Just wondering if there were any Americans that have experience travelling down to Cuba to do some diving. Any advice, horror stories, or tips would be greatly appreciated. Still trying to figure out the best country to stop off at on the way, in case some borders ask more questions than others. Most of the information I have found on the site regards Canadians. Thanks
Americans that have been to Cuba?
- Thread starter lsdmt
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Isdmt,
I wish. I've seriously looked into a trip but wimped out in exchange for safety.
Good diving, Craig
I wish. I've seriously looked into a trip but wimped out in exchange for safety.
Good diving, Craig
I had a great time down there. The people were friendly and although I did not dive on that trip I went all over the country and had not one bad thing happen on the trip.
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- Philadelphia and Boynton Beach
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When I said safety, I actually meant entry and exit without a visa. Though perhaps unlikely, the ramifications could be quite serious. I'd really like to visit someday.
Good diving, Craig
Good diving, Craig
DennisS
Contributor
Only a select group of americans are allowed to visit Cuba, average every day americans are not allowed. I'd like to get down their as soon as our government allows it's citizens to travel freely. Hopefully that will happen soon.
riverdiver
Contributor
I was down their over 25 years ago and the vis was unreal, lots of marine life would love to go back.
Does Gitmo count?
kjack_1
Guest
It's listed in my dive log that way. 
The Cuban government will not stamp an entry visa directly in a US passport. Cuba does not have a problem with US tourists spending money there, but does impose a 10% penalty on exchange of US dollars - take Canadian or Euros.
You can easily reach Cuba by transiting another country, but... many countries stamp both entry and exit stamps in your passport. In theory, it could be apparent that you went somewhere and did not get your passport stamped. In practice, so long as you aren't wearing a Viva la Revolución t-shirt and carrying a box of Montecristos under your arm as you walk back through US Immigration, you will probably be alright.
You can easily reach Cuba by transiting another country, but... many countries stamp both entry and exit stamps in your passport. In theory, it could be apparent that you went somewhere and did not get your passport stamped. In practice, so long as you aren't wearing a Viva la Revolución t-shirt and carrying a box of Montecristos under your arm as you walk back through US Immigration, you will probably be alright.
In the "old" days (before pasport requirements) you could use your birth certificate to go to Mexico, Jamaica, or the Bahamas and then pasport to go into Cuba. This way you didn't get the exit and entry stamps in your passport when leaving or entering these countries from Cuba.
I remember a Canadian company that marketed Cuba dive trips to Americans, primarily to the "Isle of Pines" with stays and tours in Havana, but as I understand, they have been closed for a quite a while now.
I remember a Canadian company that marketed Cuba dive trips to Americans, primarily to the "Isle of Pines" with stays and tours in Havana, but as I understand, they have been closed for a quite a while now.
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