U. S. RegulationsOur ServicesOur Consular consultants can help you with every aspect of processing your visa or passport with the Cuban Interest Section in Washington DC. You can contact their office as follows: Washington D.C. 20220 Telephone: 202 622-2520 All visitors must possess a valid passport in their name and a visa issued by an embassy or consulate abroad, or a Cuban Tourist Card for a cost of $75.00, except for countries with which Cuba has visa exemption agreements. The tourist visa or tourist card is valid for 30 days, expendable for up to 6 months. When traveling by sea, crew members must communicate with the port authorities before entering territorial waters (12 nautical miles from the island shelf). Communication with the authorities can be established by the HF Channels (SSB) 2760 for the National Coastal Network and 2790 for the Travel Network, or by the VHF Channel 68 for the National Coastal Network, or Channel 16 for the Tourist Network. Customs Regulations Tourists do not have to fill the Customs Declaration form except for regulated, imported products or items; or sums of money in excess of 5,000 USD. The following are prohibited at entry: narcotics, pornography, blood products, and explosives and firearms (except those duly authorized for hunting on arrival in Cuba). Also prohibited at entry are the following: electrical equipment; such as, freezers with a capacity of more than 7 cubic feet, air conditioners, stoves and burners, ovens and microwaves, showers and water heaters, deep fryers, and some types of irons and toasters. To view the full list of prohibited items go to http://www.aduana.co.cu/prohi.htm. Certain items are regulated at entry; such as, satellite phones, wireless faxes, wireless phones and other communication devices; GPSs; live animals and plants; and animal products and vegetables, whether processed or not. To view the complete list of items for which entry into the country is regulated, go to http://www.aduana.co.cu/regula.htm. The following are tax exempt: personal items including jewelry, cameras or videos, sporting goods and camping equipment, portable DVDs, laptops or notebook computers, two bottles of liquor, one carton of cigarettes, and up to 22 pounds (10 Kg) of pharmaceutical drugs. Imported items can have a value up to 1,000 USD, of which the first 50 USD are exempt from fees and the remainder is taxed at a tariff of up to 200%. For details see http://www.aduana.co.cu/ropai.htm. The cash input is unlimited, but it is recommended to declare figures above 5,000 USD to re-export because for amounts that are less, a Customs Declaration is required. When leaving the country, Cuba allows a free export of 50 Cuban cigars (according to Resolution No. 6-2007 effective on June 1, 2007). If more than 50 cigars are purchased, they may be exported provided they are in their original, closed and sealed packaging with the official hologram. Also, it is required to submit an invoice for your purchase from an establishment accredited to do so. Exploration of the country's works of art or antiques should be covered by a permit from the National Registry of Cultural Property Directorate of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. Similarly, output is controlled for domestically produced medicines, the removal of national currency (maximum allowable: 200.00 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) and 100.00 CUP (Current Cuban Peso) with serial numbers that are not more than 50 years old, and artifacts and collections that are not covered by official documentation. The departure tax in Cuban international airports is 25.00 CUC. See the exchange rates for other currencies on the Central Bank of Cuba's website http://www.bc.gov.cu/english/home.asp. For additional information, visit the Aduna of the Republic of Cuba's website http://www.aduana.co.cu. At the beginning of 2007, new Customs regulations were enacted in relation to the assessment of the weight of baggage allowed. In accordance with these resolutions, passengers can bring the following items free from Customs duties:
The following items can also enter the country by paying Customs duties at the rate of 10.00 CUC per kilogram: - Up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of miscellaneous items as imports for your family. View the content of the Dispatch System through Alternate Weight Rating for the exact baggage weights allowed for entry to Cuba. Effective June 1, 2007, the Office of the Republic of Cuba has issued 3 decisions that alter the possibilities of import and export of certain items: - Resolution No 4-2007 supports the non-commercial import of power generators and video equipment, DVDs, Play Stations, etc. - Resolution No 5 - 2007 allows the import of bodies, motors, and spare parts for cars, motorcycles and any motor vehicles for persons authorized by the agency where the interested party works and has a Vehicle Registration Certificate certifying that they own the vehicle(s) for which the components or parts are intended. - Resolution No 6-2007 allows the travelers to export up to 50 cigars without crediting their purchase in stores of the State. They may export above this amount provided they are in their original packaging, unopened, and sealed with the official hologram; and they must present the invoice of their purchase in an establishment that is accredited to do so. Health Regulations There are only health restrictions for visitors from countries where yellow fever and cholera are an epidemic or have been declared infected areas by the World Health Organization, in which case an International Certificate of Vaccination is required. The entry of products of animal or vegetable origin is restricted, and the entry of pets require special procedures. Domestic animals (pets) must be vaccinated and have the appropriate documentation. American Citizens (USA) U.S. citizens entering the country must take into account that:
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