daphne

hi' <BR>we are planning a business trip to the u.s. in november and would like to go to cuba for 7-10 days - how do we get there from new yotrk and is it a good time to go ? anyone who could help i'd appreciate it !! <BR>daphne

kate

I'm no expert, but I don't think you can fly from the U.S. to Cuba at this time. I have heard that you can get good flights out of Toronto, though. <BR> <BR>Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone.

Bex

Check out Air Jamaica. They fly out of New York and New Jersey dirrect to Montego Bay and Kingston w/ connecting flights to Cuba.

Robin

I'm confused by the info I've read about US citizens traveling to Cuba. I realize that there are possible plans to change or end the embargo, but prior to that, what are the rules NOW? I've heard something about being able to go but not being allowed to spend any money??? What does this mean, or is it a euphemistic way of saying you can't really do it? Any wisdom out there?

Michel

I'm not sure if this helps, Daphne, but you can fly from Toronto or Ottawa.

ilisa

Robin, yes there is still an embargo. Current law states that to visit Cuba, an American citizen must obtain a waiver from the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (remember, the embargo is an economic one). The only people entitled to these waivers are those with relatives in Cuba; journalists; and academicians with a purpose for being in Cuba (i.e. a conference). Occasionally, waivers are granted to other groups, such as when the Pope visited. Once there, Americans can spend no more than $100/day, including food and lodging. If a person is found to have visited Cuba without a waiver, they will be subject to steep fines and jail time (yes, the US has prosecuted people for this) because they will have violated the embargo. You can avoid getting your passport stamped when entering the country. Remember, if you do get in trouble there, the US, which has no formal diplomatic relations with the country, is relatively powerless to help you. Now, I don't agree with the embargo at all, but I also don't agree with breaking the law. So, personally, I would never risk it (can't anyway with a husband who works for the federal government).

KYW

Haven't the restrictions for US citizens who wish to travel to Cuba been recently lifted? I think you still need permission from the US Treasury, but you can apply for charitable reasons ie taking supplies to hospitals, schools, religious groups, etc. I read an article in Frommer's magazine recently. Anyone have more information?

Mel

I believe that the recent development was this: While the embargo officially remains, Congress voted not to allocate any money to enforce the penalties for breaking the law. So it's a pretty "toothless" law.

MaryMary

If you have a license to visit Cuba the spending allowed per day is $183. You are also allowed to return with $100 worth of goods. I have talked to several people who went and had no problems with the INS. One man had cigars with him and gave up his legal right to council and was finally fined $8,000. He is going to The CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS : tele# 212-614-6464 for help now. <BR> <BR>If you want to go, talk to people at this center or look up info on the net. There are certain questions you do not have to answer without legal council and handing the INS your lawyers business card will pretty much stop them in their tracks. I think if you cover your bases you can go and not be fined. Do not return with anything from Cuba except literature which is not part of the embargo. Remember that constitutionally, you have a right to travel to any country you please. This is an unconstitutional and illegal law that if pressed cannot be inforced. <BR> <BR>Try Lonely Planets Cuba chat board. Plenty of good advice for US citizens on visiting Cuba. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Butch Cassidy

The best and cheapest way to go to Cuba is to fly to Miami, hitch a ride to Key West, then rent a dinghy and paddle yourself to this still Communist infested, run-down 3rd world, tropical "paradise" run by a jerk dictator. 40 years of neglect under Castro has definitely taken its toll on this place. Y'all have fun down there!

Daniel Williams

One way of getting to Cuba I've heard is to fly via Nassau, the Bahamas. This is a more direct option for some (Europeans starting in Florida, say) than flying up to Canada or past Cuba to Jamaica. Alternatively one can get there from Mexico, which might be a better option for those starting in the South or the West.

Butch Cassidy

The absolutely cheapest way to get to Cuba would be to jump in the East River then swim out to the Atlantic Ocean and hang a right towards the South. If you get tired, just stop off at Atlantic City, Virginia Beach, Mrytle Beach, Daytona Beach, Miami Beach, or Key West and rest a while. Watch out for the Sharks. They love communists lovers.

Lisa

From NY, the ONLY licenced travel agent is Marazul Tours. Their charter flies direct from NYC to Habana. I find their cost a bit large and you must have an official personal licence. It is doubtful a non-American can do this. <BR>Right now, for Noc/Dec, fares are great from Toronto ($175 or $251 US) and Jamica (US$188 Montego Bay or Kingston), Nassau ($179 or $200). you'll pay aboutr $200 or $250 getting to any of these gateways. <BR>I am going thru Toronto the first week of Dec.

Alex Gray

Another way to go is on a humanitarian mission. The Us-Latin American Medical Aid Foundation organizes trips to Cuba that are affordable, each traveller brings provided medical supplies to deliver to hospitals. They take care of all visa/government details and arrange flights from Miami. More info at www.medaid.org

####

Just recently, Travel restrictions have not been loosened but tightened for US citizens. The economic embargo was loosened, however, as a trade-off, Congress codified the travel ban into law. I would not go there without risking prosecution unless you receive a waiver