TK787 From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 4103 posts, RR: 13 Posted (5 years 6 months 4 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 3582 times:
I know it has been discussed many times, but can't reach through the "search" function.
So if you could help me with the usual;
-How to enter Havana and back to US with a US passport
-Cheap fares, what carriers (not looking into exotic Russian types), like to do one stop only from NYC area.
I might be travelling first week of December for a few days.
Thanks for all your tips.
AlexPorter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (5 years 6 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 3562 times:
If you qualify for Cuba travel, American and Continental have charter service from Miami, but you have to qualify and meet certain criteria, such as being on philanthropy, being a journalist, being on official business, etc.
If you are a U.S. citizen and don't qualify, travel to Cuba is illegal but often circumvented by going through other countries. If you have citizenship elsewhere or dual citizenship somewhere, you can go via another country (Canada, Mexico, and caribbean nations usually) but don't use a US passport. But again it is illegal if you have a U.S. passport and I can't give you any recommendations in that case, other than visit Jamaica, the Domincan Republic, or Puerto Rico instead.
RwSEA From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 3014 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3549 times:
You'll need to go through Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. It is my understanding that Cuban authorities don't stamp US passports, but you might have to ask them not to just to be safe. Don't leave a paper trail, get your story straight ahead of time, and avoid bringing home lots of "made in Cuba" merchandise. As long as you don't come back from your weeklong January vacation in "Montreal" with all kinds of sunburns, you should probably be ok .
FlyMIA From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 6284 posts, RR: 6 Reply 5, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 3540 times:
Well if you qualify, Family, Journalist, research etc.. Than as said before Gulfstream International, American, Continental, ATA all have Charter flights from MIA to Cuba. I pretty sure I read somewhere any flight between the US and Cuba most originate or land in MIA. Other than that, fly to Canada, Bahamas, Mexico. Here in Miami if you cant take the many charters available the popular thing to do is go to the Bahamas.
But never get your passport stamped. Make sure it is not stamped if it is you are going to have a problem.
"It was just four of us on the flight deck, trying to do our job" (Captain Al Haynes)
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38486 posts, RR: 80 Reply 6, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 3540 times:
TK787:
I really would hate to give illegal advice at this site.
Quoting TK787 (Thread starter): -Cheap fares, what carriers (not looking into exotic Russian types),
Then why bother?
That is part of the fun. Also, Cubana is cheaper than any other carrier to Havana.
Find out which cities get the IL-62, Yak 42 or IL-96 that have direct service from your airport. I presume JFK, right?
The IL-62 and Yak-42D are classic Soviet jetliners and a thrill to fly on.
The IL-96 is a completely modern aircraft on par with the A340 and 777.
AlexPorter is telling you the right thing in terms of keeping you out of trouble.
RwSEA is also telling you how to avoid getting in to trouble.
I'd strongly advise against going through Canada. DON'T DO IT!
US Customs are at Canadian airports. You are much better off going through Mexico, Venezuela, Panama or Costa Rica.
Check your IM for more info.
Off topic;
seeing that you are a 'winemaker' in the state of New York, you may take special interest in this thread I started last week.
AlexPorter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 3521 times:
This thread makes me wonder: For non-US citizens, is it possible to fly from the U.S. to Cuba all on one ticket? For example, can a French citizen (for example) fly SEA-MEX-HAV on Aeromexico on one ticket? Is Aeromexico allowed to issue tickets between the U.S. and Cuba? Or do they need to be two separate tickets, like pre-2007 DAL to non-Wright Amendment states travel on Southwest?
JGPH1A From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 3515 times:
Quoting AlexPorter (Reply 7): For non-US citizens, is it possible to fly from the U.S. to Cuba all on one ticket?
No, it isn't. To do that, you'd have to have the whole journey booked in the same PNR. US carriers run revenue integrity checks to ensure that their space is not booked in the same PNR as travel to Cuba, North Korea etc - if it is, the carrier is in breach of US law. US-based travel agents cannot even book such a journey via their GDS's, but agents outside the US can.
TK787 From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 4103 posts, RR: 13 Reply 9, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 3492 times:
Thanks a bunch folks,
Just the right info I was looking for.
AlexPorter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 10, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 3486 times:
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 8): US carriers run revenue integrity checks to ensure that their space is not booked in the same PNR as travel to Cuba, North Korea etc - if it is, the carrier is in breach of US law.
But is it possible on a foreign carrier? Like is PHX-MEX-HAV on Aeromexico legal for non-US citizens & nationals?
LDIkaros From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 175 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3469 times:
Quoting TK787 (Thread starter): If you have citizenship elsewhere or dual citizenship somewhere, you can go via another country (Canada, Mexico, and caribbean nations usually) but don't use a US passport.
I know it is illegal for US citizens to go to Cuba (unless certain circumstances apply) but what about US permanent residents with European passports? If I get a Cuba entry stamp into my German passport and then return (via another country) to the US with my US green card would I have problems?
I am just curious - I don't have any plans to go to Cuba (or other 'forbidden' countries such as N. Korea).
JGPH1A From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 3452 times:
Quoting AlexPorter (Reply 10): But is it possible on a foreign carrier? Like is PHX-MEX-HAV on Aeromexico legal for non-US citizens & nationals?
Yes, I believe so - although I'm not sure what the rules are about ticketing such a journey in the US. Maybe an AM office can do it, but a US travel agent can't.
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38486 posts, RR: 80 Reply 13, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 3411 times:
Quoting LDIkaros (Reply 11): If I get a Cuba entry stamp into my German passport and then return (via another country) to the US with my US green card would I have problems?
No problems for you at all.
Technically, you are a German national and the restriction does not apply to you.
ExFATboy From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 2974 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (5 years 6 months 3 weeks 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 3388 times:
Quoting JGPH1A (Reply 8): US carriers run revenue integrity checks to ensure that their space is not booked in the same PNR as travel to Cuba, North Korea etc - if it is, the carrier is in breach of US law.
Actually, it's not illegal for Americans to go to North Korea - you can't bring goods back with you, but it's perfectly legal to travel there and spend money for hotels, food, etc.
It's not highly recommended, especially as there's no US embassy there - representation is by Sweden - and if you get sick you can't be evacuated to South Korea.
As far as I know, Cuba is the only country we have such a harsh travel ban against. I can even legally buy a ticket to Burma, although the US financial transaction restrictions are so tight now that I couldn't use my credit cards or traveler's checks there. There are other countries which I couldn't bring merchandise back from, but as far as I know Cuba is the only country in the world that I have to have advance permission from my government to legally travel to. It strikes me as a little strange.
Ualcsr From United States of America, joined May 2006, 482 posts, RR: 1 Reply 15, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 3268 times:
Quoting Superfly (Reply 6): I'd strongly advise against going through Canada. DON'T DO IT!
This is golden advice. As established, it's illegal in most circumstances for you to go and spend US dollars in Cuba, but if you're going to do it, Canada is the worst option. I will tell you, however, that I have seen many Cubans living in the US at PTY.
Despite all their shortcoming, US Immigration has a good idea as to who is using a third country to illegally visit Cuba. Why risk it when you can visit Puerto Rico, Jamaica, etc., etc. and wait for travel to be legal (my guess that it won't be too far off in the future).
Oh please. The reason being everyone needs the votes of the Cuban exile community in Florida - otherwise the sanctions serve no useful purpose. If it was about being Communist, how come there's no ban on travel to China ?
As far as travel to Cuba... I know 2 people that went there different ways. One from Seattle and the other from Los Angeles.
My friend from Seattle drive to YVR and flew YVR - YYZ return on Harmony (when it was still operating) and YYZ - HAV return on AC. He had no problems.... but he did book his flights seperately - NOT on one ticket as someone mentioned earlier.
Then my other friend & his fiancee' travelled LAX - GCM (via MIA) on AA... and then GCM - HAV on KX.
They also had no problems... and said that Cubans treat American tourists VERY well.
While I haven't travelled to Cuba myself - I hope the info. regarding my friends Cuban trips has helped a bit!
Bond007 From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 5098 posts, RR: 8 Reply 19, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3189 times:
Quoting LeftCoaster (Reply 18): They also had no problems... and said that Cubans treat American tourists VERY well.
While I haven't travelled to Cuba myself - I hope the info. regarding my friends Cuban trips has helped a bit!
Duh ... I wonder why they "treat the American tourists VERY well" ??
Perhaps they need those dollars ?
Hey, IMO, if it's illegal (and I assume it would be in this case), then we shouldn't be giving advice on how best to do it... whether we agree with the sanctions or not.
Personally, I don't agree on the 35mph speed limit on my street ... but I feel it's very irresponsible to tell my neighbours it's OK to go 60mph down it.
Jimbo
I'd rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than in the air wishing I was on the ground!
LeftCoaster From Cayman Islands, joined Nov 2007, 76 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 3168 times:
Quoting Bond007 (Reply 19): Hey, IMO, if it's illegal (and I assume it would be in this case), then we shouldn't be giving advice on how best to do it... whether we agree with the sanctions or not.
Personally, I don't agree on the 35mph speed limit on my street ... but I feel it's very irresponsible to tell my neighbours it's OK to go 60mph down it.
Feeling irresponsible about it... and it actually being "illegal" are 2 different things.
Stores legally sell radar detectors - don't they? And they're for helping Joe Public speed without getting caught.
Jimbo, If you don't feel the need to give advice, that's fine. But if I - or anyone else - DOES... then that's our right.
It's not illegal to give an American advice on how to travel to Cuba, which is what we're doing. An American actually travelling to Cuba ~ that's another story.
Bond007 From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 5098 posts, RR: 8 Reply 21, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 3164 times:
Quoting LeftCoaster (Reply 20): Feeling irresponsible about it... and it actually being "illegal" are 2 different things.
Yes, I understand, thanks!
I said it was probably illegal what he was wanting to do, and IMO we shouldn't be giving advice on how to do illegal things.
Are you sure you are Canadian?? It's usually the Americans shouting for their rights, while forgetting about everybody elses
Yes, it's irresponsible to tell my neighbors to drive twice the speed limit, just because I think it's a 'stupid' law ... so what if it's my 'right' to do so.
Jimbo
I'd rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than in the air wishing I was on the ground!
LeftCoaster From Cayman Islands, joined Nov 2007, 76 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 3128 times:
Quoting Bond007 (Reply 21): I said it was probably illegal what he was wanting to do, and IMO we shouldn't be giving advice on how to do illegal things.
Are you sure you are Canadian?? It's usually the Americans shouting for their rights, while forgetting about everybody elses
If you don't want to give him advice - fine.
My opinion is that - illegal or not - this is a discussion forum where discussions take place. Unless you can show me the badge that shows that you're the morality police, I don't see why you'd make your original comment?!
Bond007 From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 5098 posts, RR: 8 Reply 23, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 3120 times:
Quoting LeftCoaster (Reply 22): My opinion is that - illegal or not - this is a discussion forum where discussions take place.
Yes, and I entered into it with MY opinion also
Quoting LeftCoaster (Reply 22): I don't see why you'd make your original comment?
Because that was my advice ... the original post requested tips on travelling from the US to Cuba ... and I gave him mine.
Jimbo
I'd rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than in the air wishing I was on the ground!
Faustino927 From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 263 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (5 years 6 months 1 week 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 3115 times:
I am Cuban and I will NEVER travel to Cuba until that Dictator Fidel Castro dies and goes to hell!!!!!
It can't be soon enough.
Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated.
25 Superfly: Why not include Disneyland on your list? I've been to Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Cuba. I liked Cuba by far more than Puerto Rico and Jamaica. That is l
26 Bond007: You really have no clue ... and your point ..??? Umm.. over 80% do it legally ... your point again??? There are also 100,000 rapes a year in the USA
27 Faustino927: [quote=Superfly,reply=25]I liked Cuba by far more than Puerto Rico and Jamaica. That is like saying; why fly to Paris, France when you can visit Paris
28 Superfly: I wouldn't know. I didn't stay at any tourist attractions. In fact, I made sure to stay out of crappy 'tourist attractions' such as Veradero. If nati
29 Bond007: No, not funny. The poor analogy was: OK. Very educated comment ... thanks for the input. No bones or axes ...and certainly no sour grapes. Just an un
30 Faustino927: Fidel Castro will die just as all of us will eventually die. Fidel's death will be very soon and those down in Miami will use that as an excuss to rio
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