So all eyes are now on the next National Assembly on Monday, where there is a cautious hope that progress will be made. But there is some resistance to changing a policy of almost 50 years," says Mr Hernandez. But I don't think it will be more than we have now," he says. They will not be lost to Cuba forever. Currently, anyone who stays overseas for more than 11 months loses residency rights.
According to the National Statistics Office, 38, people were "lost" in that way in alone. For many years, those who left the island were seen as traitors, enemies of the revolution. The rhetoric has changed, with official recognition that many Cubans leave for economic reasons. It's now argued that easing the travel restrictions would allow those who work abroad to maintain their ties with the island, and potentially return with new expertise and - critically - funds.
At this summer's art Biennial there was a silhouette of a plane breaking through fencing on the sea front and images of the Malecon sea wall, made of barbed wire. And one house in a city side street was decked-out as an airport, with human-like figures poking through windows and hanging from ceilings. Cuba requires visitors to have non-U. Cuba does not recognize the U. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.
Please verify this information with the Embassy of Cuba before you travel. Information about dual nationality , the prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations can be found on our websites.
Cuban Requirements for Authorized Travelers: Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are prohibited.
Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters, or airspace without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest. Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four to thirty years.
See 15 C. If you are planning to enter Cuba with a U. Please see the U. In addition, a vessel of the United States, as defined in 33 C. Coast Guard. The U. Coast Guard provides permission information at The security environment in Cuba is relatively stable and characterized by a strong military and police presence.
Demonstrations are infrequent but can be violent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without warning. Avoid demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Review the Cuba Travel Advisory. The Cuban government has detained U. The Cuban government may detain individuals for activities that would not be considered criminal or offensive in the United States.
Crime: With the recent influx of travelers, there has been an increase in the number of property crimes, as well as violent crimes. Crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatchings and car break-ins, are on the rise. There have also been recent reports of drugged sexual assault and armed robberies.
Victims of Crime: U. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at and contact the U. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U. Domestic Violence: U. Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.
First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.
Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information. The Government of Cuba does not recognize the U. Telecommunications: Many U. SIM cards with a data plan cannot be purchased at airports.
To ensure family and friends can reach you in Cuba, check with your mobile provider about roaming options and cost. The card will not enable you to make calls. Department of the Treasury to spend money related to travel to, from, or within Cuba. Direct financial transactions with certain entities and sub-entities under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services are also generally prohibited.
There are no limits on the import or export of informational materials. For more information related to imports, including merchandise entering the United States for personal use as accompanied baggage, please see the CBP Public Notice. Cuban law requires foreigners obtain authorization to take souvenir paintings and sculptures out of Cuba. Most authorized points of sale, such as galleries and art studios, should be familiar with this process and should provide the proper documentation at the time of purchase.
You can also apply for an export permit via the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets. Travelers without a valid export permit may have their items confiscated at the port of departure. Embassy cannot assist in these cases. For more information, please see the Cuban Customs Authority website.
Storm Season: Tropical storms between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. See our hurricane season page for more information. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.
Many vehicles, including public transport, suffer from lack of maintenance and roads are poorly lit and sign-posted. If you want to drive:. If involved in an accident, you are likely to be detained, regardless of who is at fault.
If you have a traffic accident where someone is killed or injured, the police investigation may take several months during which time the driver will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba. In some cases the driver may be imprisoned during this delay. Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged.
The hurricane season in Cuba extends from June to the end of November. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel , or the US National Hurricane Centre website.
In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans and identify your local shelter. Carry your travel documents at all times ie passport, picture IDs or secure them in a safe, waterproof location.
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.
We advise you to carry a photocopy of the relevant page of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. Cuba is increasingly used as a transit country for drugs destined for Europe. Cuban law allows for the death penalty and courts are handing out very severe penalties in excess of twenty years for all drug related offences.
Avoid any contact with prohibited drugs. Always pack your entire luggage yourself and never carry any items that do not belong to you in or out of the country. Note that it can often be difficult to access basic supplies toiletries, medicines, household goods, snacks in Cuba.
You should therefore make sure you are prepared in advance of travel. If you are unsure of the entry requirements for Cuba, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cuba. Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Cuba.
You should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.
But the expense of a visa from the destination country, the cost to travel and the fine print in the government announcement will probably keep most Cubans home. Only those Cubans who receive cash remittances from friends and family abroad will be able to afford it. Then there are the exceptions to the rule. The announcement made Oct. President Raul Castro said the regime will still decide who can renew or obtain passports.
The government will protect "human capital" in its decision-making, and travel can be denied for "national security reasons. Those deemed necessary to the Cuba socialist revolution — professionals such as doctors, scientists and engineers — can be prevented from departing.
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