just jess
03-07-2007, 01:47 PM
Pretty interesting article on MSN.com today... I find most of it pretty funny though---like the last sentence i posted :ROTFL
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 :pretty....
http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=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
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 :pretty....
http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=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