Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/cuba.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 19KB | 340 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cuba
============================================================
Cuba - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1995

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 have a license 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 by the Cuban government.

Transactions are authorized by general license for U.S. and foreign
government officials traveling on official business, including
representatives of international organizations of which the United
States is a member; journalists regularly employed by a news
reporting organization; and family visitors traveling once a year
due to extreme humanitarian needs.  The Treasury Department will
consider specific licenses on a case-by-case basis for other
humanitarian travel including cases of extreme hardship relating to
close relatives, for telecommunications activities, and for travel
in connection with professional research and similar activities.
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 civil penalties and criminal 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 16th
Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: [phone].

Entry into and exit from Cuba is strictly controlled by Cuban
authorities.  Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally or to aid the
illegal exit of Cuban nationals are punishable by jail terms of up
to 5 years.  Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters or
airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may
result in arrest or other enforcement action by Cuban authorities
for violation of Cuban law.  Any vessel or aircraft that enters the
12-mile limit off Cuba would be inside Cuban territorial waters or
airspace and thus subject to the jurisdiction of the Cuban
government.  If persons enter Cuban territorial waters or airspace
without prior permission, they may place themselves and others at
serious personal risk.

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.  Supplemental medical
insurance providing specific overseas coverage has proved useful.
Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at
[phone] or the CDC fax information service at [phone].

Crime Information: The continued deterioration in the Cuban economy
has led to an increase in crimes directed against foreigners.
Foreigners are prime targets for purse snatchings, pickpocketing and
thefts from hotel rooms, beaches, historic sites and other
attractions.  For up-to-date information, contact the American
Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss
Embassy, located in Havana at Calzada between L&M, Vedado; telephone
33-3550 through 33-3559.

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 (Cuba): Since the Cuban government legalized
the use of dollars in July 1993, U.S. dollars are accepted for all
transactions.

Currency Regulations (U.S.):  Only official government travelers
traveling on official business, including representatives of
international organizations of which the United States is a member,
journalists, and family visitors traveling once a year due to
extreme humanitarian need may spend money on travel to Cuba without
obtaining special permission from the Treasury Department; such
expenditures may only be for travel-related expenses at a rate not
exceeding $100 per day.  U.S. Treasury Department regulations now
prohibit remittances, including family remittances, without a
specific license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.  The
only exception is the transfer of up to $1000 to pay travel expenses
for a Cuban national who has been granted a U.S. immigrant visa by
the State Department.  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 government 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 U.S. citizens,
should an emergency arise.

 No. 95-146

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 8,
1994, to add information concerning travel limitations and entry
requirements and to change the amount of transferable travel
expenses for Cuban nationals.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cuba
============================================================
Cuba - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1995

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 have a license 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 by the Cuban government.

Transactions are authorized by general license for U.S. and foreign
government officials traveling on official business, including
representatives of international organizations of which the United
States is a member; journalists regularly employed by a news
reporting organization; and family visitors traveling once a year
due to extreme humanitarian needs.  The Treasury Department will
consider specific licenses on a case-by-case basis for other
humanitarian travel including cases of extreme hardship relating to
close relatives, for telecommunications activities, and for travel
in connection with professional research and similar activities.
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 civil penalties and criminal 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 16th
Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: [phone].

Entry into and exit from Cuba is strictly controlled by Cuban
authorities.  Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally or to aid the
illegal exit of Cuban nationals are punishable by jail terms of up
to 5 years.  Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters or
airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may
result in arrest or other enforcement action by Cuban authorities
for violation of Cuban law.  Any vessel or aircraft that enters the
12-mile limit off Cuba would be inside Cuban territorial waters or
airspace and thus subject to the jurisdiction of the Cuban
government.  If persons enter Cuban territorial waters or airspace
without prior permission, they may place themselves and others at
serious personal risk.

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.  Supplemental medical
insurance providing specific overseas coverage has proved useful.
Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at
[phone] or the CDC fax information service at [phone].

Crime Information: The continued deterioration in the Cuban economy
has led to an increase in crimes directed against foreigners.
Foreigners are prime targets for purse snatchings, pickpocketing and
thefts from hotel rooms, beaches, historic sites and other
attractions.  For up-to-date information, contact the American
Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss
Embassy, located in Havana at Calzada between L&M, Vedado; telephone
33-3550 through 33-3559.

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 (Cuba): Since the Cuban government legalized
the use of dollars in July 1993, U.S. dollars are accepted for all
transactions.

Currency Regulations (U.S.):  Only official government travelers
traveling on official business, including representatives of
international organizations of which the United States is a member,
journalists, and family visitors traveling once a year due to
extreme humanitarian need may spend money on travel to Cuba without
obtaining special permission from the Treasury Department; such
expenditures may only be for travel-related expenses at a rate not
exceeding $100 per day.  U.S. Treasury Department regulations now
prohibit remittances, including family remittances, without a
specific license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.  The
only exception is the transfer of up to $1000 to pay travel expenses
for a Cuban national who has been granted a U.S. immigrant visa by
the State Department.  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 government 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 U.S. citizens,
should an emergency arise.

 No. 95-146

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 8,
1994, to add information concerning travel limitations and entry
requirements and to change the amount of transferable travel
expenses for Cuban nationals.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.