visiting Cuba legally

[Stalebread]

LINK

including a list of People-To-People trips

[aavkk]

things are opening up... though I've learned that travel is all about independence. An organized group does nothing for me but this is positive news. thanks for sharing.

[Cletus]

From the article:

"Travelers aren’t allowed to bring cigars or rum back to the States, according to the Treasury Department."

We can now legally get to the water but we aren't allowed to drink.

What a shame.

[Maron76]

Actually, if you are on a government approved trip, you are allowed 2 boxes (50 cigars) per person returning. I did a lot of research on this just last year. My wife and I were thinking of going on a vacation to Cuba this past January. We ended up going to the Dominican instead because it was much easier. What a surprise the NY Times is giving out bad info.

[Stalebread]

Actually, if you are on a government approved trip, you are allowed 2 boxes (50 cigars) per person returning. I did a lot of research on this just last year. My wife and I were thinking of going on a vacation to Cuba this past January. We ended up going to the Dominican instead because it was much easier. What a surprise the NY Times is giving out bad info.

I'm not going so my interest here is due only to the difference in understanding of the situation -- you can or you cannot bring cigars into the US if on a government approved trip.

A US Treasury Dept. document dated Apr. 19, 2011 says:

Pursuant to sections 515.204 and 515.560©(3) of the Regulations, authorized travelers are prohibited

from importing into the United States any merchandise purchased or otherwise acquired in Cuba,

including but not limited to cigars and alcohol, whether as accompanied baggage or otherwise

What different info do you have, Maron?

Does it have to do with personal use as opposed to "importing" where importing implies merchandise intended for re-sale?

Maybe the above sited regulation has been changed since April?

Just curious.

[bassman]

Actually, if you are on a government approved trip, you are allowed 2 boxes (50 cigars) per person returning. I did a lot of research on this just last year. My wife and I were thinking of going on a vacation to Cuba this past January. We ended up going to the Dominican instead because it was much easier. What a surprise the NY Times is giving out bad info.

That was true until 2004, and total value could not exceed $100. I am not aware of that policy beinf changed back to allow anything other than art, books, etc. Also, I was on group tours 2001, 02 & 03. No problem leaving the group for a day & doing other things.

[bassman]

Just looked at the article. Trips are rediculously expensive. The company I travelled with is going in March 2012 & want's $5000 for 2 full weeks- havana to guantanamo & return. Even that is expensive considering actual costs in Cuba.

[Maron76]

I think the US Treasury document is regarding the recent People to People bill signed by Obama. When I was looking back in late summer/early fall of 2010 this program was not in existence I believe.

Wasn't the program that got axed in 2004 similar to what was just passed by Obama?

[bassman]

I think the US Treasury document is regarding the recent People to People bill signed by Obama. When I was looking back in late summer/early fall of 2010 this program was not in existence I believe.

Wasn't the program that got axed in 2004 similar to what was just passed by Obama?

Yes, except then you could bring back $100 per person of Cuban goods.