Visiting Cuba - Suggestions for holidays, trains, itineraries, day-trips, and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in Cuba
| Beaches of Cuba Varadero >The nicest beaches in Cuba are at Varadero, about a 2 hour drive/bus ride fro... Changing money in Cuba Havana >Currency exchange is a pain. You'll generally need to get convertible pesos (sa... | Transfers at Havana airport >Havana (Jose Marti International) is a regular first-world caliber airport. You s... Getting to Cuba from the US >It's pretty easy to get to Havana from the US, albeit indirectly. The best method for... |
Getting back into the US after a Cuba trip is an easy process. You should prepare well to make it easier on yourself.
First, it’s much safer to have a 24-hour layover in your Mexico gateway city. This ensures flight data is not sent to the US and gives you some breathing room.
Get rid of *all* signs of Cuba in your luggage. Dispose of any guidebooks or receipts you may have. And don’t even think of bringing rum or cigars!
If you get questioned or someone mentions Cuba, do *NOT* admit to anything. They can’t arrest you and you’ll only hurt yourself. Be nice and tell Customs you’ve been through Mexico. If they press, you can just decline to answer their questions and there’s nothing they can do. If you ever admit to anything, they can use your word against you so just clam up and eventually they’ll have to let you go. They can’t hold you there after a few hours of you gently not answering their questions. If pressed, you can gently mention that you have a Fifth Amendment right to be silent.
