Scam? Visa for tourist flying from USA


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A friend of mine is flying to Cuba from Miami. After she booked the flight she was contacted by an "agent" saying that she has to purchase an entry visa, the agent somehow has her personal/flight info to make it believable? 

This is the site the agent sent: http://www.cubavisa.net/en/shop/

After a quick search I couldn't find anything about entry visa so I think this is a scam, can anyone who has travelled to Cuba from the US verify?

Thanks for your help.

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26 minutes ago, oliverdst said:

Yes, you must have that tarjeta/visa to enter Cuba. 

It seems it's a third part selling it. I cant say how safe it is. I would say the flight company has sold his data to another company.

Capitalism at its best.

Thanks! Do you know what is the best way to obtain the visa? I never had to experience that when I'm flying from Canada, I guess it is a little bit different for US travellers

8 minutes ago, Ethernut said:

Care to share the airline?

Sorry she did not mention the airline to me 

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You do need a visa to enter, but they are available prior to departure. You can fill it out on the flight. I am not sure if its the airline it self, or a third party that is administering the transaction though. 

Either the airline, or a Travel agent (more likely) sold her info to a third party. You do NOT need to buy it in advance from someone like this, they can be purchased at the airport. Tell her to bring Cash!!

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No obvious scam that I can see - you need a Visa to enter Cuba and have to show it at check-in, so you need it in advance.

The price shown is also correct, 25€ is what you pay here buying the Visa at the airline you fly with. Otherwise they charge you 35€.

$85 for a Cuban Visa would be overcharging though ... :-)

 

 

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Curious how Americans are making the trip to Cuba? As far as I can read you have to have a reason for the trip that falls into one of twelve categories... and educational seems to be the most common one. Maybe this is not enforced, but just wondering.

There is also a limit of $100 in cigars you can bring back, but apparently no limit to how much you spend on Cuban goods while you are abroad. I wonder if that affects gifts of Cuban origin (i.e. cigars) received from foreign entities? 

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1. Fly through Canada or Mexico. 

2. Fly straight there and ask them not to stamp your passport. (Since they have opened direct flights)

No one has been prosecuted for issues relating to Cuban Travel since 2012. All transaction in Cuba still happen is Cash, although this is starting to change. Its next to impossible for the US to track your cash purchases. I have also purchased directly from LCDHs in multiple countries using my Credit Card and never had an issue. 

So I guess in summary, you are correct. Lack of enforcement. 

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On August 18, 2016 at 3:29 PM, Philc2001 said:

Curious how Americans are making the trip to Cuba? As far as I can read you have to have a reason for the trip that falls into one of twelve categories... and educational seems to be the most common one. Maybe this is not enforced, but just wondering.

There is also a limit of $100 in cigars you can bring back, but apparently no limit to how much you spend on Cuban goods while you are abroad. I wonder if that affects gifts of Cuban origin (i.e. cigars) received from foreign entities? 

Enforcement is supposed to be pretty lax. One of the 12 reasons is based upon a cultural exchange which I understand is basically if you talk to someone Cuban about their country and the United States, you qualify. 

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On 18 August 2016 at 3:05 PM, Ethernut said:

Care to share the airline?

Last time I checked no airlines had direct flights to Cuba yet, only people with OFAC issued licenses can travel and so it's all chartered aircraft used by travel agencies, who most likely sold the information.

 

@nino is there still the 10% tax when changing USD into CUC? If so then @Blackham it might be worth telling your friend to bring some CAD with them to get more bang for their buck!

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30 minutes ago, Dara said:

 

Last time I checked no airlines had direct flights to Cuba yet, only people with OFAC issued licenses can travel and so it's all chartered aircraft used by travel agencies, who most likely sold the information.

 

@nino is there still the 10% tax when changing USD into CUC? If so then @Blackham it might be worth telling your friend to bring some CAD with them to get more bang for their buck!

I saw an Ad a few weeks ago from JetBlue I believe, like $85 from Miami to Cuba or something along those lines. 

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