Im relatively new to the cigar world. I smoke on occasion, but normally whatever the shop owners suggest as a good cigar.

So I have no brand preference. Nor could I really list off the names of the brand I've smoked.

I'm doing some searching and see Montecristo NO. 4 and CAO Brazilia Samba seem to be a common favorite, seem like they get good ratings, as well as mentions from you all.

I'm wondering if you'd all suggest a few cigars to try, Im wiling to spend some money here. I think the best bet would be to go with a 5 pack of a few cigars and see what I might find as best suited for me. And where can i get 5 packs of the Montecristo's and CAO's?

My question is what should I do about the humidor. Id just need something small for a few cigars, as i dont think my collection will get very large just yet. Any suggestions?

I'm stationed in South Korea, and soon headed to germany, where likely my interests will grow and i'll buy something larger and purchase more, so no need to go out of control just yet.

My second question is, and, again forgive my ignorance, how readily available are cuban cigars, TRUE cubans in europe. And would they even be legal for me to smoke as a military member? Id assume yes, as I wouldn't be importing them to the states.

If you are on the road you might just want a travel humidor.

Otterbox makes some nice ones.

You could also go with a Fuente Humidipouch which will maintain cigars fresh for abut 6 months.

As for purchasing 5 packs, if you in the military you can order through www.jrcigars.com or www.holts.com

Since you are outside the USA you could also go to your local tobacco shop and buy Cuban cigars.

While I'm out of the states, my stuff still goes through customs and is concidered a stateside address. APO Address that is.

I'd imagine I wouldnt wanna buy cubans through the mail. If thats what you might be suggesting.

Im in south korea though, I'll have to venture into Seoul to find a decent tabacco shop I think. Im still reading into how to tell whats real cuban and whats not. Thats why Id rather not waste the money in the shops around here where EVERYTHING is fake. (not just cigars)

Insider,

I can't speak for what's available in South Korea, but Germany has at least two La Casa Del Habano shops - Berlin and Koln. (These are often referred to on this site as LCdH.) Those are the only places where you can be certain to get the real deal. Other shops may sell authentic Cubans, but since the LCdH is the official distributor of your favorite Cuban brands, they're the only place where authenticity can be guaranteed. In fact, they may have an LCdH in South Korea, though I don't know.

As to your humidor, please trust me on this: get one at least a size bigger than you think you'll need. Believe me, you will start collecting them almost as if by accident - two here, three there, oh I really like that one, let me get six. Before you know it you'll have a hundred cigars and no place to put them. So save yourself the trouble and get a good sized humidor now.

And by the way, thank you for your service. Best of luck and stay safe.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottological:
Insider,

I can't speak for what's available in South Korea, but Germany has at least two La Casa Del Habano shops - Berlin and Koln. (These are often referred to on this site as LCdH.) Those are the only places where you can be certain to get the real deal. Other shops may sell authentic Cubans, but since the LCdH is the official distributor of your favorite Cuban brands, they're the only place where authenticity can be guaranteed.

And by the way, thank you for your service. Best of luck and stay safe.

I'm assuming they're legal for us to purchase over there, as long as we arnt shipping them or taking them into the states. I dont wanna buy a box and have them in my room and come to find out I'm not suppose to have them.

And thank you for the kind words. I've been in a year, its got its ups and downs, but its always nice to hear when we're appreciated.

You raise a good point. I have no idea if you can have them on base or not. I would imagine and this is just a guess - that you can't. I would hate to see a $300 box of Cohibas get confiscated by an astute customs official.

I've heard tell of certain cigar shop owners who will remove the bands from Cuban cigars and put them into, say, a Davidoff box for you - you know, a nice Dominican (and legal) brand. I think if you're questioned about them that the onus of proof is still on you. That is, it's up to you to prove they're NOT Cuban. A nice receipt could come in handy for such an occassion. Though there's still no guarantee the things won't get confiscated anyway.

I just found the address to a LCdH in Seoul, South Korea.

I'm still wondering, and again, forgive my ignorance, would they be legal for military to buy and bring onto a US Military base?

quote:

Originally posted by Scottological:
You raise a good point. I have no idea if you can have them on base or not. I would imagine and this is just a guess - that you can't. I would hate to see a $300 box of Cohibas get confiscated by an astute customs official.

I've heard tell of certain cigar shop owners who will remove the bands from Cuban cigars and put them into, say, a Davidoff box for you - you know, a nice Dominican (and legal) brand. I think if you're questioned about them that the onus of proof is still on you. That is, it's up to you to prove they're NOT Cuban. A nice receipt could come in handy for such an occassion. Though there's still no guarantee the things won't get confiscated anyway.

I posted my last reply before I read this.

I'll have to ask around. I cant imagine anyone would say anything. Im in the Air Force, Security Forces, the Air Force's "police". I cant imagine it would be an issue. Being a younger troop I wouldn't wanna get caught doing something wrong, even if i might beable to get out of it.

Maybe I should ask this in the cuban section?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: incider,

Sadly, the answer is no. And this is not a function of your military status. American citizens are not allowed to smoke cuban cigars anywhere--even though Tom Delay was photographed on his Scotland golf outing with a big cuban cohiba in his hand!

It's amazing the restrictions you have when you're Military, let alone American.

Thanks for the answer.

quote:

Originally posted by Don Charles:
Sadly, the answer is no. And this is not a function of your military status. American citizens are not allowed to smoke cuban cigars anywhere--even though Tom Delay was photographed on his Scotland golf outing with a big cuban cohiba in his hand!

My understanding (however imperfect) is that it is NOT illegal for an American to smoke a Cuban cigar. What is illegal is to BUY cuban cigars. I think it would technically be illegal to travel to a country that sells them legally, buy a cuban, and smoke it. Nobody could ever prove you did it, but technically you broke the law. I'm not sure if it is illegal to use American Money, to use money earned in America, or if it is simply illegal for any American to buy it, but it is something along those lines.

Hmm. Clearly I cant imagine anyone would notice unless I traveled with them.

Okay, We'll worry about this when I get more into it or to Germany.

As for now, Would Montecristo NO. 4 and CAO Brazilia Samba be good cigars to get samplers of?

Im just trying to get a taste of a few decent cigars, see what im most interested in. My experience with sampler packs never has been too great, You end up with maybe one decent item and the rest are crap.

Any advice?

Again I guess i'm looking for non cuban cigars here. Correct me if my choices are cubans and not something legal for me to purchase online.

Any links would be great.

Actually as an American citizen you are not supposed to even possess a Cuban cigar band. As an airforce security person you would be forced to arrest yuorself.

Jr's and Holts will only sell you legal tobacco as they are both located here in the USA.

quote:

Originally posted by Don Charles:
Sadly, the answer is no. And this is not a function of your military status. American citizens are not allowed to smoke cuban cigars anywhere--even though Tom Delay was photographed on his Scotland golf outing with a big cuban cohiba in his hand!

quote:

Originally posted by Docbarry:
Actually as an American citizen you are not supposed to even possess a Cuban cigar band. As an airforce security person you would be forced to arrest yuorself.

Hold the phone! As much as I respect you guys, I have to question these two comments...is this true?! Are either of you attorneys or federal law enforcement agents? I only ask because this is the first time I've heard it put this way; my previous understanding was that it was illegal for American citizens to purchase or possess Cubans while in this country. (I'll decline to speculate on the ramifications of the military aspect of this for the time being.)

What you're saying is that the US govt. can tell me what I can and can't do while legally visiting another country?! That seems overly broad, even in the context of "George Bush's America!" Does this mean that I am violating US law when I smoke dope in Amsterdam? Or when I hire a prostitute in Singapore?

quote:

Originally posted by Scottological:
Insider,


And by the way, thank you for your service. Best of luck and stay safe.

A big ditto from me. Thank You.

this is what I found : (note the part on page 1 where it is quite specific about whom and where)


These search terms have been highlighted: possession cuban goods



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Page 1
- 1 -or from third countries without the need for a license from the U.S.government. The CDA specifically provides that payments to Cubainvolving telecommunications may be made pursuant to specific license.In the mid-1970s, Section 515.559 was added to the Regulations to allowOFAC to license foreign subsidiaries of U.S. firms to conduct trade incommodities with Cuba so long as several specific criteria were met.Section 1706(a) of the CDA, however, prohibits the issuance of a licensethat would have been issued pursuant to § 515.559, except where acontract was entered into prior to enactment of the CDA or where theexports at issue are medicines or medical supplies.Unless otherwise authorized, no vessel carrying goods or passengers toor from Cuba or carrying goods in which Cuba or a Cuban national hasany interest may enter a U.S. port. The prohibition also applies to vesselswhich enter only to take on fuel and supplies (bunker), whether from U.S.fuel providers within the port limits or at offshore points, as well as vesselsdischarging or loading merchandise offshore, by lighter or otherwise. Inaddition, vessels which enter a port or place in Cuba to engage in thetrade of goods or services are prohibited from loading or unloading anyfreight at any place in the U.S. for 180 days. Prohibited entry does notapply to vessels engaging solely in trade with Cuba authorized by licenseor exempt from the Regulations (e.g., vessels carrying authorizedexports of agricultural products or donations of food to nongovernmentalorganizations or individuals).¢IMPORTING CUBAN-ORIGIN GOODS OR SERVICES - Goodsor services of Cuban origin may not be imported into the United Stateseither directly or through third countries, such as Canada or Mexico. Theonly exceptions are: $100 worth of Cuban merchandise which may bebrought into the United States as accompanied baggage by authorizedtravelers arriving from Cuba; publications, artwork, or other informa-tional materials; merchandise other than tobacco or alcohol and not incommercial quantities carried as accompanied baggage by foreignpersons legally entering the United States; and merchandise for whicha specific license has been received.¢TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING PROPERTY IN WHICH CUBA ORA CUBAN NATIONAL HAS AN INTEREST - In addition to theprohibitions on exports to and imports from Cuba, the Regulationsprohibit any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction from dealing in anyproperty in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest. Under theRegulations, “property” includes but is not limited to contracts andservices. For example, unless otherwise authorized, persons subjectto U.S. jurisdiction (including U.S. overseas subsidiaries) may notpurchase Cuban cigars in Mexico; may not sign a contract with a U.K.firm if the contract terms include Cuba-related provisions (even if thoseprovisions are contingent upon the lifting of the embargo); and may notprovide accounting, marketing, sales, or insurance services to a CubanCUBAOffice of Foreign Assets ControlU.S. Department of the TreasuryWhat You Need To Know About The U.S. Embargo¢INTRODUCTION - The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFRPart 515 (the “Regulations”) were issued by the U.S. Government on8 July 1963 under the Trading With the Enemy Act in response to certainhostile actions by the Cuban government. They are still in force todayand affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever they arelocated, all people and organizations physically in the United States, andall branches and subsidiaries of U.S. organizations throughout the world.The Regulations are administered by the U.S. Treasury Department'sOffice of Foreign Assets Control. The basic goal of the sanctions is toisolate the Cuban government economically and deprive it of U.S.dollars. Criminal penalties for violating the sanctions range up to 10 yearsin prison, $1,000,000 in corporate fines, and $250,000 in individual fines.Civil penalties up to $55,000 per violation may also be imposed. Pleasenote that the Regulations require those dealing with Cuba to maintainrecords and, upon request from the U.S. Treasury Department, tofurnish information regarding such dealings.¢EXPORTING TO CUBA - Except for publications, other informa-tional materials (such as CDs and works of art), certain donated food,and certain goods licensed for export or re-export by the U.S. Depart-ment of Commerce (such as medicine and medical supplies, food, andagricultural commodities), no products, technology, or services may beexported from the United States to Cuba, either directly or through thirdcountries, such as Canada or Mexico. This prohibition includes dealingin or assisting the sale of goods or commodities to or from Cuba, evenif done entirely offshore. Such brokering is considered to be dealing inproperty in which Cuba has an interest. Provision of consulting servicesis also prohibited. Thus, no U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien,wherever located, and no foreign subsidiary or branch of a U.S.organization may export products, technology, or services to Cuba orto any Cuban national, wherever they may be located, or broker the saleof goods or commodities to or from Cuba or any Cuban national.Pursuant to provisions of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (the "CDA")and the Trade Sanctions and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (the"TSRA"), the Commerce Department authorizes the sale and export orre-export of medicine and medical supplies, food and agriculturalcommodities to Cuba. Those interested in engaging in such exports orre-exports must first obtain authorization from the CommerceDepartment's Bureau of Export Administration. All licensed sales maybe financed by cash in advance or by third-country banks that are notSpecially Designated Nationals. Foreign subsidiaries of U.S. banks areauthorized to directly finance licensed sales of agricultural products. AllU.S. banks may advise or confirm any of the above.Section 1705(b) of the CDA provides for donations of food to indepen-dent non-governmental organizations or individuals in Cuba. Shipmentsof food can be donated to non-governmental organizations from the U.S.An overview of the Cuban Assets Control RegulationsTitle 31 Part 515 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations
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- 2 -company or to a foreign company with respect to the foreign company’sCuba-related business.¢SPECIALLY DESIGNATED NATIONALS - The Regulations prohibitbuying from or selling to Cuban nationals whether they are physicallylocated on the island of Cuba or doing business elsewhere on behalf ofCuba. Individuals or organizations who act on behalf of Cuba anywherein the world are considered by the U.S. Treasury Department to be“Specially Designated Nationals” of Cuba. A non-exhaustive list of theirnames is published in the Federal Register, an official publication of theU.S. Government. This list may be obtained by calling the Office ofForeign Assets Control at 202/622-2490. The listing, however, is a partialone and any individual or organization subject to U.S. jurisdictionengaging in transactions with foreign nationals must take reasonablecare to make certain that such foreign nationals are not acting on behalfof Cuba. Individuals and organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction whoviolate the Regulations by transacting business with Specially Desig-nated Nationals of Cuba are subject to criminal prosecution or civilmonetary penalties.¢ACCOUNTS AND ASSETS - There is a total freeze on Cubanassets, both governmental and private, and on financial dealings withCuba; all property of Cuba, of Cuban nationals, and of SpeciallyDesignated Nationals of Cuba in the possession or control of personssubject to U.S. jurisdiction is “blocked.” Any property in which Cuba hasan interest which comes into the United States or into the possessionor control of persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction is automatically blockedby operation of law. Banks receiving unlicensed wire transfer instruc-tions in which there is a Cuban interest, or any instrument in which thereis a Cuban interest, must freeze the funds on their own books or blockthe instrument, regardless of origin or destination. “Suspense accounts”are not permitted. Blocking imposes a complete prohibition againsttransfers or transactions of any kind. No payments, transfers, withdraw-als, or other dealings may take place with regard to blocked propertyunless authorized by the Treasury Department. Banks are permitted totake normal service charges. Blocked deposits of funds must beinterest-bearing. “Set-offs” are not allowed.Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are required to exercise extremecaution in order not to knowingly involve themselves in unlicensedtransactions in which Cuba has an interest. Except as authorized, nobank in the U.S. or overseas branch or subsidiary of a U.S. bank mayadvise a letter of credit involving Cuba nor may it process documentsreferencing Cuba. All such “property” must be blocked as soon as itcomes within the bank's possession or control. All persons in posses-sion of blocked property are required to register with the Office of ForeignAssets Control. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who engage in anycommercial dealings that involve unauthorized trade with Cuba, eitherdirectly or indirectly, risk substantial monetary penalties and criminalprosecution.¢SENDING GIFTS - Gift parcels may be sent or carried by anauthorized traveler to an individual or to a religious, charitable, oreducational organization in Cuba for the use of the recipient or of therecipient's immediate family (and not for resale), subject to the followinglimitations: the combined total domestic retail value of all items in theparcel must not exceed $200 (with the exception of donations of food,which are not so restricted); not more than one parcel may be sent orgiven by the same person in the U.S. to the same recipient in Cuba inany one calendar month; and the content must be limited to food,vitamins, seeds, medicines, medical supplies and devices, hospitalsupplies and equipment, equipment for the handicapped, clothing,personal hygiene items, veterinary medicines and supplies, fishingequipment and supplies, soap-making equipment, or certain radioequipment and batteries for such equipment. Organizations that consoli-date and send multiple gift parcels in single shipments must obtain avalidated license from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Each giftparcel in the single shipment must meet commodity, dollar-value, andfrequency limitations. If a parcel being shipped or carried to Cuba failsto meet these standards, it is subject to seizure by the U.S. Government.¢CUBA-RELATED TRAVEL TRANSACTIONS - Only personswhose travel falls into the categories discussed below may be autho-rized to spend money related to travel to, from, or within Cuba. Personslicensed to engage in travel-related transactions in Cuba may spend upto the State Department Travel Per Diem Allowance for Havana, Cubafor purchases directly related to travel in Cuba, such as hotel accom-modations, meals, local transportation, and goods personally used bythe traveler in Cuba (travelers can check the current per diem rate onthe Internet at <<http://www.state.gov/www/perdiems/index.html>>.Most licensed travelers may also spend additional money for transac-tions directly related to the activities for which they received their license.For example, journalists traveling in Cuba under the journalism generallicense (described below) may spend money over and above the currentper diem for extensive local transportation, the hiring of cable layers, andother costs that are directly related to covering a story in Cuba. Licensedtravelers may also spend an additional $100 on the purchase of Cubanmerchandise to be brought back with them to the United States asaccompanied baggage, but this $100 authorization may be used onlyonce in any 6-month period. Purchases of services unrelated to travelor a licensed activity, such as non-emergency medical services, areprohibited. The purchase of publications and other informational mate-rials is not restricted.¢WHO CAN GO : The following travelers are authorized, under OFACgeneral license, to engage in travel transactions while in Cuba:•Journalists and supporting broadcasting or technical personnel (regularly employed in that capacity by a news reporting organization andtraveling for journalistic activities).•Official government travelers (traveling on official business).•Members of international organizations of which the United States is alsoa member (traveling on official business).•Persons traveling once a year to visit Cuban nationals who are closerelatives (additional trips within one year will need an OFAC specificlicense).•Travelers who have received specific licenses from OFAC prior to going.•Full-time professionals whose travel transactions are directly related toprofessional research in their professional areas, provided that theirresearch: (1) is of a noncommercial academic nature, (2) comprises afull work schedule in Cuba, and (3) has a substantial likelihood of publicdissemination.•Full-time professionals whose travel transactions are directly related toattendance at professional meetings or conferences in Cuba organizedby an international professional organization, institution, or associationthat regularly sponsors such meetings or conferences in other countries.The organization, institution, or association sponsoring the meeting orconference may not be headquartered in the United States unless it hasbeen specifically licensed to sponsor the meeting. The purpose of themeeting or conference cannot be the promotion of tourism in Cuba or othercommercial activities involving Cuba, or to foster production of any bio-technological products.•Amateur or semi-professional athletes or teams traveling to participatein Cuba in an athletic competition held under the auspicesof the rel-evant international sports federation. The athletes must have beenselected for the competition by the relevant U.S. sports federation, andthe competition must be one that is open for attendance, and in relevantsituations participation, by the Cuban public.Specific licenses for educational institutions: Specific licensesmay be issued by OFAC to authorize travel transactions related tocertain educational activities by students or employees affiliated with alicensed academic institution. Such licenses are only available to U.S.academic institutions accredited by an appropriate national or regionalaccrediting association, and such licenses must be renewed after aperiod of two years. Once an academic institution has applied for andreceived such a specific license, the following categories of travelersaffiliated with that academic institution are authorized to engage in travel-related transactions incident to the following activities without seekingfurther authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control:•Undergraduate or graduate students participating in a structured
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- 3 -educational program as part of a course offered at a licensed collegeor university. Students planning to engage in such transactions mustcarry a letter from the licensed institution stating: 1) the institution’slicense number, 2) that the student is enrolled in an undergraduate orgraduate degree program at the institution, and 3) that the travel is partof an educational program of the institution.•Persons doing noncommercial Cuba-related academic research in Cubafor the purpose of qualifying academically as a professional (e.g.,research toward a graduate degree). Students planning to engage insuch transactions must carry a letter from the licensed institution stating:1) the institution’s license number, 2) that the student is enrolled in agraduate degree program at the institution, and 3) that the Cubaresearch will be accepted for credit toward that graduate degree.•Undergraduate or graduate students participating in a formal course ofstudy at a Cuban academic institution, provided the Cuban study will beaccepted for credit toward a degree at the licensed U.S. institution. Astudent planning to engage in such transactions must carry a letter fromthe licensed U.S. institution stating: 1) the institution’s license number,2) that the student is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduatedegree program at the institution, and 3) that the Cuban study will beaccepted for credit toward that degree.•Persons regularly employed in a teaching capacity at a licensed collegeor university who plan to teach part or all of an academic program at aCuban academic institution. An individual planning to engage in suchtransactions must carry a letter from the licensed institution stating: 1)the institution’s license number, and 2) that the individual is regularlyemployed by the licensed institution in a teaching capacity.•Cuban scholars teaching or engaging in other scholarly activities at alicensed college or university in the United States. Licensed institutionsmay sponsor such Cuban scholars, including payment of a stipend orsalary. The Cuban scholar may remit all such stipends or salary paymentsback to Cuba.•Secondary school students participating in educational exchangessponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools and involving thestudents’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structurededucational program offered by a secondary school or other academicinstitution and led by a teacher or other secondary school official. Areasonable number of adult chaperones may accompany the studentsto Cuba. A secondary school group planning to engage in suchtransactions in Cuba must carry a letter from the licensed secondaryschool sponsoring the trip stating: 1) the school’s license number, and2) the list of names of all persons traveling with the group.•Full-time employees of a licensed institution organizing or preparing forthe educational activities described above. An individual engaging insuch transactions must carry a letter from the licensed institution stating:1) the institution’s license number, and 2) that the individual is regularlyemployed by the institution.Specific licenses for religious organizations: Specific licenses maybe issued by OFAC to religious organizations to authorize individualsaffiliated with the organization to engage in travel transactions under theauspices of the religious organization. Applications by religious organi-zations for such licenses should include examples of the religiousactivities to be undertaken in Cuba. All individuals traveling pursuant toa religious organization's license must carry with them a letter from thelicensed organization confirming that they are affiliated with the organi-zation and that they are traveling to Cuba to engage in religious activitiesunder the auspices of the organization.Other specific licenses: Specific licenses may be issued by the Officeof Foreign Assets Control on a case-by-case basis authorizing traveltransactions by the following categories of persons in connection withthe following activities:•Humanitarian Projects and Support for the Cuban people - (1) Personstraveling in connection with activities that are intended to provide supportfor the Cuban people, such as activities of recognized human rightsorganizations; (2) Persons whose travel transactions are directlyrelated to certain humanitarian projects in or related to Cuba that aredesigned to directly benefit the Cuban people. Licenses authorizingtransactions for multiple trips over an extended period of time areavailable.•Free-Lance Journalism - Persons with a suitable record of publicationwho are traveling to Cuba to do research for a free-lance article. Licensesauthorizing transactions for multiple trips over an extended period of timeare available for applicants demonstrating a significant record of free-lance journalism.•Professional Research and Professional Meetings - Persons travelingto Cuba to do professional research or to attend a professional meetingthat does not meet the requirements of the relevant general license(described above). Licenses authorizing transactions for multiple tripsover an extended period of time are available.•Religious Activities - Persons traveling to Cuba to engage in religiousactivities that are not authorized pursuant to a religious organization’sspecific license. Licenses authorizing transactions for multiple tripsover an extended period of time are available.•Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Athletic and OtherCompetitions, and Exhibitions - Persons traveling to participate in apublic performance, clinic, workshop, athletic or other competition (thatdoes not meet the requirements of the general license described above),or exhibition. The event must be open for attendance, and in relevantsituations participation, by the Cuban public, and all profits from the eventafter costs must be donated to an independent nongovernmentalorganization in Cuba or a U.S.-based charity, with the objective, to theextent possible, of promoting people-to-people contacts or otherwisebenefitting the Cuban people. In addition, any clinics or workshops inCuba must be organize and run, at least in part, but the licensee.•Activities of Private Foundations or Research or Educational Institutions- Persons traveling to Cuba on behalf of private foundations or researchor educational institutes that have an established interest in internationalrelations to collect information related to Cuba for noncommercialpurposes. Licenses authorizing transactions for multiple trips over anextended period of time are available.•Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information or InformationalMaterials - Persons traveling to engage in activities directly related to theexportation, importation, or transmission of information or informationalmaterials.•Licensed Exportation - Persons traveling to Cuba to engage in activitiesdirectly related to marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied delivery,or servicing of exports of food and agricultural commodities, medicalproducts or other exports that are consistent with existing Departmentof Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba, includingcertain exports engaged in by U.S. -owned or -controlled foreign firms.Applying for a specific license: Persons wishing to travel to Cubaunder a specific license should send a letter specifying the details of theproposed travel, including any accompanying documentation, to DavidMills, Chief of Licensing, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Depart-ment of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC20220. Academic institutions wishing to obtain one of the two-yearspecific licenses described above should send a letter to the sameaddress requesting such a license and establishing that the institution isaccredited by an appropriate national or regional accrediting associa-tion. Religious organizations wishing to obtain one of the two-yearspecific licenses described above should send a letter to the sameaddress requesting such a license and setting forth examples orreligious activities to be undertaken in Cuba.Provision of travel services: U.S. travel service providers, such astravel agents and tour operators, who handle travel arrangements to,from, or within Cuba must hold special authorizations from the Office ofForeign Assets Control to engage in such activities. These authoriza-tions are issued based on written applications from the service provid-ers, subject to appropriate checks by the Treasury Department. Atraveler should not use any travel service provider that does not holdvalid Treasury authorization. An up-to-date list of the authorized serviceproviders is maintained on OFAC's website. If in doubt about the statusof a service provider’s authorization, travelers should call the Office ofForeign Assets Control at 305/810-5140. Only carrier service providersthat have been authorized by OFAC may operate direct passengercharter flights between Miami and Havana.Unauthorized travel-related transactions: Unless otherwise autho-rized, any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction who engages in any travel-related transaction in Cuba violates the Regulations.
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- 4 -¢WHAT CAN BE BROUGHT BACK - The above listed travelers mayreenter the United States with up to $100 of Cuban origin goods forpersonal use, such as cigars and rum. [Section 515.560(c) (3) of theRegulations]. If unauthorized U.S. travelers return from Cuba with Cubanorigin goods, such goods, with the exception of informational materials,may be seized at Customs' discretion. [Section 515.204 of the Regula-tions]. There are no limits on the import or export of informationalmaterials. [Section 515.206 of the Regulations]. Such materials arestatutorily exempt from regulation under the embargo and such items asbooks, films, tapes and CDs may be transported freely. However, blanktapes and CDs are not considered informational materials and may beseized.¢VESSELS - All persons on board vessels, including the owner, mustbe authorized travelers, as listed above, to engage in travel-relatedtransactions in Cuba. If you are not an authorized traveler, you may notpurchase meals, pay for transportation, lodging, dockage or mooringfees, cr