Travel Questions and Advice

[Bleble]

I'm trying to see if: (1) 10 days is too long, and (2) what are the necessary items to bring. I'm traveling light (just a carryon backpack). I can also bring a checked-in luggage but I would need to pay extra for it (not sure if it's worth it to pay extra).

[Ty Down]

Hi,

I'm American and planing on going to Cuba soon. I've traveled before twice in the past, but with the new Trump regulations some things might've changed. I've choosing the Support for the Cuban people like I've done in the past. Before when I came back to the airport in the USA No one would question me or check my itinerary in Cuba. Is it true that now you must keep a full daily itinerary of where you've been and done in Cuba? Are they really checking for this? Please, any info from Americans. Thank you.

I've been a couple times since the new Trump regulations, and to be honest, I can't tell any difference.

I did start keeping my receipts, for my Casa and from restaurants. I take a few pics to record where I have been just in case I'm ever questioned. To date, I've never been questioned. So I wouldn't lose any sleep over the new regulations.

[Capichon2010]

Hi,

I'm American and planing on going to Cuba soon. I've traveled before twice in the past, but with the new Trump regulations some things might've changed. I've choosing the Support for the Cuban people like I've done in the past. Before when I came back to the airport in the USA No one would question me or check my itinerary in Cuba. Is it true that now you must keep a full daily itinerary of where you've been and done in Cuba? Are they really checking for this? Please, any info from Americans. Thank you.

[Capichon2010]

No I don't have Global entry.

Hi,

I have G. E. And I have returned to the States from Cuba before. The G. E. Allows you to do everything on the Kiosk and avoid talking to an immigration agent. In summary, it saves time from having to stand in line and you pass quickly.

[Ty Down]

Do you have Global Entry? I have that and they never question you when you enter using Global Entry. Just hand the ticket to the guy. Maybe Cuba entry different.

No I don't have Global entry.

[Steve 99]

Personally I always check the "Journalist Activities" box. I've been to Cuba 9 times over the last three years and have never been questioned. Of course I do take tons of pics and video, then edit and publish to my youtube channel where I have several other videos from Colombia, Africa and of course Cuba.

Another option would be the "Support for the Cuban people" category, I think a lot of others here use that option.

Do you have Global Entry? I have that and they never question you when you enter using Global Entry. Just hand the ticket to the guy. Maybe Cuba entry different.

[Ty Down]

What category box do you recommend checking?

Personally I always check the "Journalist Activities" box. I've been to Cuba 9 times over the last three years and have never been questioned. Of course I do take tons of pics and video, then edit and publish to my youtube channel where I have several other videos from Colombia, Africa and of course Cuba.

Another option would be the "Support for the Cuban people" category, I think a lot of others here use that option.

[Steve 99]

From what I understand, it only effects Cruise Ships, and the "People to People" category has been removed from the list. You can still book a flight from the States. At least that's my understanding.

What category box do you recommend checking?

[Ty Down]

Any of you regular USA guys who check the boxes concerned on the new Trump rules. Did Trump Fu. K us mongers now? Have to go back through Mexico again? Or are their still going to be boxes we can check at Jetblue? I have never gone via USA. Only once through mexicso many years ago.

From what I understand, it only effects Cruise Ships, and the "People to People" category has been removed from the list. You can still book a flight from the States. At least that's my understanding.

[Steve 99]

Hey TJ,

There are 12 options for a US citizen to pick when traveling to Cuba. Below is the list of them. You pick one before leaving for Cuba at the airport when you have to pay for your visa. Don't worry once you get your tix they will explain this.

Most people pick "help for the Cuban people".

Here is the list of options to pick:

The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official business of the USA Government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, help to the Cuban people.

Not to worry you'd be good to go, no problema.

Make sure you report when you get back.

Mondo.

Any of you regular USA guys who check the boxes concerned on the new Trump rules. Did Trump Fu. K us mongers now? Have to go back through Mexico again? Or are their still going to be boxes we can check at Jetblue? I have never gone via USA. Only once through mexicso many years ago.

[TomJackin]

All solid answers, thanks a lot!

[Ty Down]

Thanks, I always have solid trip reports, so you can expect the same if I travel to Cuba.

So, if I check the "help to the Cuban people" do I have to show proof of something, besides that I want to chase putas?

I always check the "Journalist activities", then take a bunch of pics and videos while in Cuba. I've made 8 trips to Cuba in the last 2 years and have never been questioned by immigration's on the return trip. Well, with the exception of one immigration officer wanted to know why I didn't bring him a Cigar. .

[Mr Gogo]

Mondo gives great Info. It's just about playing the game. Support of the Cuban people is the box to check. Customs never asks for reciepts but grab a few and put your own dates on them. Rent Airbnb also is the best way to pay and American authorities won't ask questions. Enjoy.

[Mondo707]

Thanks, I always have solid trip reports, so you can expect the same if I travel to Cuba.

So, if I check the "help to the Cuban people" do I have to show proof of something, besides that I want to chase putas?

Hey TJ,

That's a good one, once I was asked coming back by an immigration officer if I had brought back anything to declare and I told him I wanted to bring back a Cubanita but wasn't sure if I was allowed to!

He just laughed and asked me to show him some pixs!

Myself, I don't keep any records of expenses, I have never heard of anyone being asked for expense receipts. YMMV

Mondo.

[TadaiMaybe]

Thanks, I always have solid trip reports, so you can expect the same if I travel to Cuba.

So, if I check the "help to the Cuban people" do I have to show proof of something, besides that I want to chase putas?

Theoretically, you have to be able to show evidence that your trip was truly for the purpose of "helping Cuban people ". Examples may include staying in a casa particular (do not stay in a hotel as they're almost always owned by the Cuban government), taking Spanish lessons, visits to local artists place, eating in a mom and pop restaurant, visit to a Jazz club and buy their CD, taking salsa dance lesson from a Cuban, etc etc. I wrote down the list of what I did beside the hobby and had some pics to prove in case I got the Q&A.