How easy is it to not get caught? How safe are American tourists in Cuba?
2007-12-22 12:30:36 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Cuba
Very unlikely.
Thousands of US citizens travel to Cuba illegally and have no problems. A few (usually those who unwisely take back souvenirs) get questioned by customs and/or get officially letters. Some of those get fined - some pay the fines, others request a hearing. Most of those who asked for a hearing are still waiting.
I think that there may have been an arrest or two in the cases of people who refused to engage in the legal process as a point of principal.
2007-12-23 03:02:50 · answer #1 · answered by Beardo 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
When you have a license from the US Treasury Department you can travel without any problem to Cuba. This license is limited to exceptions, such as business, religion, humanitarian organisations,etc. The license is not allowed for vacations or leisure purposes.
check http://www.treas.gov
Many US citizens go ILLEGAL to Cuba via Cancun,Mexico or Toronto, Canada. The Cuban immigration services do not stamp the passports only the tourist visa. When you return and the US immigration find indications of your trip to Cuba they will further investigate and this can lead to arrestation or a fine. Don't buy Cuban souvenirs , cigars, rum, throw away your Cuban tourist card ( tourist visa) before arrival etc. Some get caught , others not, keep a low profile. US citizens are safe in Cuba , there's a lower criminality than in the US and you are welcome.
Havanalover
http://www.havana-guide.com
2007-12-24 07:17:41 · answer #2 · answered by Havanalover 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not really, they dont put stamps on passports so it is most unlikely that you get caught (you can go through Mexico or Venezuela). Cuba is quite safe because the government tries to protect tourist as much as it is possible (Where do you think they get dollars from?). In addition, you can find some of the best private clinics there (owned by the government and for the exclusive use of the tourists). It is basically impossible to get caught, unless you film a documentary of yourself going there to show how "Cuba's healthcare system is better than America's.
2007-12-22 20:33:38 · answer #3 · answered by Hey1023 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
no, cuban americans can only travel to cuba once every three years but if u dont have any relatives in cuba u can go any time u want. im cuban! nobody will notice if u use another country as bridge, i mean, u acn go to another country and then go to cuba and come back in the same way, thats what most cubans do, and nothing bad will happen to you, unless u think sex is bad, nothing else. tourists have more power in cuba than cuban people, we cant even get in a hotel, tourists do! enjoy ur vacation!
2007-12-22 20:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by amanda 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thanks to the extremely narrow restrictions placed on travel to Cuba by the current American administration, it is nearly impossible for the ordinary American to visit that country legally. There are circumstances under which you can travel there, and the humanitarian mission I took in Janauary was duly licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You, too, may be able to join such a mission, but the organizers will have to endure a great deal of American red tape to get you there. Our government says it is not banning travel to Cuba, but they also say you can't spend a penny to get there, while you are there, or to return. That's why the Treasuryt is in charge of trips such as the one I took
2007-12-25 10:42:25 · answer #5 · answered by Shay p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would be very safe, just as safe as the Canadians, Brits, Germans and all the other nationalities that visit and enjoy Cuba. Cubans love Americans and welcome them to Cuba. Chances of being caught by the American government are somewhat minimal however if someone were to report you, not the Cubans, who do not stamp your passport, that would cause a problem
2007-12-23 07:32:58 · answer #6 · answered by Richard K 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The State Department website would have info about traveling to Cuba.
Americans can't spend money in Cuba. If you get into a jam, there'll be no American Embassy to help you out.
2007-12-22 21:58:58 · answer #7 · answered by MomSezNo 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, you can be arrested. The following is copied from the US State Department website:
"Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States."
In short, the regulations require you to obtain a special license from the U.S. Treasury in order to legally engage in "travel related transactions", which means to spend money in Cuba in plain English. Licenses are not granted for pleasure travel.
For more information, see the State Department information on travel to Cuba at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html
2007-12-23 00:04:23 · answer #8 · answered by The Shadow 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It depends on if you have permission or not. Im sure people do, it is possible to visit family in Cuba if you live here.
2007-12-23 14:22:40 · answer #9 · answered by Mikel.007 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
shouldn't
mexicans dont arrested for being here
no offense
probly not safe to be alone because all other countries hate americans
2007-12-22 20:33:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋