Havana

[Mr Enternational]

I think "the points guy" is all wet in that article. He is lumping all travel into the people-to-people category. He is correct about that category, but there are eleven other categories which are hardly affected other than the list of prohibited hotels, restaurants, etc.

I still do not understand how you folks were getting away with P2P. Obviously it was never checked and the government does not give a damn. P2P is an organization that high schoolers do international travel through during the summer for those that did not know. When I was first told about checking the P2P option I thought well that is a sure way to get busted if any.

[Fun Luvr]

"as tourists will no longer be able to freely book their own flights directly with the airline. Instead, all travel to Cuba will have to go through an organized tour group. We will likely see cuts to frequencies offered on routes between the US and Cuba. " https://thepointsguy.com/2017/11/new...-restrictions/.

I think "the points guy" is all wet in that article. He is lumping all travel into the people-to-people category. He is correct about that category, but there are eleven other categories which are hardly affected other than the list of prohibited hotels, restaurants, etc.

During the next six months, there may be more scrutiny of returning visitors. The new policy requires the Secretary of the Treasury to regularly audit travel to Cuba to make sure travelers are complying with regulations and aren't traveling to Cuba for tourism. Treasury's inspector general is required to provide a report to the president on how audit requirements are being implemented within 180 days of the new regulations going into effect. After that, an annual report is required.

[Ty Down]

The twelve categories no longer include individual people-to-people travel. I think you are on shaky ground using the journalist category. If you are a professional journalist, then no problem. If not a professional, the other recognized type is freelance journalist. A freelance journalist must have a record of previous journalistic experience working on a freelance journalistic project. Also, your schedule of activities can not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule. I have not been able to find their definition of "full-time schedule", but I imagine it would be eight hours per day. The record keeping part requires that you keep a "full and accurate record" of your journalistic activities.

As with anything involving the government, if they want to make an example of you, they will. Hopefully, they will not bother the occasional traveler who doesn't create suspicion in other ways.

I suspect that you are correct. Fortunately I have done some freelance journalism in Africa on a couple university funded projects. I think I will be okay on this upcoming trip to Cuba, being that I have already purchased tickets to Cuba before these new restrictions were implemented. But it ain't looking good down the road.

- "as tourists will no longer be able to freely book their own flights directly with the airline. Instead, all travel to Cuba will have to go through an organized tour group. We will likely see cuts to frequencies offered on routes between the US and Cuba. " https://thepointsguy.com/2017/11/new...-restrictions/.

I always travel alone, there have been a few exceptions when a friend came along, but there's no way in hell I'm going to travel with an organized tour group, just not going to happen. It's a damn shame, Cuba has been a great getaway during the winter months, I can leave my house at 6 am and be in Havana for lunch.

Looks like Colombia will be next on my list, I will be saying my farewells while in Cuba, had some damn good times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMMMG3WPl7w

[Fun Luvr]

I haven't read the Treasury dept guidelines in detail yet, but from what I understand you can still go to Cuba under the 12 categories listed, just as before. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I have always traveled to Cuba under the Journalist category, and I do document my adventures in Cuba, (pics and video) of historic places and agriculture out in the campo.

The twelve categories no longer include individual people-to-people travel. I think you are on shaky ground using the journalist category. If you are a professional journalist, then no problem. If not a professional, the other recognized type is freelance journalist. A freelance journalist must have a record of previous journalistic experience working on a freelance journalistic project. Also, your schedule of activities can not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule. I have not been able to find their definition of "full-time schedule", but I imagine it would be eight hours per day. The record keeping part requires that you keep a "full and accurate record" of your journalistic activities.

As with anything involving the government, if they want to make an example of you, they will. Hopefully, they will not bother the occasional traveler who doesn't create suspicion in other ways.

[Fun Luvr]

Starting today:

It's unclear how aggressively the USA Will police the new rules. Officials said they would use information obtained from several USA Agencies to catch violators, who could be subject to penalties and criminal prosecution.

What other agencies? Customs, banks, airlines? Are the airlines snitching?

The Departments of State, Commerce, and Treasury all have a part in the regulations. The airlines are required to keep the form you fill out specifying your reason for travel for five years. I suppose the Government could ask for that information anytime.

[Ty Down]

List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated With Cuba as of November 9, 2017.

https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/c...ist/275331.htm

[Ty Down]

Support for the Cuba people category states "OFAC is requiring that each traveler under this travel category engage in a full-time schedule of activities that result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba". Do you think the Treasury Department personnel would look favorably on my schedule if I listed spending half a day in my room with a Cuban lady? Probably not!

But on a serious note, it appears the US government is somewhat encouraging travel if it involves renting a room in a private home, eating at privately owned restaurants, and shopping at privately owned stores. The difficulty is filling up the remaining hours in a day that satisfies the requirements.

I haven't read the Treasury dept guidelines in detail yet, but from what I understand you can still go to Cuba under the 12 categories listed, just as before. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I have always traveled to Cuba under the Journalist category, and I do document my adventures in Cuba, (pics and video) of historic places and agriculture out in the campo.

I guess I need to read up on which restaurants are legal or illegal to patronize.

I bought my plane ticket to Cuba a couple weeks ago so it will interesting to see what changes are really in place this trip.

[Fun Luvr]

Yes indeed. Sharpen your pencil and get your log books ready, and maintain a detailed record for 5 years for examination.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-ce...t_11082017.pdf

Support for the Cuba people category states "OFAC is requiring that each traveler under this travel category engage in a full-time schedule of activities that result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba". Do you think the Treasury Department personnel would look favorably on my schedule if I listed spending half a day in my room with a Cuban lady? Probably not!

But on a serious note, it appears the US government is somewhat encouraging travel if it involves renting a room in a private home, eating at privately owned restaurants, and shopping at privately owned stores. The difficulty is filling up the remaining hours in a day that satisfies the requirements.

[Mr Gogo]

New Cuba ban goes into effect tomorrow.

Starting today:

It's unclear how aggressively the USA Will police the new rules. Officials said they would use information obtained from several USA Agencies to catch violators, who could be subject to penalties and criminal prosecution.

What other agencies? Customs, banks, airlines? Are the airlines snitching?

I would advise all single Americans traveling to Cuba to make sure they follow all the new rules for now. They will probably try to make examples of travelers not in compliance with fines or prosecution. The key for us to pay attention how other countries react; will they work in cooperation with the United States or not. Might be back to traveling to Cuba via a third country if the US airlines aren't working in our favor.

[Ty Down]

New Cuba ban goes into effect tomorrow.

Yes indeed. Sharpen your pencil and get your log books ready, and maintain a detailed record for 5 years for examination.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-ce...t_11082017.pdf


"According to a fact sheet published on Nov. 8 by the Treasury Department, individual travel will still be allowed within 12 categories, including humanitarian and religious travel; family visits; journalistic activity; professional research; and participation in public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions.

Those traveling in these categories will still be able to book a flight and reserve a room online and they will not be required to apply for a specific license. However, they should pursue the activity in Cuba for which their license is granted, whether it be helping a religious group or bringing humanitarian aid, and keep records of their visit for the requisite five years."

[Chris H]

New Cuba ban goes into effect tomorrow.

[Questner]

Thanks Questner, appreciate the tip. So, the key here is to call each venue and ask them what is going on that week. Unfortunately, my casa owner is in Madrid so she cannot help me. I do speak Spanish and could call myself, so my question is what I am looking for in "stay of events" , are we looking for special band, ladies night, or will they tell us if there is something going on? Not quite sure what we are looking for to make the decision.

If anyone knows any specific location that is good on a certain day of the week always, please post as well, thanks.

Events are when particular popular Cuban group, singer or band is playing. Also, depending on your day activities, ask for matinees. Basically those events are scheduled during the day, say for example 4 to 7 pm.

[El Grande]

This is good info. Thanks ElGrande. What do you mean by matinees at Salon Rojo?

Club opens late afternoon and closes at midnight.

[Uncle Volodya]

Right! Cuba has its own schedule. Girls can be found depending on the police situation. One day its full of talents the other day it can be empty. I prefer the street action and use clubs only if it is bad weather or if I'm to lazy to chase a girl on the street. As far as it concerns clubs, 2 weeks ago Fantaxy & Don Cangrejo were open at weekends only. St. Johns was closed on Tuesday. Dauville was open all week. Salon Rojo had matinees only. Except Salon Rojo all of these clubs were full of available girls. A good indicator are the amount if chulos and taxis particulares waiting in front if the club. The more there are, the better.

This is good info. Thanks ElGrande. What do you mean by matinees at Salon Rojo?

[El Grande]

Totally agree, just got to get down there and dig in. Its very worth the time and effort.

Right! Cuba has its own schedule. Girls can be found depending on the police situation. One day its full of talents the other day it can be empty. I prefer the street action and use clubs only if it is bad weather or if I'm to lazy to chase a girl on the street. As far as it concerns clubs, 2 weeks ago Fantaxy & Don Cangrejo were open at weekends only. St. Johns was closed on Tuesday. Dauville was open all week. Salon Rojo had matinees only. Except Salon Rojo all of these clubs were full of available girls. A good indicator are the amount if chulos and taxis particulares waiting in front if the club. The more there are, the better.