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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Travel to Cuba? Probably not worth the risk
From The Los Angeles Times
By Patricia Morrison
"Question: What are the travel requirements for going to Cuba? Is it possible to fly out of Tijuana, Mexico, to Cuba with a U.S. passport? Are there
any other ID or passport cards required?
Answer: Yes, an individual can fly to Cuba from Tijuana, but a license - that is, a special permission - is required to do so (although some websites
argue it's not necessary).
Treasury Department regulations say this: "The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515 (the 'Regulations'), were issued by the U.S.
Government on July 8, 1963, under the Trading With the Enemy Act in response to certain hostile actions by the Cuban Government. They apply to all
persons (individuals and entities) subject to U.S. jurisdiction ...as well as all persons engaging in transactions that involve property in or
otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the United States."
Its website goes on to say: "Criminal penalties for violating the Regulations range up to 10 years in prison, $1,000,000 in corporate fines, and
$250,000 in individual fines. Civil penalties up to $65,000 per violation may also be imposed."
In Morrison's case, complying with Treasury Department regulations is a good idea. She was inquiring on behalf of her 87-year-old father, who wants to
make the trip. He is neither of Cuban descent nor qualified under one of the other categories that Treasury deems as worthy of receiving a license.
(To see those categories, go to http://www.lat.ms/16U8Liq.) He just wants to go.
Would you expose your older parent to such risks by flouting the law? There may be those who believe the restrictions are wrong. They may be thinking
that an octogenarian who gets caught may make a sympathetic test case.
Given that neither Morrison nor her father knew about the restrictions, I don't think they intended to become part of a crusade. When I spoke with
her, I recommended that they join a group that is licensed to travel to Cuba for people-to-people trips that are supposed to be more than Cuban
c-cktails and soaking up the atmosphere. Check with college or university alumni groups or with Insight Cuba (http://www.insightcuba.com), among others.
Even if you want to travel independently to Cuba (with or without a license), just getting there may present problems. When I tried to view Tijuana to
Havana on Kayak.com, I got this message: "Due to United States travel restrictions, we are unable to display travel itineraries that include Cuba."
Riverside travel agent Sonia Robledo told me last week that she tried to search for fares (at my behest), and she was also denied access.
Janet Moore, owner of Distant Horizons in Long Beach, can see flights because the company works with groups that are licensed to travel to Cuba. She
said she is approached daily by individuals who want to try to travel to Cuba without a license. "We say no," she said.
The interest in Cuba, she said, stems partly from the theory of "forbidden fruit." But, she added, "Americans are genuinely interested in what's going
on in Cuba. It is a fabulous destination."
Zachary Sanders may have thought so. USA Today's Laura Bly reported in July the outcome of his trip to Cuba from Mexico. He was ultimately fined
$6,500 for his visit. In this case, it wasn't the fine as much as it was the time it took to reach this conclusion: He traveled to Cuba in 1998.
Following the same route, Morrison's father would be 101. No vale la pena, as they say in Spanish - not worth the pain. Even for the most fabulous
destination."
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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DavidE
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Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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The issue "according to the state department" is the traveler industry is heavily regulated by the Cuban government. A thirty percent tax was imposed
on any and all dwelling rentals, and tourist enterprises. The tax goes to the government.
My personal feelings are the mafia would love to regain he tourist trade, gambling, and prostitution trade like they had until the revolution. The
ricos that sacked the country and departed to Miami would love to return and institute sweatshops so they could possibly compete with Carlos Slim to
becomes the world's first trillionaire.
But the Marxist idiots insisted in robbing the public of funds to help raise them out of poverty and instead sent hundreds of millions of dollars to
Angola and thousands of Cuban troops. Neither "side" in this IMHO is blameless. Cuba supported the near cannibal savagery of Sendero Luminoso's
Manuel Rubén Abimael Guzmán Reynoso who butchered innocent poor Peruvians including children and pregnant women.
But, the stupid industrialists and government officials in the US who supported Bautista's looting, exploiting, savage dictatorship should have been
lined up and shot. This is one of the great evils of the USA, money grubbing industrialists make our government go blind and virtually guarantee
revolutionary insurgencies in third world countries. Want change" Start with Washington DC and felonious bribery by companies that cannot wait to
virtually enslave entire societies.
Cubanos love their dear leader Fidel. Ain't it wonderful a few thousand criminals in the USA just about guaranteed this revolution?\
-End Rant-
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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David, sounds like your just warming up! 
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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An aquaintance of mine, is going with a small group from
the LA area, I understand you can't bring anything
back, these Travel restrictions seem arcahic. Saw a Travel show on Cuba, re: how well preserved
the wildlife/wetlands are, due to the embargo and
the liberal use of pesticides manufactured in the US
did not occur
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MMc
Super Nomad
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Registered: 6-29-2011
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Mood: Current
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The only reason we can't go there is the Cubans in FL. They vote as a group and no one wants to mess with them.
We have had Americans die in wars with other countries and now do business trade and tourist with them. Cuba is a very cool place and they should be
our friends.
"Never teach a pig to sing it frustrates you and annoys the pig" - W.C.Fields
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lizard lips
Super Nomad
Posts: 1468
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: EARTH
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Been there twice in the last 7 years and I had no problems. I flew TJ/Cancun--Cancun/Havana on Mexicana. Mexicana is not operating now but you may
want to check with AeroMexico and see if they fly there.
I was working when I went and called the U.S. State Department and they said no problem. I told them what I was doing also.
I brought back cigars and some other small items that fit into my bag.
The people there are great and I really enjoyed myself. I stayed at the Hotel Nacional which at one time had a casino and was "The Place" to stay.
Just go and don't worry about a thing. I only had my US Passport and they did not stamp it. Coming back to the US don't tell customes that you were in
Cuba and all will be well.
Have a great time!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lizard lips
I only had my US Passport and they did not stamp it. |
I heard they stamp a small piece of paper and put it in your passport for you to toss when you want. Keeps you out of unnecessary
trouble.....hopefully.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3544
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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It's just not considered a big deal wth the groups organized out of Todos/Pescadero, flyng out of San Jose.
Groups leaving all the time with no problems.
Visitng another 3rd world country is not high on my list of great things to do. Nothing beats Baja.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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motoged
Elite Nomad
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Location: Kamloops, BC
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Canadians and Europeans visit and enjoy Cuba in large numbers (not as groups) and they love it.
"Ooooohhhh, the Commies are going to get us" is getting a bit old.
It's part of the world with some interesting things to see, warm and friendly people.
The "First World" countries have a few things to learn from "El Mundos Terceros".....and Baja offers some of that re: the warmth of people.
Don't believe everything you think....
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bill erhardt
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Location: Loreto, BCS
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I went to Cuba on a sailboat from Tampa. When we came back we dutifully called customs to announce our arrival. It was Saturday afternoon. The
agent who took the call told us to tie up in the marina and somebody would be down to check us out Monday morning. We could have had a whole boat
full of Cuban cigars and left handed pitchers......
Cuban customs in Marina Hemingway asked whether we wanted our U S passports stamped. I had mine stamped for the novelty of it (those who didn't did
not get a stamp on a loose piece of paper.) Thought it might be an issue when I renewed my passport, but it caused not a ripple.
One can easily arrange flights to Cuba from either Mexico or Canada. I hope the lady who raised the question makes the effort to get her 87 year old
father a trip. Aren't there a few threads on this site right now about bucket lists?
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by motoged
Canadians and Europeans visit and enjoy Cuba in large numbers (not as groups) and they love it.
"Ooooohhhh, the Commies are going to get us" is getting a bit old.
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As old as Fidel? I now believe he will live to be at least 120. 
The US restriction is beyond stupid and always has been. In fact the entire Cold War was stupid, or at least most of it.
Just as a side note --- when we were teaching in Honduras, if the family could afford it, Cuba was where people went for health care.
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Udo
Elite Nomad
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We went to Cuba as part of a trip to Cancun several years ago.
I highly recommend the trip to anyone wanting to go.
Have the inm agent stamp your passport in the next to the last page, and the US will never know you went to visit.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8086
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DianaT
The US restriction is beyond stupid and always has been. In fact the entire Cold War was stupid, or at least most of it.
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Indeed, the Cold War was stupid. It will be remembered by historians as one of the low points in history. A couple of world powers just posturing and
brandishing their weapons without firing a shot. I've seen school boys in junior high show more maturity.
And it continues. Now it's North Korea. Did you watch today's evening news? We just sent over a few stealth bombers to let them know how tough we are.
Anyway, back to Cuba. I met a woman from California on a flight back home from Cancun. She had a Cuban boyfriend who she couldn't see freely because
of travel restrictions. Apparently the Cuban government understood her dilema and did not stamp her passport so that our government didn't throw her
in jail for visiting him. Sheer madness.
But I know well why the Florida Cuban-Americans have their attitude: All Russian-Americans who emigrated to the US before the Gorbachev thaw still
vote Republican because they see the GOP as tough on commies. The were all bitter over losing the family land and wealth to the revolution. Their kids
aren't bitter any longer. They just follow an established tradition. Same with Cubans.
And the same is true of the Vietnamese-Americans we have here in San Jose by the way.
Whenever we have a war it ends with a lot of refugees coming to the US. And they become steadfast GOP voters. All those East Europeans that were
granted asylum here - all future GOP voters.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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Very interesting link on traveling to Cuba, here...
http://www.cuba-junky.com
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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Vince
Nomad
Posts: 446
Registered: 10-17-2006
Location: Coronado
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I went on a medical license a few years ago, all most interesting. We visited several hospitals and had lectures from their doctors. They practice
the most basic medicine which is enough to care for 80% of the people. They didn't have access to most modern medicines or surgical instruments, but
like many in 3rd world hospitals, they make it happen. Orthopedists make their own instruments. We brought some vhs tapes for one of the doctors who
has a video rental business on the side because he only makes about $20.00 a month as a urologist. Also bought some catheters, etc. The non
government Cubans loved us, especially when the found out we were not Canadians or European (the usual tourist). They wanted to talk about their
relatives in LA or Florida. They love their music and dancing. Cantinas on every block. All very friendly except the government officials. I
wouldn't go unless we had a license, but I'd go again for sure, to visit another area than Havana with a license. Sure was easy, direct charter
flight from LAX to Havana and back.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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Recuerdos de Cuba (Hotel Nacional guest card)
If you have the chance to join an approved group- go!
I travelled to Cuba in Dec. 2007 with a cultural/medical research delegation from California. Many of us returned with "cultural" products, mostly
music CDs and artwork. Professors with PhD's were playing street music to earn tourist dollars since their salaries were so dismal. The money system
is bizarre- I'll post elsewhere if anyone is interested.
We met with their National Director of Health, toured the Museum of Literacy, and I delivered toys and OTC children's medications to schools. While
Cuba's healthcare is great, their access to many of the OTC medications is dismal. The avg life expectancy is actually equal to US, and they focus on
preventive care.
We also travelled to the countryside and met this gentleman at his modest home surrounded by a historic tobacco plantation: Alejandro Robain. He was
sweet and unassuming, but when I looked inside his home I saw a plaque proclaiming it the site of a papal visit many years before! He received this
obit a few years later, reminding me: you need to take advantage of the time to travel whenever possible:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/world/americas/20robaina.h...
I was a last minute add-on to the tour, so when I checked into the Hotel Nacional in Havana I was given the last room available. Happily, it was the
"Presidential" suite, the only one in the hotel with a small balcony looking over the courtyard, grounds and ocean. I didn't realize my extreme good
fortune until I looked at the hotel from a distance and realized what a rare room I had received.
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Cancamo
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Direct flights from D.F. Need to get out of the capital in order to really experience the island's people and culture. The Oriente, (eastern part of
the island), Ciego De Avila, Camaguey, Holguin, Santiago, Baracoa all rewarding destinations and far from the homogenized wrist banded resorts of
Veradero & Cayo Coco. Gardines Del Reina off the southern coast has some of the best diving in the world. Good handle on Spanish is a must outside
of the capital, if someone approaches speaking English walk the other way, good chance they are on the hussle. Things are very difficult now for
average citizens with the new "economic reforms". No one makes peso convertibles, (Cucs which is the only currency that can purchase quality products
), they are mainly generated through remittances from outside the country. Peso cubanos, (currency that a Cuban earns), don't buy much, and the
rations aren't enough to survive. Engineer and Doctor friends make $18/month equivalent in peso cubano. Much concern now with the future of Venezuela
whom without their petroleum support would rapidly approach "the special period" again, (when the Soviet Union collapsed and pulled it's support in
the early 90's), with malnutrician and food shortages.
Overall very rich in culture, history, and natural attractions, just a stifling form of governance, of which nothing much matters but the revolution.
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daveB
Nomad
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Registered: 11-6-2003
Location: B.C. Canada
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Mood: wondering about Nomads!
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Many fellow Canadian friends have enjoyed Cuba. I remember the photo from many years ago in a newspaper showing Fidel throwing out the first ball at a
major league game. I wonder, was he thinking he would have friendship in the USA or soon after the beginning of a life-long conflict. I applauded him
for attending the funeral of one of our prime ministers, Trudeau, held in Montreal.
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mirko
Junior Nomad
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Registered: 5-16-2004
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I'm Cuban. Been in the US 50+ years. I have never gone back because I'm a real emotional guy and many friends have advised me not to go. They tell
me I would be an emotional wreck if I did.
During the last Bush administration, some people were prosecuted for going to Cuba, including two little old ladies from Iowa. Obama does not pursue
this, so if you keep a low profile and don't have your passport stamped you should be alright. Be aware that spending money in Cuba, regardless of
where you leave from, is against the law. Furthermore, if you tell the customs/immigration official in the US that you have just been to Mexico, you
are guilty of lying to a federal officer, which is more serious than going to Cuba. As to the guy that sailed to Cuba and declared it, the embargo
has to do with spending money in Cuba, which you do once a plane pays landing fees. If you go in your own sailboat Marina Hemingway will not charge
you to dock. You, theoretically, could have prepared all your meals on board and not spent any money in Cuba, so that is OK.
The embargo has been a failure for 50+ years and it needs to be listed. The Cubans use it as an excuse for the fact that their economy is in
shambles. It may just be in shambles because communism is a failure but the embargo sure doesn't help. The US maintains its Cuba policy to show the
world that communism is a failure. You do know that any Cuban that safely lands in Cuba is welcomed here, given a social security card and he is free
to work, collect welfare or whatever. No illegal Cubans. Cubans sometimes work their way up north through Mexico, cross the border and get busted by
the migra. Mexicans go back...Cubans are welcomed. Cubans have a sure path to citizenship. It is highly unfair and a relic of the Cold War, but it
is true.
There is a terrific book, Called "Take me With You" by a guy named Frias (I think), which is a terrfic account of his recent trip to Cuba. I highly
recommend it, and I have read dozens of books on Cuba. The book is one of the reasons I decided not to go last summer.
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chuckie
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6082
Registered: 2-20-2012
Location: Kansas Prairies
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been a couple of times...great trips....Maybe the naye sayers should stay in Des Moines...."He who dares, wins" SAS
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