Although there are restrictions in place owing to the U.S. trade embargo, technically, it's not illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba; what is illegal is spending money in the country. American companies cannot conduct business with companies in Cuba, and neither can individual Americans. Hence, credit cards issued by U.S. companies and insurance policies provided by U.S. insurers are not valid in Cuba; American airlines do not fly directly to Cuba (though there is charter-flight service from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles); and American tour operators and travel agents do not offer packages directly to the island.

Restrictions on individuals and businesses are contained within the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, first enacted in 1963 under the Trading with the Enemy Act, but revised through the years. For complete details on the latest regulations and on licenses for travel to Cuba contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (PHONE: 202/622-2520 in Washington DC; 305/810-5140 in Miami; FL; http://www.treas.gov/ofac). In an effort to help explain the restrictions further, the U.S. State Department (www.state.gov/www/regions/wha/cuba/index.html) has also developed a useful Web site.

For official travel to Cuba, look into OFAC general and specific licenses. Those who qualify for a general license need not inform the OFAC in advance of their visit nor obtain a written OFAC license. Specific licenses are more complicated: if you qualify, you must obtain a written license by writing to the OFAC stating your name and title, when you plan to travel, and the length and purpose of your visit. Travel with either type of license allows you to spend up to $187 a day on hotels, meals, transportation, and other basics. You can also return to the United States with Cuban products whose value totals no more than $100 (educational and informational material, film, CDs, and books are exempt). Save your receipts, as a Cuban stamp in your passport will no doubt raise red flags with U.S. Customs officials.

The following U.S. travelers qualify for an OFAC general license: government personnel on official business; journalists and their support staff who are employed full time by a publication or broadcast company (such travelers should have a company ID with a photograph, business cards, and a letter -- on company letterhead -- verifying full-time employment); fully hosted travelers (who, however, are not entitled to the spending allowances and purchases enjoyed by others holding a general license); and individuals visiting close relatives (such trips are limited to once a year, though exceptions are made -- via a specific license -- for humanitarian reasons).

The following Americans can apply for a specific license: those involved in business, academic, international-relations, and human-rights research; people visiting close relatives more than once in a 12-month period for extreme humanitarian reasons; freelance journalists; graduate students; professors who will be lecturing at educational institutions; athletes who will be competing in events; and artists and performers who will be participating in exhibitions or concerts. Those accompanying licensed humanitarian donations (as specified by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Export Administrations) also qualify for a specific license.

Licenses are also available for individuals or establishments affiliated with a U.S.-based religious organization. Such licenses must be renewed every two years. Travelers associated with a licensed organization are free to travel to Cuba as long as they carry a letter from the organization stating its license number and that the individual is affiliated with the organization and is traveling for the purpose of religious activity in Cuba under the organization's auspices.

US citizens with a license to travel to Cuba, follow these steps:

1. Ask for a Cuban visa at Cuban Interest Section in Washington, D.C.
   Contact info: Tel: (202) 797 8518 to 20, Fax: (202) 797 8521, Address: 2630 16 St. N W. Washington D. C. 20009. Web: http://www.geocities.com/cubainte


2. Air tickets to and from Cuba
   You should make your airline reservation from your city of departure to any of the international airports in Cuba. For information about locations and tour options contact us.


3. What you would like to do in Cuba
   Here is where we can serve you best. We have the hotel, transit, event/activity information or tour package that you want, whether you are coming on business, for an event or for pleasure. Within 48 hours we will get back to you with a confirmation of your requested reservations.

US citizens without a license to come to Cuba, follow these steps:

1. What you need before go to Cuba
   All you need is a valid passport. You can pick up a Cuban tourist card at any airport counter outside the US that has flights to Cuba.


2. Air tickets to and from Cuba
   You should make your flight reservation to a third country in such a way as to make a connection with one of the frequent flights from there to Cuba.


3. What you would like to do in Cuba
   This is where we can do the most for you. From hotel reservations to car, camper or bicycle rentals, to tickets for events, to guided tours to meeting facilities to whatever there is to do in Cuba, we are the ones to make it happen for you. Within 48 hours we will confirm, by email, whatever reservations you have requested.