are through with the US altogether and don't care what they say.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS/TRAVEL TRANSACTION LIMITATIONS:

The Cuban Assets Control Regulations are enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department and affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever they are located, all people and organizations physically in the United States, and all branches and subsidiaries of U.S. organizations throughout the world. The Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any travel-related transactions pursuant to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities have increased enforcement of these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.

General licenses are granted to the following categories of travelers, and they are permitted to spend money for Cuban travel and to engage in other transactions directly incident to the purpose of their travel, without the need to obtain a specific license from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): (more)

chicagojlo

Don't forget that you have to list countries visited on a lot of immigration forms too so you will be faced with coming clean or lying.

Dan725

I went a couple of times, but only before I became a PR of the US. Discolosed on my original immigration paperwork, never mentioned, no problem. However, certainly wouldn't do it being a GC holder; would do you no favors whatsoever should you decide to become a citizen.

When I was there, I met a fair few Americans - but they were all there via Mexico and Canada, undeclared. Fine for them, born and bred, but for you, just not worth it. Plenty of other similar places you can go; who knows, maybe Cuba will legally open up again in future, anyway.

Ozzidoc

Can't help you with the travel plans....but I can advise you that when I was there in 2000-1, I lost weight! The food was very unappetising. Not the locals fault, just the way it was. ie a completely different culture.

Bill_S

The best way is to take your short vacation somewhere else.

Bob

I wouldn't do it, far to much to lose out by risking it if you ain't a US citizen, even then it's a hassle...

pejpm1

Yeah, probably the best idea, I never realised that it applied to US resident. I thought it was just citizens. Such a shame that the US government can be so backward in this day and age. I've heard that it's a fascinating place to visit. I'll just have to be content with watching my Buena Vista Social club DVD

chicagojlo

I have a friend in the UK who is going there and she thought that it was Cuba that banned the Americans because they thought one of them would shoot Castro!

Octang Frye

I just came to this thread to call you a moron.

Thanks. Have a nice day.

Oh, when I did first come here in 1996, I was confused for a little bit why I couldn't find Delta flights from Hartsfield, Atlanta to Cuba.

pejpm1

Sorry, I just got a little worked up and it was uncalled for...

Octang Frye

LOL. That was actually pretty mild. I'm at my most trollable when I talk about global warming. Anyway, for the record, it's actually 'moran'.
If you're ever on fark.com, digg or somethingawful.com, you'll see the correct spelling.



Back to Cuba, I looked at two or three airlines and couldn't figure out why I couldn't see any flights. Finally, the penny dropped.

Pharrya

And Lying on a federal form (such as customs) as well as to a federal officer can get you big fines....