Originally Posted by
cynicAAl
Nearly all the exceptions to the sanctions require prior licensure through OFAC and you must be genuine. Therefore, a 'journalist' must actually be a previously published journalist, and a 'student' must be traveling as part of a recognized academic program lasting a certain amount of time (6 week minimum?).
I agree with
dole. I went legally to Cuba on 2002 as a student in a joint program with my school and
Global Exchange. I was there for ten days. Even when travelling legally, there are restrictions in place. I couldn't spend more than $176 a day (how anyone could do this in Cuba is beyond me), I could not use any US-drawn credit cards (and thus had to be careful not to run out of money), and there were export limits on what I could carry out.
Cuban immigration is aware of the US embargo and thus will not stamp your passport unless you ask (they'll hesitate even then to make sure you know what you're asking for).
Don't try to claim that you went legally unless you have a letter in hand from the Treasury Department upon reentry. The penalties are quite steep for illegal travel. Apparently thousands of people visit every year, but I wouldn't risk it personally. If anything legal or political happens to you while you're there, or even if you get robbed and thus have no money, you are truly SOL. And I believe the fines range up to $250,000 and five years in prison. YMMV.