Cuba to the US

[Erico]

I am planning a trip that involves going direct from Cuba to Florida. The boat is British registered and all crew have British passports. Given this scenario, am I likely to get into trouble with US immigration & customs.

Should I be thinking about going out of my way to check into the Bahamas ($300 cruising permit) so that I am not entering the US direct from Cuba?

Thanks Eric

 

[Talbot]

Not sure about the direct from Cuba buisness, but do know that you need a proper visa in the passport in order to visit USA by boat. Furthermore you will need to ensure that the port of entry marina is set up to deal with entry from abroad, as they have some stringent requirements for this now from Homeland Security.

 

[SimonJ]

Non US nationals & non US reg vessels are supposed to be immune from the particularly draconian rules that apply to US boats/people who are not permitted to return dirctly from Cuba or spend money there, or bring anything back.
Note that US Customs/immigration "officers" are not always regarded as the most intelligent or knowledgeable people you will meet! That is to say you may know more about the rules than they do and thus they can make things difficult in the post 9/11 climate of paranoia that exists - whether or not their rules are complied with. Probably best to avoid having any Cuban product aboard.
What you MUST all have are US visas which can only be obtained outside the USA at a major US Embassy eg Lisbon, London,Trinidad.
You might find it advisable (and very enjoyable) to visit the Bahamas - the Exumas for example are amazing for cruising but you have to be careful to select places with adequate depth. This restricts the choice but still leaves some great anchorages. I believe the $300 charge applies to boats of more than 35ft LOA and $100 below - for any period.

 

[Sea Devil]

I did it a while ago - Cuba to Key West - A US patrol boat came by and asked for passport numbers and registration no - all on VHF and did not board - the authorities in Key West were really not interested... If you have the correct visas in your passports and it is a British Registered boat then there should be no problems.

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[Salty John]

Re: Correct Visa

Brian,
I'm afraid the old multiple entry visas were all cancelled a few years ago, when the visa waver program was introduced. You need a B1/B2 visa.
Cheers,
John

 

[Sea Devil]

Re: Correct Visa

I had a multi entry business visa but that is no good - there is a special visa for entering by boat.... You can get one in London, Trinidad is where I got mine and I 'think' Nassau issues them. There has to be a US Consulate of a certain size... Most of the WI islands do not issue them... Calling or emailing your local US consulate will be the best move I think but make sure they understand you are sailing in - in your own boat..