Havana

[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.

[StudBucket]

Hey Stud,

First, I'd have to agree with Mr G in his post and what he tells you about Habana.

Just a heads up, since you mention in your post that you're fluent in Espaol, when you're near a radio turn on radio Taino-FM. They have updates pretty often on what goes on at the different venues in la Habana. I take it the place where you're staying has a radio, right?

BTW, I listened to it online here just to be aware what's going on down there.

http://www.radiotaino.icrt.cu/web/site/audiodemanda

Mondo.

Okay thanks for everyone who responded, it makes a lot more sense now. I was not aware that the nightlife changes that often, but these last few posts really made me aware. I will definitely do a lot of research and asking. Thanks Mondo for the radio tip, yes, I will have radio access and will keep my radar on for events. And Mr. Gogo, thanks for pointing out LaGrunge disco and the Hotel Deauville disco as I missed those or did not see those on prior posts. Will definitely check them out.

[Mondo707]

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.

Hey Stud,

First, I'd have to agree with Mr G in his post and what he tells you about Habana.

Just a heads up, since you mention in your post that you're fluent in Español, when you're near a radio turn on radio Taino-FM. They have updates pretty often on what goes on at the different venues in la Habana. I take it the place where you're staying has a radio, right?

BTW, I listened to it online here just to be aware what's going on down there.

http://www.radiotaino.icrt.cu/web/site/audiodemanda

Mondo.

[Chris H]

I replied below, but you are wasting you time asking here for specifics because you have to be on the ground doing your own research. Some nights are for couples, other nights it's for alternative shit, then you might have a certain band playing. Not sure if a phone call will satisfy your curiosity, Cuba is not that simple bro. You are trying to make it easy and I respect that but Cuba is not easy.

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