Can a US citizen go to Cuba on a US passport?

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Ryan T

Officially, certain people may be licensed to travel to Cuba. The actual law has to do that since there is a "trade embargo", we can not go as tourists and spend American $$$ there. The Office of Foreign Assets Control states journalists, official government business travelers, members of international organizations, academic professionals, and the like, can get these licenses. I had the chance to go with my school on a study abroad trip, which I had assumed to be legal cause it was academic in nature. So the answer is yes but read this first

"The Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any travel-related transactions related to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities have increased enforcement of these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations will face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States."

AirDevil

It is against the law. If you do it, you have to go through a third country to get there (i.e. Mexico/Canada). I probably would recommend against it, however I have heard of those who have been there and back without issue. If you do go do NOT let the Cuban government stamp your passport. You also may want to pay for you plane tickets in travellers check or cash or something else that is not traceable.

~~Fast Eddie~~

No. Americans are not allowed in Cuba, because America does not allow it.

John K

I would go on a plane...

Anyway as you know the US of A still has an embargo on Cuba so even if you wanted to you could not find a flight. Should be possible from Canada or else try Mexico. There are flights from Cancun and Mexico City. Don't forget to get the tourist card and they will NOT accept US Dollars and credit cards issued by US banks.
Really hope you can attend the wedding though so good luck!

Big Jimi

I know of many people who travel to Cuba through Mexico or Canada,the US government doesn't really like it,but I've never heard of a problem!

Rockin' Mel S

Cuba allows US Citizens to travel to Cuba. The USA also allows US citizens to travel to Cuba under specific conditions. I believe the rule is that you can go but you can not spend money. Your trip has to be fully sponsored.

I know that US citizens travel to Cuba all the time through other countries, most of them travel illegally, at least in the eyes of the US government. About 100,000 a year did leading up to 9-11. The numbers dropped drastically after that (as did all travel by US citizens) but now the numbers are steadily rising near what they were prior to 9-11.

There is a good chance you would get away with it. I do know that any airlines flying through US air space are required to provide passenger lists to US authorities, (dept of homeland security maybe?) . So in all likelihood if you flew from Canada, US authorities could be made aware of it.

So, if your family paid for you and didn't buy or pay for anything while you were there then you wouldn't be breaking US law. I'd send money in advance to your Canadian family (for a "wedding gift" wink wink nugde nudge) and then just have them book your trip and pay for it.

If you want to decrease your odds of being caught spend a couple of days in Canada after you return from Cuba. Also, if possible try to drive to/from Canada rather than fly.

You won't be able to use credit cards from any US bank, not likely travelers checks from a US bank either. You'll likely need to purchase those from a Canadian bank if you want them, or just get your relatives to buy you stuff on their cards and pay them back.

I'm no expert but there must be a way to visit Cuba and not get caught since so many of your countrymen and women do it.

Good luck, I hope you go not just to be there for an important family event but also because I believe the embargo is wrong.

resiste_lfc

Yes, you can, just not directly. You need to fly from Canada or Mexico into Cuba and out of into either one again.

Thin Kaboudit

No. & no. But that does not mean people don't do it.

pinoydj619

yea THEY CAN OFFICIALLY GO. i dont know if cuba has imposed any travel restrictions on Americans

be sure to check and contact the
US Embassy Dept of State for more info
http://travel.state.gov/travel

Americans traveling to Cuba Info
http://havana.usinterestsection.gov/acs.html

playaseca2000

where has you been , everybody knows there is no travel to Cuba, but evrybody is going thru Canada ,even Cubans leaving in USA drive to Montreal leave the cars in a hotel and fly to Cuba .thats going on every day

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