You might want to do some research on the State Dept site... http://havana.usint.gov/travelling_cuba.html
It says, in part.....
The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction obtain a Treasury license before engaging in any transaction related to travel to, from and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.
Quite frankly, I did not ask for your advice as to going there.... I asked for STORIES.... I am quite sure this is possible...Limit this discussion to this plz.
I've never done it, and here's why. If you come and go via Mexico, you are going to have an extra entry and exit stamp into Mexico. If you get a sharp eyed immigration officer, you're going to have a tough time explaining it.
We've been quizzed when coming home from Mexico, they explicitly asked if we'd gone to Cuba. And, that was when we hadn't.
If you can arrange a trip that originates in Mexico, then you return home via the Bahamas or Canada, you can almost certainly pull it off.
We've been to Cuba, went legally on a 'cultural exchange' about 10 years ago. Havana is absolutely awesome. I'd love to go back one day, preferably before the embargo is lifted, and all the US businesses sprout up.
Also, be aware you can't use your ATM or credit cards. I think US dollars are penalized to be exchanged to the tune of 18%. If you decide to go, get some Canadian money before leaving the US.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Why thanks for this reply.....I "heard" that US passports are not stamped, but you gave me some valuable info.......THe CC's and money matters would be a concern as well...Thanks again...BTW, Cuba has been " opened" to the US for educational reasons just recently ( whatever educational reasons mean )...
It actually reopened. It was the Bush administration that pulled the plug on cultural exchanges and educational trips.
If you really want to go, do some research. Our 'cultural exchange' was the International Jazz Festival in Havana. It was awesome!
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