Travel to Cuba legally

[Sharpone13]

??? ??? ???
Hello, Everyone!
Me and my mother would like to know how can we travel to Cuba legally? I do know about US regulations in regards to Cuba-travel. But there should be some other ways of doing it! I don't think that we are qualifying for any general or spcecific licenses... I do not belong to any legal/governmentlal organizations, so it makes it more difficult to obtain the permit to travel to Cuba..
Still, I am fighting , and I need to win! I do need to go to Cuba , regardless. I am afraid to use a third country way, because of new tide regulations.
Please, let me know if you got suggestions.
I would like to meet Cuba-friendly travelers from US with similar issue.. Hope tp see the answer to my question soon, THANKS!

[cubafish]

Sharpone: No offense, but yours is somewhat of a strange post. First, you don't say if you & your mother are US citizens or South African citizens and you don't say where your travel will be originating from? Your citizenship and origination point makes a lot of difference for anyone attempting to answer your questions. Second, you place your post in the Fishing Form, but the post has nothing to do with fishing. Third, you say "I am afraid to use a third country way, because of new tide regulations." FYI, only travelers who have a license from OFAC (US Treasury Dept) can travel on the direct US to Cuba flights, otherwise if your trip originates in the US you have no choice but to travel through a third country. Forth, care to explain what "new tide regulation" means?

[Sharpone13]

Hi, Cubafish,
I am a US citizen and I will be traveling from the US..
I am familiar with all described governmental restraints to travel to Cuba, I was refering to them as to " tide regulations..." I thought, it was self-explainatory. But, As I have mentioned , I am looking for any ways of vising this country, I do not care weather it is going to be fishing trip or doing some humanitarian project.
Thanks for replying...
Sharpone.

[GeneDebs]

Since Bush essentially yanked the plug on specific licenses for traveling to Cuba, the possibilities for American citizens to travel to Cuba have been severely limited. Specific licenses are usually licenses for groups or organizations that emphasize people to people or humanitarian or cultural exchange travel. You will have a very, very difficult time finding any of these groups now able to travel to Cuba.

That leaves several alternatives which apply only if: you are Cuban-American, a journalist, a professional engaged in professional research and activities. If the first, no problem, you're allowed travel once a year. If the second or third, good luck. Here, too, Bush has been pulling and cancelling license left and right - - see my earlier post on the medical research conference in Havana.

Basically, at this point, if a non-Cuban American wants to travel to Cuba - - and you have no professional purpose - - you'll have to travel illegally and risk Treasury/OFAC fines etc. IMHO

[cubafish]

Good advice from Gene - I could not have said it better.

[Sharpone13]

Tnanks, Guys,
I will try.. There are a few legal organizations with license to travel to Cuba yet.. I guess, I will try and see.
I do not want to take the change to be cought.
Best wishes,
Sharpone.

[slydog]

i just got this email last week form cuba aids project.

they have room for legal travellers in april.

i have not used them , but here they do good things in cuba.

need to give time, but for good cause.

"Hello all,
This is just a friendly reminder that if you are interested in attending our Spring Symposium from April 25 through May 4, please don't hesitate. We only have 2 symposiums left for this licensing period and the June Symposium is already full. Remember that we cannot hold a place for you until we have all the paperwork in our hands.

We are looking for "independent" travelers who can travel together as a group. In other words, we need people who can adapt quickly to change and who have a resilient spirit. Also, we are looking for people who have some type of professional or volunteer medical experience and/or who can act as translators. Of course, most of all, we are looking for people who are serious about our mission and will be responsible in their behavior.

For more information, please see our website at www.cubaaidsproject.com . "

[Sharpone13]

Thanks a lot! That would be the best way of traveling for me. I will check into it pronto.
Best to you,
Sharpone.