Anyone going to the Festival Habanos in February?

[skindiver]

I am arriving 29 February. Not sure I want to go to the Festival events, but would love to meet up with Rob and Ken, well, maybe just Rob!

[raymond5737]

I'm interested in learning more!

[Upgrayedd]

I don't know very much about it, Raymond, but I did find some things out here: http://www.habanos.com/en/festival-habanos-noticias/

Looks like an amazing time.

[stunod]

I'm curious what the deal is with Americans traveling to Cuba. With all the restriction starting to be lifted, I still don't think you can just go. I think you have to request a visa or something.

Does anyone know the deal ?

[treberty]

I have been wanting to go for years! Maybe the planets will be aligned in 2016... Shops are fully stocked during the week before and empty after.

[TomF]

I'm curious what the deal is with Americans traveling to Cuba. With all the restriction starting to be lifted, I still don't think you can just go. I think you have to request a visa or something.

Does anyone know the deal ?

It's easy to go to Cuba from Canada or Mexico without getting your passport stamped from what I've read.

[Habana Mike]

If you read the information at the OFAC site:

OFAC has issued general licenses within the 12 categories of authorized travel for many travelrelated
transactions to, from, or within Cuba that previously required a specific license (i.e., an
application and a case-by-case determination).

Travel-related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the
following activities, subject to criteria and conditions in each general license: family visits;
official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental
organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational
activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other
competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of
private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission
of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

Do travelers who fall within the scope of a general license need to submit a written request
to OFAC for permission to travel or conduct transactions?

No. No further permission from OFAC is required to engage in transactions by a person who
meets all criteria in a general license. Individuals wishing to engage in activities that may fall
within the scope of a general license should review the relevant general licenses contained in the
CACR to determine whether their travel-related transactions are covered by such general licenses.
Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who wish to engage in any travel within the 12 categories of
activities specified in the CACR that does not meet the requirements of a general license will
need to apply for a specific license from OFAC.

This really hasn't changed much from even before the recent 'warming' of diplomatic relations.

You do also need to get a Cuban Visa which can typically be accomplished through your travel provider or the airline.

[brschoppe]

Cuba is definitely on my bucket list, but ironically, the prices I have seen for packages down there have actually gone up since Obama made his announcement in December. I actually saw Friendly Planet short tour price drop down to around $1600/pp a little over two years ago.

Earlier this year Business Insider sent some of their people down to Havana to do a "Lay-of-the-land" type of stories for Americans thinking of going. The following link points out some problems I would like to see solved before heading down there. I would definitely like some sort of ATM or Credit Card availability down there...even if it is just to pull some more cash out.

http://www.businessinsider.com/cuba-tourism-americans-problems-2015-6

[Bartolomeo]

Would like to for Cohibas Anniversary party

[CanuckSARTech]

Going. 10th anniv for AmiCigar, as well as the big anniversary for Cohiba too. It'll be a gooder.