Cuba visa issues

[All_at_Sea]

We intend to join our friends in Miami and then sail to Cuba. I am assuming this is possible and we get a visa in Miami? Anyone else done this? We then intend to fly back to Miami and then home. Sounds easy but l am sure officialdom will have something to say!

 

[BobnLesley]

We intend to join our friends in Miami and then sail to Cuba. I am assuming this is possible and we get a visa in Miami? Anyone else done this? We then intend to fly back to Miami and then home. Sounds easy but l am sure officialdom will have something to say!

Assuming that you're British, the Cuba Visa will be issued when you arrive at Marina Hemmingway in Havana; there aren't a lot of Cuban Embassies in the USA.

Sailing in should prove straightforward enough and there are regular flights between Havana and Miami, but I've no idea how it works with regard to getting 'signed off' the crew list for a departure by air

 

[RobbieW]

Would you also need to be concerned about a 'proper' checkout from the US when departing for Cuba given you'll be trying to re-enter the US shortly after ?

 

[AndrewB]

We (UK passport holders) were issued with a tourist card on arrival by yacht, valid for one month, can be extended for one month. Nothing needed in advance. But you might check with a Cuban embassy if this still is true.

If you depart from the USA, you won't be allowed to put Cuba as your destination on your departure papers, but the Cuban authorities will not be concerned about this. However, double check that your destination is a recognised port of entry for yachts, be sure to call on VHF well before entering, and expect a fairly gruelling inspection when you arrive.

There are only a limited number of places on the Cuban mainland where it is permitted to go ashore from a yacht (basically there has to be a marina). We had visiting crew join the yacht while in Cuba: however they had to check with the local harbourmaster to be added to the crew list.

If you return to USA direct from Cuba, prepare for a roasting: we did this and were threatened with expulsion, but ultimately they accepted we could do so with a British registered yacht. Make sure you are carrying nothing purchased in Cuba (specially rum and cigars). However, many yachts go via Mexico or Bahamas to avoid the hassle.

Your passport will not be stamped in Cuba if you tell them you are planning to visit USA.

 

[Foxy]

last cruised cuba in 2010 and didnt have many issues and none whatsoever returning to the us by boat. Pm if more info needed. Prob some of the best cruising we did.

 

[Bilgediver]

We intend to join our friends in Miami and then sail to Cuba. I am assuming this is possible and we get a visa in Miami? Anyone else done this? We then intend to fly back to Miami and then home. Sounds easy but l am sure officialdom will have something to say!

You will need a full Visa I believe to enter USA on an airline and leave by private boat....Visa Waiver thingy does not cut the mustard unless the rules were recently changed.

 

[Lysium]

You will need a full Visa I believe to enter USA on an airline and leave by private boat....Visa Waiver thingy does not cut the mustard unless the rules were recently changed.

Correct. A Full Visa will be required to enter the USA irregardless of just clearing these are the B1/B2.

More advise for the OP:

However from Miami when getting your Zarpe and entering Cuba as your next port will run into a few issues with the Americans. Cuba will not care that your clearing port was in the USA, just as long as you aren't from the USA.

If you're planning on returning via the USA, to avoid complications, head to another port that is not US, then that port to Cuba. Likewise when returning, do not clear from Havana to Miami, rather clear Havana - Port of choice that is not Cuba/US - Miami.

 

[AndrewB]

You will need a full Visa I believe to enter USA on an airline and leave by private boat....Visa Waiver thingy does not cut the mustard unless the rules were recently changed.

Not sure this is strictly true. Provided you fly into the USA, have a return airline ticket from USA, and are eligible for the visa waiver scheme, you don't need a full visa. At least I didn't when I flew into USA, crossed over to Canada by yacht and then back again, flew out.

However, expect all rules to be off if one is returning direct from Cuba!