Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/cuba.tvl

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#CARD:Cuba:Travel\Consular Information
Cuba - Consular Information Sheet
May 27, 1993

Country Description:  Cuba is a developing country under the communist rule
of Fidel Castro.  The United States has no direct diplomatic relations with
Cuba.

Entry Requirements/Travel Transaction Limitations:  The Cuban Assets Control
Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any transactions related to
travel to, from and within Cuba.  Transactions related to tourist and
business travel are not licensable.  This restriction includes tourist or
business travel from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.
Visitors who attempt to enter Cuba without the proper documentation are
subject to detention and arrest.  Transactions are authorized by general
license for the following categories of travelers:  U.S. and foreign
government officials, including representatives of international
organizations of which the United States is a member, traveling on official
business; persons gathering news or making news or documentary films;
persons visiting close relatives residing in Cuba; and, full-time
professionals engaging in full-time research in their professional areas
where the research is specifically related to Cuba, is largely academic in
nature, and there is substantial likelihood the product of research will be
disseminated.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting the
Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control at the U.S. Department
of the Treasury (202/622-2480).    Failure to comply with these regulations
could result in prosecution upon return to the United States.

Should a traveler receive a license, a passport and visa are required for
entry to Cuba.  For current information on Cuban entry and customs
requirements, travelers may contact the Cuban Interests Section, an office
of the Cuban government located at 2630 and 2639 16th Street N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20009, tel:  [phone].

Medical Facilities: Medical care does not meet U.S. standards.  Many U.S.
medications are unavailable.  It is useful for travelers to Cuba to bring
with them any prescribed medicine which is for their personal use.  A copy
of the prescription and a letter from the physician explaining the need for
prescription drugs will facilitate entry into the country.  U.S. medical
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  In some cases,
supplemental medical insurance providing specific overseas coverage has
proved useful.  For additional health information, travelers can contact the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-
4559.

Crime Information:  Because of the deteriorating economic situation in Cuba,
robberies, including those resulting in injuries, are increasing.  Even the
low-budget traveler has many items, including currency, that are attractive
to thieves.  Tourists frequenting beaches, hotels and historic sites are
prime targets.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.   U.S. citizens can
refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which
provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal
security while traveling abroad.  Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers
to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations (Cuban):  The Cuban government prohibits currency
exchange except at the official rate and at government offices.  Failure to
properly declare currency and foreign goods brought into Cuba upon entry is
punishable under Cuban law by imprisonment for two to five years.  As of
April 1, 1993, American Express travelers checks are no longer acceptable on
the island.  Questions about Cuban currency and import regulations may be
directed to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C.

Currency Regulations (U.S.):  U.S. Treasury Department regulations permit
travelers whose transactions are licensed to spend no more than $100 per day
for their living expenses in Cuba.  There is also a limit of $500 on funds
U.S. citizens and residents may pay to Cuba relating to fees imposed by the
Cuban government.  A limit of $300 per three-month period has been placed on
family remittances sent from the U.S. to close relatives in Cuba.  The
Treasury Department also limits to $500 the amount of funds a person may
transfer to Cuba to pay travel expenses for a Cuban national who has been
granted a visa by the State Department to visit the United States.  For
further information, travelers may contact the Office of Foreign Assets
Control.

Credit Card Restrictions:  U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens are
prohibited from using credit cards in Cuba.  U.S. credit card companies will
not accept vouchers from Cuba, and Cuban shops, hotels, and other places of
business do not accept U.S. credit cards.  Personal checks drawn on U.S.
banks may not be accepted in Cuba.  Travelers checks are sometimes
acceptable, however.

Dual Nationality: The govermment of Cuba considers all Cuban-born U.S.
citizens to be solely Cuban citizens.  The Cuban government does not
recognize the right or obligation of the U.S. government to protect dual
U.S./Cuban citizens and has consistently denied U.S. consular officers the
right to visit incarcerated dual U.S./Cuban nationals to ascertain their
welfare and proper treatment under Cuban law.  Dual U.S./Cuban nationals are
required by Cuban law to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports.  Using
a Cuban passport for this purpose does not jeopardize one's U.S.
citizenship; however, such persons must use their U.S. passports to enter
and depart the U.S. and to transit any countries en route.  Dual U.S./Cuban
nationals may be subject to a range of restrictions and obligations,
including military service, in Cuba.

Restriction on Photography:  Photographing military or police installations
or personnel, or harbor, rail and airport facilities is forbidden.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for the possession, use, and dealing of
illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail
sentences.  Those accused of drug-related and other crimes can expect
lengthy legal proceedings and delayed due process.

U.S. Representation/Registration:  The United States does not maintain an
Embassy in Cuba.  U.S. citizens who travel to Cuba may contact and register
with the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy, located in Havana at
Calzada between L & M, Vedado; telephone 33-3550 through 33-3559.  There is
no access to the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo from within Cuba.  U.S.
citizens who register at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana may obtain
updated information on travel and security within the country.
Transportation and communication within Cuba, including Havana, can be
extremely difficult.

Telephone service within Cuba and between Cuba and the United States is
poor.  It may therefore be difficult for the U.S. Interests Section in
Havana to assist distressed Americans, should an emergency arise.

No. 93-133

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 27, 1993 to add
information concerning entry requirements, travel transaction limitations,
currency regulations and reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S.
passport.

#ENDCARD