Post #160192 by ZebraTiki on Thu, May 19, 2005 3:49 PM

Jab, you wonderful fearless adventurer, you -
Wherever you depart from will require a "tourist visa" as well as your US passport. The tourist visa is what everyone is predominantly concerned with, which sometimes (but not always) includes a US Treasury Dept. License regarding how much money moves around.

Here' what the US Department of State says about it:

CUBA - *Passport and visa required. For specific requirements, consult the Cuban Interests Section, 2630 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/797-8518). AIDS test required for those staying longer than 90 days. Attention: U.S. citizens need a U.S. Treasury Department license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to and within Cuba (this includes the use of U.S. currency). Before planning any travel to Cuba, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of Treasury, (202/622-2480) or http://www.treas.gov/ofac.

I know several people who have gone on ornithological trips (departing from Fla.), and used a tourist visa, as it was quicker than their perfectly valid academic arrangements. Apparently, people who tromp around looking for endangered species, and spend half a day in a bird blind don't spend as much money as regular ole tourists.

Cuba is also full of classic American cars that are in amazing shape.

Isn't it more glamorous for you to skip off to Nassau first, though?