| Are you an American wondering how or if you can | | | | 2 photocopies of your passport as there are no |
| legally visit | | | | American embassies in Cuba, so should you lose your |
| Cuba? Join the hundreds of thousands of Americans | | | | passport,you may use these copies to exit the |
| who haveexperienced the thrills of visiting this | | | | country. |
| exciting and exoticdestination legally. | | | | 4. |
| Americans can travel to Cuba legally if they are a | | | | During the flight to Canada or Mexico, you will be |
| Cuban | | | | asked to fillout a declaration form. This will be |
| American, politician, journalist or if you have a | | | | collected by the customsofficials in that country and |
| researchproject that is about Cuba. Others including | | | | from there, you will proceed toyour carrier's ticket |
| students,religious groups and humanitarians can apply | | | | booth where you can pick up yourtravel package |
| for a license fromthe U.S. Treasury Department | | | | that contains your Cuban tourist card. You arenow |
| Office of Foreign Assets Control | | | | ready to check in for your flight. |
| (OFAC). | | | | 5. |
| However, having said this, did you know that... | | | | Arriving in Cuba will be much like any other airport, |
| Between 100 000 and 200 000 Americans visit Cuba | | | | Cubancustoms will x-ray your carry on baggage, as |
| every yearwhile only some 6000 licenses are being | | | | well as friskingyou. This is really informal and low key. |
| issued in a 1-2 yearperiod! That means there are a lot | | | | There are femalesecurity officers to check the |
| of Americans who are goingwithout the | | | | females and male securityofficers who check the |
| government's permission. | | | | male traveller's. |
| If you are someone who wants to exercise their | | | | 6. |
| right to travelfreely, and have been dying to see | | | | You may now collect your luggage but make sure to |
| why the Canadians call thisdestination their #1 hot | | | | keep yourpassport and tourist card handy, as you will |
| vacation spot; here is a guide that I've puttogether | | | | have to show themto another agent before you |
| to help you get that Cuba vacation! | | | | leave the baggage claim area. Theywill check to |
| 1. | | | | make sure that you have your tourist card, look |
| There are no travel restrictions for Americans to | | | | atyour passport and ask you if this is your first time |
| travel in | | | | visiting |
| Cuba and know that as an American, you are | | | | Cuba, how many days you'll be there for and the |
| completely safethere. In fact, Cuba has one of the | | | | name or addressof your hotel (keep that info handy |
| lowest crime rates aroundand is the safest country in | | | | just in case!) |
| the Caribbean. You will however,have to travel to | | | | 7. |
| Cuba from Canada or Mexico. | | | | Transportation from the airport will have been |
| 2. | | | | included withyour travel package, follow everyone |
| You will need a valid passport and a Cuban tourist | | | | else outside and look foryour tour staff who will |
| card to enter | | | | guide you to your proper bus or taxidriver. |
| Cuba. The price of a Cuban tourist card is | | | | 8. |
| approximately $20 | | | | When you return, you've got the same steps only in |
| CAD and your passport needs to have been valid for | | | | reverse, alsoyou need to keep $25 American (this is |
| at least afull 6 months prior to your travel. | | | | very important!) as youhave to pay a departure tax |
| 3. | | | | of this amount when leaving Cubaairports. |
| It is recommended that you also take a copy of | | | | Organizing your US travel to Cuba will be easier than |
| your birthcertificate and a valid photo ID. You should | | | | you everimagined! Your travel agent should be able |
| also be awarethat with an American passport, it can | | | | to help youarrange everything you need for your trip. |
| not be stamped in Cuba;therefore having these | | | | There are also manycompanies online that can help |
| additional identifications can come inhandy in case it is | | | | you with this as well. |
| accidentally stamped. I would alsorecommend having | | | | |