Why is tourism illegal in cuba

Department of the Treasury. Anyone located in the United States, regardless of citizenship and nationality, must comply with these regulations.

Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered by a general license. If travel is not covered by a general license, you must seek OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license.

Travelers who fail to comply with regulations may face penalties and criminal prosecution. For travel-specific questions, please see 31 C. Visit the Embassy of Cuba website for the most current visa information. Cuba requires visitors to have non-U. Cuba does not recognize the U. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports.

Cuban-born U. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Cuba before you travel. Information about dual nationality , the prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations can be found on our websites. Cuban Requirements for Authorized Travelers: Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are prohibited.

Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters, or airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest. Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four to thirty years.

See 15 C. If you are planning to enter Cuba with a U. Please see the U. In addition, a vessel of the United States, as defined in 33 C. Coast Guard. The U. Coast Guard provides permission information at The security environment in Cuba is relatively stable and characterized by a strong military and police presence.

Demonstrations are infrequent but can be violent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without warning. Avoid demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Review the Cuba Travel Advisory. The Cuban government has detained U. The Cuban government may detain individuals for activities that would not be considered criminal or offensive in the United States. Crime: With the recent influx of travelers, there has been an increase in the number of property crimes, as well as violent crimes.

Crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatchings and car break-ins, are on the rise. There have also been recent reports of drugged sexual assault and armed robberies. Victims of Crime: U. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at and contact the U. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U. Domestic Violence: U. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.

First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.

For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information. The Government of Cuba does not recognize the U. Telecommunications: Many U. SIM cards with a data plan cannot be purchased at airports. To ensure family and friends can reach you in Cuba, check with your mobile provider about roaming options and cost.

The card will not enable you to make calls. Department of the Treasury to spend money related to travel to, from, or within Cuba. Direct financial transactions with certain entities and sub-entities under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services are also generally prohibited. There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials. For more information related to imports, including merchandise entering the United States for personal use as accompanied baggage, please see the CBP Public Notice.

Cuban law requires foreigners obtain authorization to take souvenir paintings and sculptures out of Cuba. Most authorized points of sale, such as galleries and art studios, should be familiar with this process and should provide the proper documentation at the time of purchase.

You can also apply for an export permit via the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets. Travelers without a valid export permit may have their items confiscated at the port of departure. Embassy cannot assist in these cases. For more information, please see the Cuban Customs Authority website. Storm Season: Tropical storms between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain.

See our hurricane season page for more information. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Individuals with mobility issues are likely to find accessibility difficult. Few facilities or services are available, and information is limited. Most roads and sidewalks are poorly maintained. Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Visit the U. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage prior to arrival and keep your boarding pass.

You will need it to obtain medical care. Note: This site is in Spanish only. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Robert Curley. Robert Curley. Robert Curley is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in Caribbean Island and Rhode Island travel.

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On an island dependent on tourism, there are now virtually no tourists. Alejandro, the driver of a classic Chevy convertible who asked we not use his last name, is just one Cuban who works in the tourism industry and is feeling the pain.

We didn't think it would last this long. His savings long gone, Alejandro said friends from the US have wired him money to help him get by. He said he knows why vintage classic cars like his Chevy are now a rare sight on the streets of Havana.

I wouldn't be able to afford to fix my car, and I need to have it ready for when things open. When exactly Cuba will reopen is a constant source of speculation for Cubans.

In March, after the first three cases of coronavirus -- visiting Italian tourists -- were detected, the communist-run government said it would heighten screening at airports and that the island's expansive, if battered, state-run medical system could offer visitors "safe tourism" during the pandemic.