Can I go to Cuba from the US under a license?
October 18, 2015 11:59 AM Subscribe
I'm thinking about a trip to Cuba. Travel groups seem to cost around $4000 a person including airfare from Florida, nowhere near where I live. This is more than I want to spend. I've been reading for years about illegal travel to Cuba via another country, but it's always scared me off...
The laws are now more lenient, obviously. You don't have to apply for a license. However, when I read about going under an educational license or any other type, they say that you have to do that activity "full time." I would be doing that activity zero time, probably, so this would involve lying. Or -- could I do "educational" activities, somehow? or "support the Cuban people in their transition to democracy"? (these are quotes, more or less, from the US State Department).
Is it better to lie about what you did in Cuba by constructing a false schedule, or lie by not having your passport stamped by the Mexican immigration people upon re-arrival to Mexico?
Or is it better to do what I've been doing all my life -- not travel to Cuba?
I'm intrigued, as are thousands of people, of seeing Havana "before it changes." What I'd like to do is fly via Jet Blue's charter from New York, but I fear that would be impossible without a whole schedule of activities mapped out. Maybe I couldn't even get a reservation on Jet Blue without being part of a group? My fantasy also includes staying in an AirBnB in Havana.
What are the risks of traveling to Cuba illegally these days, really? And do you have anyt tips that would make this process go more smoothly? Please don't answer if you haven't been to Cuba from the US either legally or illegally. Thanks!
The laws are now more lenient, obviously. You don't have to apply for a license. However, when I read about going under an educational license or any other type, they say that you have to do that activity "full time." I would be doing that activity zero time, probably, so this would involve lying. Or -- could I do "educational" activities, somehow? or "support the Cuban people in their transition to democracy"? (these are quotes, more or less, from the US State Department).
Is it better to lie about what you did in Cuba by constructing a false schedule, or lie by not having your passport stamped by the Mexican immigration people upon re-arrival to Mexico?
Or is it better to do what I've been doing all my life -- not travel to Cuba?
I'm intrigued, as are thousands of people, of seeing Havana "before it changes." What I'd like to do is fly via Jet Blue's charter from New York, but I fear that would be impossible without a whole schedule of activities mapped out. Maybe I couldn't even get a reservation on Jet Blue without being part of a group? My fantasy also includes staying in an AirBnB in Havana.
What are the risks of traveling to Cuba illegally these days, really? And do you have anyt tips that would make this process go more smoothly? Please don't answer if you haven't been to Cuba from the US either legally or illegally. Thanks!
It sounds like you may have missed this warning from the U.S. State Department:
Cuba is an authoritarian state that routinely employs repressive methods against internal dissent and monitors and responds to perceived threats to authority. These methods may include physical and electronic surveillance, as well as detention and interrogation of both Cuban citizens and foreign visitors. Human rights conditions in Cuba remain poor, as the Cuban government limits fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. U.S. citizens visiting Cuba should be aware that any on-island activities may be subject to surveillance, and their contact with Cuban citizens monitored closely.posted by Little Dawn at 1:00 PM on October 18, 2015
[...]
Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are prohibited and punishable by stiff jail terms. Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters or airspace (generally within 12 nautical miles of the Cuban coast) without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest or other enforcement action by Cuban authorities. Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four years for illegal entry or exit to as many as 30 years for aggravated cases of alien smuggling.
[...]
In recent years, the Cuban government has detained U.S. citizens it suspects of engaging in activities perceived to undermine state security. In 2011, it sentenced one such U.S. citizen to a lengthy prison sentence on arbitrary charges after a two-day trial that did not comport with due process. U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba should be aware that the Cuban government may detain anyone at any time for any purpose, and should not expect that Cuba’s state security or judicial systems will carry out their responsibilities according to international norms.
End result is it's still illegal if you don't belong to one of the many categories of legit reasons. So you're soliciting advice on committing a crime. Just because the govt is more lenient oñ the rules doesn't make it NOT a crime.
posted by chasles at 1:03 PM on October 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by chasles at 1:03 PM on October 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
We went to a wedding. Flew to Mexico first, then to Cuba, same route home. No passports stamped in or out of Cuba, just a piece of paper.
posted by Ideefixe at 1:11 PM on October 18, 2015
posted by Ideefixe at 1:11 PM on October 18, 2015
Recent NYT article on travel to Cuba: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/21/travel/cuba-vacations.html. I think you'll find it useful. (You also might be interested in responses to my askme about my trip.)
I just got back from work-related travel to Cuba. We went a few days early and stayed at an airbnb. (Ask me if you want his info--it was a terrific place and host!) No one asked for my schedule to make sure that my time there was ALL filled legitimately. I can't speak to what/how to navigate it if you have absolutely no core legitimate reason to go.
posted by correcaminos at 2:36 PM on October 18, 2015
I just got back from work-related travel to Cuba. We went a few days early and stayed at an airbnb. (Ask me if you want his info--it was a terrific place and host!) No one asked for my schedule to make sure that my time there was ALL filled legitimately. I can't speak to what/how to navigate it if you have absolutely no core legitimate reason to go.
posted by correcaminos at 2:36 PM on October 18, 2015
I've been to Cuba 3 times (in 2002, 2005, & 2010). It was for an athletic event, so, the trip organizer arranged group permission from the US State Department, and we flew directly from Miami, legally. The Cubans didn't stamp our passports, just stamped a little piece of paper to put inside our passports, then took the piece of paper back when we left. I believe they do the same thing for Americans flying in through Mexico or Canada, so, you're not going to have to lie about the passport stamp to anyone.
However, when I read about going under an educational license or any other type, they say that you have to do that activity "full time." I would be doing that activity zero time, probably, so this would involve lying. Or -- could I do "educational" activities, somehow? or "support the Cuban people in their transition to democracy"? (these are quotes, more or less, from the US State Department).
On none of my return trips did anyone in the airport ask me about how I'd spent my time, so, I don't know that you'd ever be in a position of having to lie about your percentage of time doing the activities. I think that if you can find some kind of program that the US State Department has signed off on as being acceptable, it's unlikely that you're going to get grilled about it afterwards. Passing through return customs was mostly the same as any other return international flight. (Though if you were trying to bring back lots of cigars, large artwork, or any other obvious contraband you'd probably get hassled and have stuff confiscated. My souvenirs are all cheap cool jewelry and macrame.)
On the Cuban side, the tourism industry is all about getting money out of the tourists. So, I'm sure that whatever tours have been created to pass US "educational license" standards are going to have plenty of free time built into them for side trips to entice tourists into spending more money.
Yes, Cuba is an authoritarian government, so, it doesn't surprise me that they would summarily arrest someone they felt was agitating against the Cuban government. But, I think you'd have to be pretty deliberately provocative (like, walking into North Korea on purpose level stupid) for it to get that far.
I think the main difficulty with traveling in Cuba as an American is that due to the embargo the Cuban banks can't honor US-based credit/debit cards -- you have to bring as much cash as you plan to spend, and make sure not to run out. I never had a problem with that, since the hotel includes meals, and I wasn't going out in Havana every night (unlike a lot of the guys on the trip, who were spending their money as customers of Cuba's rampant prostitution industry), but it's still a bit anxiety-inducing to not have the safety net of that 'in case of emergencies' credit card, and why I'd only want to go as part of some organized group trip rather than going in solo from Mexico and winging it.
posted by oh yeah! at 4:44 PM on October 18, 2015
However, when I read about going under an educational license or any other type, they say that you have to do that activity "full time." I would be doing that activity zero time, probably, so this would involve lying. Or -- could I do "educational" activities, somehow? or "support the Cuban people in their transition to democracy"? (these are quotes, more or less, from the US State Department).
On none of my return trips did anyone in the airport ask me about how I'd spent my time, so, I don't know that you'd ever be in a position of having to lie about your percentage of time doing the activities. I think that if you can find some kind of program that the US State Department has signed off on as being acceptable, it's unlikely that you're going to get grilled about it afterwards. Passing through return customs was mostly the same as any other return international flight. (Though if you were trying to bring back lots of cigars, large artwork, or any other obvious contraband you'd probably get hassled and have stuff confiscated. My souvenirs are all cheap cool jewelry and macrame.)
On the Cuban side, the tourism industry is all about getting money out of the tourists. So, I'm sure that whatever tours have been created to pass US "educational license" standards are going to have plenty of free time built into them for side trips to entice tourists into spending more money.
Yes, Cuba is an authoritarian government, so, it doesn't surprise me that they would summarily arrest someone they felt was agitating against the Cuban government. But, I think you'd have to be pretty deliberately provocative (like, walking into North Korea on purpose level stupid) for it to get that far.
I think the main difficulty with traveling in Cuba as an American is that due to the embargo the Cuban banks can't honor US-based credit/debit cards -- you have to bring as much cash as you plan to spend, and make sure not to run out. I never had a problem with that, since the hotel includes meals, and I wasn't going out in Havana every night (unlike a lot of the guys on the trip, who were spending their money as customers of Cuba's rampant prostitution industry), but it's still a bit anxiety-inducing to not have the safety net of that 'in case of emergencies' credit card, and why I'd only want to go as part of some organized group trip rather than going in solo from Mexico and winging it.
posted by oh yeah! at 4:44 PM on October 18, 2015
I haven't been to Cuba but my understanding is not that the Cuban govt will stamp your passport; it's that the third country, e.g. Mexico, may stamp your passport upon re-entry from Cuba, thus bringing up the question when you return home: "Hm, he left Mexico, and then he returned to Mexico; where did he go?"
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:44 AM on October 19, 2015
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:44 AM on October 19, 2015
I think the main difficulty with traveling in Cuba as an American is that due to the embargo the Cuban banks can't honor US-based credit/debit cards -- you have to bring as much cash as you plan to spend, and make sure not to run out.
The regulatory revisions announced in January now enable U.S. banks to process credit/debit card transactions that take place in Cuba while the U.S. person (you!) is traveling under one of the exemptions:
Are authorized travelers in Cuba permitted to use credit or debit cards issued by a U.S. financial institution?
Yes. Travelers are advised to check with their financial institution before traveling to Cuba to determine whether the institution has established the necessary mechanisms for its issued credit or debit cards to be used in Cuba. See 31 CFR § 515.560(c)(5) and 515.584(c).
The regs have been out since January, so most U.S. banks have probably implemented the changes necessary to process Cuban credit/debit card transactions, but I'd check with your bank to make sure.
Best bet is to go with a company that will be scheduling some "people-to-people" activity which is one of the authorized reasons for travel.
http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/cuba/
posted by longdaysjourney at 2:35 PM on October 19, 2015
The regulatory revisions announced in January now enable U.S. banks to process credit/debit card transactions that take place in Cuba while the U.S. person (you!) is traveling under one of the exemptions:
Are authorized travelers in Cuba permitted to use credit or debit cards issued by a U.S. financial institution?
Yes. Travelers are advised to check with their financial institution before traveling to Cuba to determine whether the institution has established the necessary mechanisms for its issued credit or debit cards to be used in Cuba. See 31 CFR § 515.560(c)(5) and 515.584(c).
The regs have been out since January, so most U.S. banks have probably implemented the changes necessary to process Cuban credit/debit card transactions, but I'd check with your bank to make sure.
Best bet is to go with a company that will be scheduling some "people-to-people" activity which is one of the authorized reasons for travel.
http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/cuba/
posted by longdaysjourney at 2:35 PM on October 19, 2015
".....bringing up the question when you return home: "Hm, he left Mexico, and then he returned to Mexico; where did he go?"...... This is likely the most risky part of travel to Cuba without a license. 9/11 and Homeland security and all that? If your not anti-US policy activist you should have zero life impact though.
After my first trip in 08 (licensed with a sport tour) I read in LA Times of a US activist who insisted Mexico stamp his passport as in from Cuba. His reason? He wanted US to arrest him because it is a constitutional right for Americans to travel freely. Article said he was not arrested and opinion was that they did not want courts to rule on Americans freely thumbing noses at embargo.
Now as part of that tour I was not a player and spent many days just wandering about whatever city we were in via foot, horse cart, cab (40's and 50's cars) and cuba taxi (awesome ride).
Funny story. in 2011 (2nd trip) we were in the elevator when this English accent guy gets on and says "Guess where I'm from?" Canada? (lots of Canadians go to Cuba). All proud "No I'm from Miami. I'm a lawyer " He told us he came in from Mexico. We laughed and offered that we came in from Miami. He told us he was traveling around Cuba by bus and staying in Casa Particulars. Casa Particular is the Cuban version of AirBnB. He bragged that he was was tired of waiting for the US to open up travel.
If the credit card deal is true you should have no problem traveling around anywhere. If no credit card you'll have to exchange your money for CUCs. We did it in the Miami airport and in the hotels we stayed in. 20% change rate on US $.
Funny stories. In 08 I packed the bottle of rum the boys left 3/4s full in my carry on baggage. US customs pulled me off to side table and said "You can pack this or drink it. Neither of those was going to happen. I just said "You keep it". I had thought I would get arrested. in 11 I brought back two liters of rum. Legendario founded in the year of my birth and Havana Club. If you get to Cienfuegos find that cigar club downtown. You'll get 25 or 30 year old rum in an an atmosphere you won't believe. Non-touristy and really really old.
There are many websites about and in Cuba. Just google for them. Have a great trip.
Cubans are friendly, "Your from USA? We love you" they all said to me.
posted by Jim_Jam at 4:52 PM on October 19, 2015
After my first trip in 08 (licensed with a sport tour) I read in LA Times of a US activist who insisted Mexico stamp his passport as in from Cuba. His reason? He wanted US to arrest him because it is a constitutional right for Americans to travel freely. Article said he was not arrested and opinion was that they did not want courts to rule on Americans freely thumbing noses at embargo.
Now as part of that tour I was not a player and spent many days just wandering about whatever city we were in via foot, horse cart, cab (40's and 50's cars) and cuba taxi (awesome ride).
Funny story. in 2011 (2nd trip) we were in the elevator when this English accent guy gets on and says "Guess where I'm from?" Canada? (lots of Canadians go to Cuba). All proud "No I'm from Miami. I'm a lawyer " He told us he came in from Mexico. We laughed and offered that we came in from Miami. He told us he was traveling around Cuba by bus and staying in Casa Particulars. Casa Particular is the Cuban version of AirBnB. He bragged that he was was tired of waiting for the US to open up travel.
If the credit card deal is true you should have no problem traveling around anywhere. If no credit card you'll have to exchange your money for CUCs. We did it in the Miami airport and in the hotels we stayed in. 20% change rate on US $.
Funny stories. In 08 I packed the bottle of rum the boys left 3/4s full in my carry on baggage. US customs pulled me off to side table and said "You can pack this or drink it. Neither of those was going to happen. I just said "You keep it". I had thought I would get arrested. in 11 I brought back two liters of rum. Legendario founded in the year of my birth and Havana Club. If you get to Cienfuegos find that cigar club downtown. You'll get 25 or 30 year old rum in an an atmosphere you won't believe. Non-touristy and really really old.
There are many websites about and in Cuba. Just google for them. Have a great trip.
Cubans are friendly, "Your from USA? We love you" they all said to me.
posted by Jim_Jam at 4:52 PM on October 19, 2015
« Older What's the safest way to deal with tons of old cat... | I have a question about eating disorders and... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rhizome at 12:35 PM on October 18, 2015