Post #194081 by thejab on Fri, Oct 21, 2005 10:42 AM

On 2005-10-21 08:12, Digitiki wrote:
Yes, you can legally bring back a small amount, a bottle or two I think.

No you cannot. You can bring up to 1 liter (not much) of tequila or legal booze but you cannot bring back any Cuban rum or cigars or other products. By law they can confiscate the rum, plus if they disover it your car may be searched very thoroughly which will delay you for a long time.

From the State Dept.:

If U.S. travelers return from Cuba with Cuban origin goods, such goods, with the exception of informational materials, may be seized at Customs' discretion. [Section 515.204 of the Regulations.] Cuban cigars and rum are routinely confiscated at U.S. ports of entry. The fact that Cuban cigars and rum are purchased in a "duty free" shop at the Havana Airport does not exempt them from seizure by US customs. There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials [Section 515.206 of the Regulations]. Such materials, for example books, films, tapes and CDs, are statutorily exempt from regulation under the embargo and may be transported freely. However, blank tapes and CDs are not considered informational materials and may be seized.

That's not to say I have not successfully brought back several bottles of cuban rum in my luggage driving across. I told the border agent I had a bottle of tequila when they asked if I was bringing anything across.