Another question i always get asked...Traveling to Cuba

[just jess]

Pretty interesting article on MSN.com today... I find most of it pretty funny though---like the last sentence i posted

I was lucky enough to get a visa from the US and take a chartered flight out of Miami...but for you guys who cant wait for the embargo to be lifted--below are some options to visit my beautiful country ....

http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article...umentid=384862




Official ways in

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not illegal for every U.S. citizen to visit Cuba. However, under the Bush administration, official channels are few and difficult to access. And it’s not visiting Cuba that irks U.S. officials—it’s spending money there, which the U.S. government reasons aids Castro’s regime. But specialized professionals, like journalists, researchers and government workers, may apply for a travel permit from the U.S. Treasury; if your application is accepted, you can fly directly from the U.S. to Cuba. But again this is very rare, and getting clearance isn’t easy—even applying could be viewed as suspicious activity.

Even if you’re not a reporter or a biologist, there are other official routes as well: You can travel as a student through an endorsed university, or join a missionary or humanitarian group, such as Global Exchange, Friendship Force and B’nai B’rith, plus countless others. This may be your most prudent choice because the organization will sponsor your application, helping you stave off bureaucratic skepticism. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how you travel, you won’t be allowed to spend more than a certain sum, usually $40-$50 a day. But don’t worry, this goes pretty far in Havana.

Other paths to Cuba

The most popular route to Cuba is also the most dangerous: To simply book a plane ticket from Montreal or Mexico City. For U.S. citizens with a clean criminal record, flying across the Mexican or Canadian border is a breeze if you have a passport. So is boarding a plane for Havana. And generally, Cuban customs aren’t that difficult, either; after all, thousands of Americans do it every year. The problem isn’t getting there, it’s coming back.

For decades, customs agents never bothered stamping U.S. passports, but today, the Cuban stamp is a kiss of death. Americans face prosecution, interrogation or hefty fines for trying to return home after an illegal visit to Cuba (fines vary, but they can amount to thousands of dollars). If you’re fearless enough to try this, understand that you’re breaking the law. And even if you avoid serious penalties, remember that the black mark will remain on your passport forever, potentially hindering future U.S. border crossings.

If you’re more comfortable at sea than you are on a plane, you could also attempt to dock your sailboat at a Cuban port. (Unlike its Caribbean neighbors, Cuba never receives a Carnival Cruise ship or any other luxury liner.) Backed by a steady wind, a sailor could shove off in Miami and spot the Cuban shore in a matter of days (it’s only 90 miles, after all). However, you’re required to obtain a visa in advance, or you may be subject to arrest by Cuban authorities once you venture within 12 miles of the coast

[Jen]

wow...

I never knew all that lol

[just jess]

yeah it is definitely very risky to try to sneak in!....that last paragraph is nuts..i cant beleive they are condoning people coming in on private boats and docking in one of Cubas ports...thats insane!

they certainly would never allow that....they are VERY strict in cuba

they wouldnt even let my dad out on a boat on a fishing trip because they said 'techincally you are still a cuban and cubans are not allowed to go on boats'....they wouldnt even let my cuban cousin up to my hotel room beccause it was for tourists and not for cubans

[Jen]

yeah it is definitely very risky to try to sneak in!....that last paragraph is nuts..i cant beleive they are condoning people coming in on private boats and docking in one of Cubas ports...thats insane!

they certainly would never allow that....they are VERY strict in cuba

they wouldnt even let my dad out on a boat on a fishing trip because they said 'techincally you are still a cuban and cubans are not allowed to go on boats'....they wouldnt even let my cuban cousin up to my hotel room beccause it was for tourists and not for cubans

omg thats crazy!

[TheHipHopBillGates]

when Castro dies Havana will become one of the hotest destinations on the planet and the tourism $$$ will spark a great economic boom for Cuba.

[just jess]

when Castro dies Havana will become one of the hotest destinations on the planet and the tourism $$$ will spark a great economic boom for Cuba.

thats wishful thinking...

the boom will only come when the embargo is lifted...and that is not even guaranteed if Castro does die.


my dad already has investors lined up to set something up down there when things change though

[TheHipHopBillGates]

thats wishful thinking...

the boom will only come when the embargo is lifted...and that is not even guaranteed if Castro does die.


my dad already has investors lined up to set something up down there when things change though

its going to happen, whats going to be interesting to see is when the capitalist start pouring in whether they do anything about the social situation or if it will just turn to the typical tropical island where the locals get exploited and hotels go up on the beaches. I actually think that the strength of the Cuban's medical schools are the one thing that it has in it's advantage that might prevent that, I could see it blossoming into an internationally reknown medical spot possibly.

[drumaboy]

all that trouble for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich?!?! ....

[just jess]

all that trouble for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich?!?! ....

you know not what you talk about pasta breath!!!

[just jess]

its going to happen, whats going to be interesting to see is when the capitalist start pouring in whether they do anything about the social situation or if it will just turn to the typical tropical island where the locals get exploited and hotels go up on the beaches. I actually think that the strength of the Cuban's medical schools are the one thing that it has in it's advantage that might prevent that, I could see it blossoming into an internationally reknown medical spot possibly.

it could possibly become a student hub--like costa rica is now with foreign medical students....but this country is YEARs behind when it comes to the every day living....fuck that...just a lone it is behind in the way people think...

i am sure with the uprise of tourism and new hotels--it will improve the economy...but that can only do so much ...especially if the people dont do for themselves..

[TheHipHopBillGates]

..but this country is YEARs behind when it comes to the every day living....fuck that...just a lone it is behind in the way people think...

.

which is the exact reason why I think that it's going to be the fucking hot spot, not only will you get a tropical excursion, and the whole mental of going somewhere that used to be off limits, but you will also get a semi-third world experience, which I really got in peru and just was mind blowing to me............I think the combination of capitalist tropical resorts and the natural back in the day state of havana.......not to mention all of Miami wanting to bring it back to its once glorious state will be alot of things working in it's favor.............but who knows I could be wrong......

[just jess]

i am just trying not to get my hopes up...

[Rene_Nj]

when Castro dies Havana will become one of the hotest destinations on the planet and the tourism $$$ will spark a great economic boom for Cuba.

oh yea, Cuba has 1of the
best soil on earth, so rich!
so much land w/o use.

[~Frankie~]

No offense guys but I'll be sad when Castro dies. All the Americans will take over and put up things like McDonalds! LOL I love it now....the only "modern" restaurant is Pizzaville...which I don't think you guys would know Pizzaville but here it's just like Dominos but 110% better! LOL

[just jess]

No offense guys but I'll be sad when Castro dies. All the Americans will take over and put up things like McDonalds! LOL I love it now....the only "modern" restaurant is Pizzaville...which I don't think you guys would know Pizzaville but here it's just like Dominos but 110% better! LOL

sad when castro dies?


pleh!!

[Gspot555]

No offense guys but I'll be sad when Castro dies. All the Americans will take over and put up things like McDonalds! LOL I love it now....the only "modern" restaurant is Pizzaville...which I don't think you guys would know Pizzaville but here it's just like Dominos but 110% better! LOL

You will be sad when Castro dies?

If you would have been around, I wonder if you would have been sad when Hitler died too

[Tini]

Other paths to Cuba

Americans face prosecution, interrogation or hefty fines for trying to return home after an illegal visit to Cuba (fines vary, but they can amount to thousands of dollars). If you’re fearless enough to try this, understand that you’re breaking the law.

What's considered an "illegal visit"? Going there through Canada?

It's not illegal for US Citizens to go there? Or is it? The article said you had to be a student, gov't worker, etc...

[just jess]

What's considered an "illegal visit"? Going there through Canada?

It's not illegal for US Citizens to go there? Or is it? The article said you had to be a student, gov't worker, etc...

it is illegal for US citizens to go to Cuban through another country--ie, Canada

US Citizens are not allowed there unless it is a special permission--such as Cuban-Americans going to visit their immediate family once every 3 years.....or reoporters, scientists, exchange program, etc...

there is no travel allowed for the average person

[DJ Becka]

You will be sad when Castro dies?

If you would have been around, I wonder if you would have been sad when Hitler died too

That's not really fair for you to say that.....Hitler was 100x worse than Castro - I dont think anyone was sad to see him go. I'm no fan of Castro, but I think the point she was trying to make was the fact that America ESPECIALLY wants to see Castro go because of all the money we (the US) stand to gain if someone more favorable takes over and we start allowing americans to go there legally. America will go in, and basically take over and ruin Cuba - the true beauty of the island - with all their bullshit mcdonalds etc etc....and you know that's what will happen - just like America likes to go into every other country and bully them around just to make a quick buck.

Fuck that. Either way, Cuba definitely needs a regime change for sure

[DJ Becka]

it is illegal for US citizens to go to Cuban through another country--ie, Canada

US Citizens are not allowed there unless it is a special permission--such as Cuban-Americans going to visit their immediate family once every 3 years.....or reoporters, scientists, exchange program, etc...

there is no travel allowed for the average person

Here's a question for you.....if I bring back a bottle of Cuban rum from Spain to the US, would I get in trouble?