# Any American snuck into Cuba lately?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-american-snuck-into-cuba-lately/194921>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 13, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-american-snuck-into-cuba-lately/194921 "2003-08-13T14:51:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![tlt1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@tlt1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tlt1)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-american-snuck-into-cuba-lately/194921/1 "2003-08-13T14:51:52Z")

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Hi- I was wondering if anybody has snuck into Cuba through Cancun lately. I think this used to be pretty common, but I susspect the authorities have cracked down post 9-11, and I’m a little worried after I heard the feds are planning to fine those clowns who snuck into Iraq (pretty much the same crime)

I should point out that I am not going to cause any trouble, or to make a protest or anything, some pals and I just want to sample some sun, rum, and cigars. As we will probably be in Cancun a night or two on the front and back end of the trip, I doubt anyone would have any reason to suspect that we were not in Cancun the entire week.

I’ve done a fair amount of research on the net, and haven’t heard of anyone actually getting a fine, but first hand accounts are kind of rare. Hoping someone on the board might have “been there, done that” Also, if you went to Cuba leagally for vacation and have some advice, please share.

I know the basics like not getting your passport stamped in Havavna and not bringing back a shipment of contraband.

Thanks in advance.

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**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-american-snuck-into-cuba-lately/194921/2 "2003-08-13T15:52:13Z")

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[What the State Department has to say about that…](http://travel.state.gov/cuba.html)

> [@](#):
>
> The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any transaction related to travel to, from and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.

There are exceptions for familial visits, business meetings or baseball players, among others.

You could do it, but you’d do it at your own risk.

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**Author:** ![John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Kentzel-Griffin)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-american-snuck-into-cuba-lately/194921/3 "2003-08-13T15:58:50Z")

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Asking for assistance in violating laws is not allowed on this board.

Don’t do this again.

This is closed.

**DrMatrix** - GQ Moderator