International moves require preparation and planning to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations, as they often vary and are subject to change.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Cuba, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing to move to Cuba:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Before your arrival in Cuba, make sure you gather the following documents and keep them in a safe place, as you're going to need to present them to the Customs officials in order to make your transition into the country go as smoothly as possible. Here is what you'll need:
*Note: As of publication, it is illegal for American citizens to travel to Cuba under the current embargo, unless officially sanctioned by the United States government. Movers.com does not advise anyone to travel to Cuba from the United States and these Customs regulations are strictly for any persons traveling or relocating to Cuba from outside the United States. There is currently no U.S. Embassy located in Cuba and any American citizens caught traveling to Cuba may face harsh fines and possible jail time.
- Original passport (American citizens must not have passport stamped upon entry or exit from Cuba - Customs officials at many Cuban ports of entry will recognize an American passport and will not stamp it, but be aware that returning to the United States with a stamp in your passport from a Cuban Customs official could lead to prosecution)
- Visa, obtained prior to departure and available from the Cuban Interests Section
- Written permission obtained from the Cuban Director of Immigration and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior
- Rental contract or proof of property purchase
- Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Complete inventory of shipment, in either Spanish or English
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Before you begin unpacking and settling in, you'll have to make sure your shipment fits all of the regulations to clear customs. Each country has its own unique set of shipping guidelines that must be followed, so here are what to expect when moving to Cuba:
- All new or used household goods and personal effects may be imported for free if the customer has lived outside of Cuba for at least one year
- Any customer importing more than $5,000 USD into Cuba must complete a Customs Declaration form upon arrival, stating the exact amount cash entering the country
- A Customs Declaration form must also be completed for any items not belonging to the household goods and personal effects shipment
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Cuba through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- All narcotics and illegal drugs, unless accompanied by a doctor's prescription
- All pornography and obscene or vulgar materials
- All subversive materials and publications, including any publication or media that is directed against the morality of Cuba and its revolution
- All electronic telecommunication devices such as GPS, wireless fax machines, transmitters and transceivers
- All household appliances are prohibited, including large freezers, air conditioners, cooking plates or stoves, microwave ovens, electric ovens, electric water heaters, electric frying pans, toasters and all other similar appliances
- All blank CDs, DVDs, video cassettes and cassette tapes
- All explosives, firearms and ammunition
- All video equipment, including DVD players, video game consoles, VCRs or Blu-Ray players
- Any dairy products, beans, plants, seeds or produce
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Restricted items are items which may be limited to certain quantities or require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials. Here are the items that are restricted and dutiable by the government of Cuba:
- All religious materials will be restricted and subject to inspection upon arrival at Customs
- All jewelry, precious stones and metals over the value of $5,000 must be declared at Customs upon arrival and require a Declaration of Value form obtained at Customs at the point of entry
- All alcohol is restricted and is limited to 2 liters per person for wine and 1 liter per person for liquor
- All guns intended for sporting purposes require prior authorization and permission from the Ministry of Interior
- Tobacco is limited to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco - any amount in excess of these limits is subject to duties and taxes
- All medications require a physician's prescription
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Each country has different rules and regulations to import motor vehicles. If you're hoping to take your vehicle with you when you relocate to Cuba, familiarize yourself with these regulations so that you can be prepared when it's time to relocate overseas:
- Importation of vehicles to Cuba is restricted to certain types of vehicles - be sure to check with your Destination Agent prior to departure
- All vehicles imported must be accompanied by the original certificate of title and registration
- Customer must show the original commercial or purchase invoice, in addition to the rental or purchase contract
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Pets are always welcome when moving overseas. However, many destinations have their own laws pertaining to bringing animals into the country:
- All pets arriving in Cuba must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the Cuban Consul in the customer's country of origin
- Pets will be quarantined for up to two weeks upon arrival in Cuba
- Customer must provide Customs agents with a Certificate of Vaccination providing proof that the pet was vaccinated for rabies no fewer than 30 days and no more than 11 months prior to departure, as well as a health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of origin
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: