Although Cuba is just 93 miles south of Florida, most Americans know little about it. Here are some frequently asked questions. Why can't I just fly to Cuba from Canada? That used to happen more often. Now, the U.S. government shares air passenger manifests and immigration data with Canada. You may think you've snuck in to Cuba, but later you may get a bill for $2,000-$7,500 for the violation. A high-tech world makes detection an increasing likelihood no matter what third country you fly through. Still, an estimated 20,000 Americans travel to Cuba illegally each year.">Although Cuba is just 93 miles south of Florida, most Americans know little about it. Here are some frequently asked questions. Why can't I just fly to Cuba from Canada? That used to happen more often. Now, the U.S. government shares air passenger manifests and immigration data with Canada. You may think you've snuck in to Cuba, but later you may get a bill for $2,000-$7,500 for the violation. A high-tech world makes detection an increasing likelihood no matter what third country you fly through. Still, an estimated 20,000 Americans travel to Cuba illegally each year.">

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FAQ on Cuba travel

Although Cuba is just 93 miles south of Florida, most Americans know little about it. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Why can't I just fly to Cuba from Canada?

That used to happen more often. Now, the U.S. government shares air passenger manifests and immigration data with Canada. You may think you've snuck in to Cuba, but later you may get a bill for $2,000-$7,500 for the violation. A high-tech world makes detection an increasing likelihood no matter what third country you fly through. Still, an estimated 20,000 Americans travel to Cuba illegally each year.

Meanwhile, 800,000 Canadians a year legally vacation in Cuba, because Canada has no prohibition against it.

Why do I have to go on an organized tour? Why can't I just fly to Havana from Miami and do my own thing?

There is no regular commercial air service between the U.S. and Cuba, only charters. The only way the average American can legally visit is to be on an organized tour with a group that has a special license for the new "people to people" trips. Those started this month. Tours must be cultural in nature, not lie-on-the-beach vacations.

I know a teacher who just went to Cuba legally. How could she have gone?

There are long-standing exemptions for academics, journalists, religious groups and those with family in Cuba.

I saw companies other than Insight Cuba offer trips to Cuba, but some trips have since been canceled. Why?

They jumped the gun, advertising trips that would use third parties to provide trips, which is not allowed under the regulations.

Why can't I travel to Cuba on my own if I want to? It seems un-American.

Cuba is the only country Americans are essentially forbidden to visit because of a ban on spending money there. Congress controls the embargo rules against Cuba. If you feel strongly about the ban, call your member of Congress.

Is the food in Cuba similar to what you get in a Cuban restaurant in the States?

No. The food in Cuba is monotonous. The government controls the food supply, with the population living on rations. Most food is imported, a problem in a nation of limited means. Even the private home restaurants called paladars have to work with the unappealing ingredients they can get.

Is there a lot of crime?

Cuba is safe compared to other Caribbean nations, Mexico or many spots in the U.S.

Why can't I bring home cigars or other souvenirs?

The trade embargo bans Americans from spending money in Cuba because it aids the Cuban government. The only exemptions are literature, music or art. The restrictions are similar to those imposed on Americans returning from Iran and North Korea.

Members of our group did bring back handicrafts. Some slipped a single cigar in their pockets.

Shopping, at any rate, is difficult. There are almost no stores. Most of the economy is underground.

Is Cuba rich or poor?

Cuba has a free public health system, a high life expectancy of 79, a 99% adult literacy rate and a good school system. However, because no private enterprise exists, except for a few private farms and restaurants, citizens get their puny wages from the government. The per-capita income in Cuba is just $9,900 per year. Many people exist on food rations and a $20 a month salary. The nation overall is poor.

Why don't Cuban hotels accept credit cards?

Cuba does accept credit and debit cards -- except from the U.S. The U.S. government prohibits banks from processing transactions in Cuba. That means cash only. A dollar is worth about 87 cents in Cuban currency.

Are you brainwashed when you visit Cuba? It's Communist.

Other than a few Che Guevara billboards, you won't see anything overtly anti-American. I did attend one lecture that laid out Cuba's gripes against the U.S., but it was historically of interest, not threatening. Jingoism is easy to spot and discount in any nation. And Americans travel all the time to Vietnam and China, both of which have Communist governments; the U.S. does not restrict tourism to those countries.

Contact Ellen Creager: 313-222-6498

Source: /www.freep.com/article/20110828/FEATURES07/108280402/1025/rss05

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