Please help me decide to go to Cuba!
Jul 27th, 2015, 10:56 AM
#41
Eck, so you go on a public travel forum asking us how to break the law, and you think we're going to help you?
Knock yourself out but if you think the cultural tour is expensive wait until the fine you get if caught (or the help you get if something happens)
Good luck!
Knock yourself out but if you think the cultural tour is expensive wait until the fine you get if caught (or the help you get if something happens)
Good luck!
Jul 27th, 2015, 12:38 PM
#42
lol, eck, on another thread [or 3] another fodorite roundly abused me for suggesting, tongue in cheek, that we were hoping to get to Cuba before all you americans do, and now you get told off for wanting to do what the rest of the world can do legally.
Ever feel you can't get anything right?
Ever feel you can't get anything right?
Jul 27th, 2015, 05:43 PM
#43
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Good grief….my sister went there alone about 20 years ago…..we all weigh the chances we take in life. (Although she did get mugged!)
What is with all the bashing here????? Oh goodness, a public forum asking to break the law..imagine that!!!!!! Thought there were quite a few categories that I/we can qualify for now for independent travel in any case..
US passport/Ag/Homeland have a lot more things to work up about in my home airport than someone who has a cigar in their purse!
I guess I take more chances going up to shop for food in the Bronx…..!!!
Annhig I am with you and a big hello from someone who is a fan of your posts here!!!! Ciao!
Anyone who has gone it alone as US citizen is welcome to respond. No issue traveling from third country.
What is with all the bashing here????? Oh goodness, a public forum asking to break the law..imagine that!!!!!! Thought there were quite a few categories that I/we can qualify for now for independent travel in any case..
US passport/Ag/Homeland have a lot more things to work up about in my home airport than someone who has a cigar in their purse!
I guess I take more chances going up to shop for food in the Bronx…..!!!
Annhig I am with you and a big hello from someone who is a fan of your posts here!!!! Ciao!
Anyone who has gone it alone as US citizen is welcome to respond. No issue traveling from third country.
Jul 27th, 2015, 07:14 PM
#44
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"Thought there were quite a few categories that I/we can qualify for now for independent travel in any case."
No. There are not. Not yet. I went alone as a journalist this spring and will be returning again to do the same type of work. You could go alone to visit family. You could arrange a custom tour through one of the cultural tour operators, but that would have to the jam packed with activities that meet the people-to-people requirements. Anything else, you'll be with a group.
A lot of Americans go to Cuba independently. The risk of prosecution is probably very small these days. If you're willing to assume that risk, that's up to you. Cuba stamps all passports upon entry and exit these days. They used to not stamp US passports, but no more winking and waving you through. As long as you realize there's no hiding that you've been there, you can make a decision.
No. There are not. Not yet. I went alone as a journalist this spring and will be returning again to do the same type of work. You could go alone to visit family. You could arrange a custom tour through one of the cultural tour operators, but that would have to the jam packed with activities that meet the people-to-people requirements. Anything else, you'll be with a group.
A lot of Americans go to Cuba independently. The risk of prosecution is probably very small these days. If you're willing to assume that risk, that's up to you. Cuba stamps all passports upon entry and exit these days. They used to not stamp US passports, but no more winking and waving you through. As long as you realize there's no hiding that you've been there, you can make a decision.
Jul 28th, 2015, 01:28 AM
#45
Hi eck - I'll be very interested to see how you get on, whatever you decide to do.
when are you planning on doing this trip?
[BTW - saw your post on your other thread - hope things are sorting themselves out health wise]
when are you planning on doing this trip?
[BTW - saw your post on your other thread - hope things are sorting themselves out health wise]
Jul 28th, 2015, 11:22 AM
#46
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Thanks to Ann and to Jeff:
I could likely get journalist credentials even though my travel writing days are quite a bit behind me but do have a nice portfolio….never like to discuss that here on this forum because I am "retired" from that now….
We bought a condo in south Florida and are renovating now….so will drive down in early Deember or very late November and thoought I could just take a week or two off and fly down from Miami. Or could go from MExico where I am headed with girlfriend in late February…..all flexible and since it sees so close to Miami and I will be based close to Miami in winter, would love to take the trip, even maybe solo. I feel very comfortable in the environment and, as I mentioned, am ok with Spanish, would just like to wander around, talk to people, hear music…….(not too late as I am borering on senior old fogey at this point@!!@) Might take partner along as nice to have companion…..so nothing set at this point and will look forward to any and all reports of independent travelers to Habana and near there……..just thinking about this island where I have so many family strories gets me kind of exited!!
Please forgive the rambling.I am kind of strapped right now with all this medical stuff and have not had time to read even daily newspaper let alone do travel research!!! So thank you both again, so very much..
I could likely get journalist credentials even though my travel writing days are quite a bit behind me but do have a nice portfolio….never like to discuss that here on this forum because I am "retired" from that now….
We bought a condo in south Florida and are renovating now….so will drive down in early Deember or very late November and thoought I could just take a week or two off and fly down from Miami. Or could go from MExico where I am headed with girlfriend in late February…..all flexible and since it sees so close to Miami and I will be based close to Miami in winter, would love to take the trip, even maybe solo. I feel very comfortable in the environment and, as I mentioned, am ok with Spanish, would just like to wander around, talk to people, hear music…….(not too late as I am borering on senior old fogey at this point@!!@) Might take partner along as nice to have companion…..so nothing set at this point and will look forward to any and all reports of independent travelers to Habana and near there……..just thinking about this island where I have so many family strories gets me kind of exited!!
Please forgive the rambling.I am kind of strapped right now with all this medical stuff and have not had time to read even daily newspaper let alone do travel research!!! So thank you both again, so very much..
Jul 28th, 2015, 01:01 PM
#47
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Eks, stay well. 
Getting credentialed as a journalist also means that Cuba has to approve of your trip and grant you a journalist visa. Having been through it, I can tell you that it's no easy task.
Getting credentialed as a journalist also means that Cuba has to approve of your trip and grant you a journalist visa. Having been through it, I can tell you that it's no easy task.
Jul 30th, 2015, 05:29 AM
#49
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Hi Eks, the ironic thing is, like Jeff said, it was MUCH easier to sneak into Cuba before Obama opened things up in December, as Cuba never used to stamp passports--or at least wouldn't if you asked. Now they are stamping everyone regardless of whether you go under one of the licensed categories or travel through Mexico/Canada. Jeff is also correct on the interpretation of license categories. They are strictly defined and, if you happen to fit one of the categories (such as a medical researcher on official duties or attending a conference), any companion must also fit the requirements of that category. No "traveling companions" allowed. The "opening" has actually made it more difficult to sneak into Cuba. The only change that will make it easier is for "tourist" to become a category. Then, of course, the flood gates will open and that will have a whole different set of issues.
That being said, you can always just go, say you and your companion are doing something that falls under a licensed category and see what happens. Probably nothing. "journalist" is something I absolutely would not put down. The Cuban government have always had a jaded eye towards journalists. They have, at least in the past, often assigned "minders" to journalists. (we had minders following us our entire trip in 2002. We had a daily game called "find the minder" and that first person to find him got a free drink) So, unless you work for a news organization, try something else.
I'm trying to get a friend who is a well known photographer to put on a photography conference. Conferences are legitimate reasons to go to Cuba. If you went early and stayed later, no one would care.
I've been to Cuba at least ten times since the early 2000's. I have many close friends there. It is truly unique, and I don't use that word lightly. The country has 3rd world physical infrastructure, with first world social programs. The "universal experiment" as the "triumph of the revolution" is sometimes called is a abject economic failure, but the Cuba people are positioned, due to education, family structure, and cash from Florida, to embrace the future in ways no other society in history could do. However, soon the newly minted, "haves" and the "have nots" will begin to experience social friction and then...... who knows?
It will be an interesting decade for Cuba. It would be better to get there sooner rather than later. not because of the buildings and cars, but because of the nature of the people. That is what will change.
That being said, you can always just go, say you and your companion are doing something that falls under a licensed category and see what happens. Probably nothing. "journalist" is something I absolutely would not put down. The Cuban government have always had a jaded eye towards journalists. They have, at least in the past, often assigned "minders" to journalists. (we had minders following us our entire trip in 2002. We had a daily game called "find the minder" and that first person to find him got a free drink) So, unless you work for a news organization, try something else.
I'm trying to get a friend who is a well known photographer to put on a photography conference. Conferences are legitimate reasons to go to Cuba. If you went early and stayed later, no one would care.
I've been to Cuba at least ten times since the early 2000's. I have many close friends there. It is truly unique, and I don't use that word lightly. The country has 3rd world physical infrastructure, with first world social programs. The "universal experiment" as the "triumph of the revolution" is sometimes called is a abject economic failure, but the Cuba people are positioned, due to education, family structure, and cash from Florida, to embrace the future in ways no other society in history could do. However, soon the newly minted, "haves" and the "have nots" will begin to experience social friction and then...... who knows?
It will be an interesting decade for Cuba. It would be better to get there sooner rather than later. not because of the buildings and cars, but because of the nature of the people. That is what will change.
Jul 30th, 2015, 10:03 AM
#50
Eks, I too am a travel writer (Fodor's being some of my writing) and I'm dying to go to Cuba. Even with that it's been extremely hard to get journalist permission, so I'll probably end up on a cultural tour. (I'm a photographer too, still rough)
I don't mean to sound bashing, just trying to keep things within the law!
Just to let you know, they do stamp now, and I've had immigration in Miami (especially Miami) go through my passport and look at my stamps. (have not made it to Cuba yet)
And that's why I bash! ;-)
Having said that, it's implied you're not healthy here and I wish you good health!
I don't mean to sound bashing, just trying to keep things within the law!
Just to let you know, they do stamp now, and I've had immigration in Miami (especially Miami) go through my passport and look at my stamps. (have not made it to Cuba yet)
And that's why I bash! ;-)
Having said that, it's implied you're not healthy here and I wish you good health!
Jul 30th, 2015, 01:07 PM
#51
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"Conferences are legitimate reasons to go to Cuba. If you went early and stayed later, no one would care."
Yes, they would. Or, yes, they could. If you want to follow the letter of U.S. law, you cannot arrive early or stay on post-conference, because then you are engaging in leisure tourism, and that's not allowed. Now, who would ever find out? That's another question.
Yes, they would. Or, yes, they could. If you want to follow the letter of U.S. law, you cannot arrive early or stay on post-conference, because then you are engaging in leisure tourism, and that's not allowed. Now, who would ever find out? That's another question.
Jul 31st, 2015, 12:41 PM
#52
regarding the ability of US citizens to visit Cuba independently, i spotted this article on the Guardian's website today:
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...el-regulations
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...el-regulations
Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:12 PM
#53
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Annhig
I hope that you have a wonderful trip.
Wherever you go.
I am sorry for my assumption about your comments.
You are correct about the tounge in cheek.
Some people just don't get British humor. I never have.
Was the Benny Hill show supposed to be funny??
I never thought so,But my DH and brother loved it.
So there you have it.
Happy trails
I hope that you have a wonderful trip.
Wherever you go.
I am sorry for my assumption about your comments.
You are correct about the tounge in cheek.
Some people just don't get British humor. I never have.
Was the Benny Hill show supposed to be funny??
I never thought so,But my DH and brother loved it.
So there you have it.
Happy trails
