AnswersUnhappy

I am unhappy that I have to pay hundreds of dollars in extra (travel service provider) fees and endure a lengthy application process with a department of the U.S. government in order to exercise my basic right to travel to another country. I’ll be even more angry if I’m denied. Isn’t there any way to by-pass this process without getting into serious trouble?

There are no sure-fire ways you can travel to Cuba and back in contravention of the embargo laws without some risk of getting nabbed—but there are ways you can reduce the risk. Section 1 and 2 in

by Michael Bellows (See CUBA INFORMATION MANUAL in the menu list on this site) offers invaluable tips used by veteran blockade runners and also unveils the best tactics to fight the civil penalties sometimes—not always—levied on those caught violating the embargo laws.
Most blockade runners slip into Cuba by air via a third country. As a rule, the immigration officers in Cuba will not stamp your passport on arrival because they know you can get into trouble with the U.S. authorities when you return home. When you fill out the customs declaration card that you are required to present to the U.S. immigration officer back in the States, do not list Cuba under “countries visited on this trip prior to U.S. arrival,” and, under no circumstances, do not admit to an officer that you were in Cuba, even if you are asked. Discard all evidence related to your stay in Cuba, including all receipts, airline tickets, telephone numbers and addresses, travel documents, Cuban money, baggage tags, or products purchased in Cuba. Without any physical or testimonial evidence of your Cuba visit, the U.S. authorities have next to nothing they can use against you should your case ever be brought to court.

(continued)