<p>I have the opportunity to attend a scientific conference in Cuba next year, but am uncertain how much red tape is involved. I’ve gotten started on the State Department website but got bogged down in the links to other sites. If someone has done it, can you summarize the process for Visas, flights and travel within Cuba? Thanks!</p>
<p>I know many Americans who have travelled to Cuba, in fact, one of them is there right now. I haven’t discussed in detail what the process was like but I did ask, generally, how difficult it was for one of my mother’s friends who went earlier this year, and she said not difficult at all. I know that’s not much help, but from all I’ve seen and heard, it isn’t as bad as you might think. </p>
<p>And, of course, if you come to Canada and leave from here, it isn’t difficult at all. :)</p>
<p>^^^ Thank you, that is encouraging! The State Department web site has lots of admonishments about the terrible things that can happen to one in Cuba, and apparently it’s necessary to get permission from both the US Government and the Cuban Government in advance. I know some tour companies arrange “people to people” travel packages, they probably handle some of the paperwork. I suspect Mexico may be our transfer point, but I’ll keep Canada in mind as an option…</p>
<p>I have not made this particular journey, but the idea has often fascinated me, so I try to be familiar with the issue.</p>
<p>Firstly, make sure you do it the “right” way and comply as required. Short cuts are risky and could land you in much trouble. I mean, don’t casually travel to Cuba from Canada, or even Mexico. I understand that this went on for some time years ago, until U.S. officials got annoyed and began to coerce the Mexican government to apply more scrutiny to the passports of Americans who boarded flights to Cuba from Mexico. Reportedly, for a time the Cubans simply declined to stamp the passports of Americans arriving from Mexican ports, a friendly gesture designed to protect U.S. tourists from being punished by the U.S. government. I think the Mexicans found a way to crack down on that (such as sharing the names of U.S. passengers and denying travelers re-entry into Mexico on the return flight).</p>
<p>And even though Canada vigorously disagrees with U.S. policy regarding Cuba, I don’t know if it’s easy (i.e. without sanction, if you get caught) for an American to get a ticket for a direct flight to the island from Canada.</p>
<p>Travel to educational and cultural events in Cuba are the exception for Americans (in addition to family-related travel). Your organization or group should have all the information you need to get official recognition and approval of your visit. If they don’t, well that might indicate some significant problems with your organization. Good luck.</p>
<p>I really wish travel to Cuba would be made to be easier. </p>
<p>Good luck on your trip, OP. I hope you get everything squared away and enjoy your time!</p>
<p>I found a web site that summarizes the options in plain English: <a href=“http://www.cubalinda.com/English/General_Info/G_InfoTraveltoCuba.asp”>http://www.cubalinda.com/English/General_Info/G_InfoTraveltoCuba.asp</a></p>
<p>Apparently if we get a license from the US Government, which should be possible for an educational/research visit, we will be able to take a direct charter flight from any number of US cities. The license will also allow us to spend a limited amount of money while there, which is what usually causes problems for people wanting to visit. It’s not illegal to visit as a tourist, but it is illegal to spend money there. </p>
<p>Such a complex relationship with this tiny country, especially considering we have a prison on the island. I need to do some reading and brush up on my history & politics.</p>
<p>How hard is it to travel to Cancun? From there, the travel to Cuba is greatly facilitated and the locals gladly forget to stamp the passports. There are flights between Mexico City and Cuba. </p>
<p>One can buy the visa in Cancun. Let google be your friend and you’ll find plenty of details. </p>
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<p>The U.S. policy on Cuba is pretty ridiculous. And these admonishments are even more ridiculous. Thousands of Canadians travel to Cuba every year without incident. Best of luck to you in determining what you need to do and enjoy your trip!</p>
<p>My S1 went this past January for a college class. He loved the trip and really fell in love with the people. They don’t have much for fresh produce or spices so prepare yourself for a lot of rice, beans chicken and pork. He said a hamburger for him would be about $8, but citizens could buy one for 25 cents. Music is everywhere. We have a great pix of him dancing with an older Cuban lady in a town square. He went diving for only $25 from a PADI shop. The diving is a big attraction for Canadiens. Son met an artist whose work he admired and brought home two of his very colorful canvases which we had stretched and framed. You can bring home “fine art”, but not crafty type items. Each kid brought down a couple of college textbooks to leave with the schools they visited. </p>
<p>The one thing they kept drilling into the kids was that if they came upon a protest they should leave the area regardless of what the protest was about. </p>
<p>His travel was coordinated through Common Ground Education and Travel out of East Hampton MA. </p>
<p>They flew out of a charter from Miami. You can look up the Havana airport website and see the names of the charters flying in and out from the states. </p>
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<p>Probably due to Florida still being a big swing state with enough noisy pro-embargo Cuban exiles living there. (And there are probably reasons why the current politicians in power in Cuba don’t mind the embargo.)</p>
<p>When S went there for an educational trip the teachers told them to bring euros instead of USD. He had no problems and loved it there.</p>
<p>My D is preparing to leave this coming Friday for a full semester at the University of Havana. A group of 10 Tulane students, 3 Rice students, and 1 Tulane professor are traveling together through Tampa. It did not appear to be difficult to get a student visa, though Tulane handled it. </p>
<p>She was also advised to get euros before going and then exchange those for Cuban pesos once there. </p>
<p>And, agree with avoiding the protests. She was told that she would be sent home immediately if she took part in a protest, no matter what it was about. I am not sure who would be doing the sending home, one of the governments or the school, not sure.</p>
<p>She was also told that she can not use a US based credit or debit card and that internet service is really expensive and kind of spotty.</p>
<p>It’s encouraging to hear about programs for US college students in Cuba, it seems that incremental change is taking place. Interesting that we can spend Euro but not dollars, ridiculous. Some currency exchange gets their cut because of the silly policy. </p>