Can U.S. Citizens Travel To Cuba?
May 10, 2007 at 10:11 AM |
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Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is under investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department for taking ailing September 11 rescue workers to Cuba for a segment in his upcoming health-care documentary SiCKO. SiCKO, coincidentally, premieres May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival and debuts in U.S. theaters June 29.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control recently informed Moore that it was conducting a civil investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba.
According to Moore's website, he considers this incident an attack by the Bush Administration on his newest controversial film.
However, what is far more pertinent to us is the question of U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. According to the U.S. government:
The Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any travel-related transactions related to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations will face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.
Underneath the restrictions section the document states that licenses are granted to "journalists and supporting broadcasting or technical personnel".
How do you get Cuban travel clearance?
The easiest way is to hold two passports. If you have dual citizenship use your non-U.S. passport to enter and leave Cuba, and make your travel plans through a third airport outside the U.S., in Canada or Mexico.
Only have a U.S. passport and want to go to Cuba? You can go through the above channels to get yourself licensed, or you can deal directly with charter flight companies, like C & T Charters, who has been flying directly from terminal four at JFK direct to Havana since December of 2006.
Your best bet is probably to check out these daily flights out of Miami and call the listed number.
Good luck, and if you get there by all means send tips and photos our way.
Related Stories:
· Bush Administration Goes After SiCKO [Michael Moore]
· Consular Information Sheet [Travel.State.Gov]
· Hotels in Havana [HotelChatter]
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