
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 20, 1994                   TAG: 9402200119
SECTION: HORIZON                    PAGE: F-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TRAVELING TO HAVANA:

WHO: Only diplomats, journalists, certain graduate-degree candidates, professionals doing research, people with family in Cuba and those whose way is paid by the Cuban government may legally visit Cuba. Many Americans who do not meet those criteria enter Cuba via a third country, particularly Bahamas, Jamaica, Canada or Mexico, but do so in violation of U.S. law. Cuba welcomes American tourists, but requires authorization for those declaring themselves to be journalists.

HOW: Those meeting U.S. qualifications to travel in Cuba may fly direct from Miami on a charter that operates three times a week. Flights may be arranged by calling Marazul Tours at (800) 223-5334. Those wanting to arrange a Cuba flight from another country will need to do so with a travel agent outside the United States, or buy their tickets at the airline counter upon arrival. Canadian, Mexican and European airlines serve Havana, as does Aviacion de Cubana. Flights tend to be days apart. For instance, Cubana flights from Nassau leave only on Fridays and Sundays. Ladeco (Chilean airlines) flights to Havana leave Cancun, Mexico, only on Thursdays. Flights from Canadian and European cities may be more frequent.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: U.S. citizens will need a passport, plus a tourist card they can get and fill out at the airport. Cuban customs officials stamp their seal on the tourist card, but use only a numbered stamp in the passport.

MONEY: Credit cards and travelers checks issued by American banks are worthless in Cuba. Either cash or travelers checks bought in another country will be needed. There is no need for tourists to trade dollars for pesos; dollars are the preferred currency in official venues and on the street. Indeed, exchanging money can be a costly mistake. A dollar is officially worth about the same as a peso, but would buy 80 pesos on the street.

COST: Count on your hotel costing at least $40 a night for a single, airport taxis $15, meals at least $10. The government sets the prices and charges what the market will bear. Package deals you can get from your travel agent tend to be better, including breakfast and airport transportation as part of the room charge. Havana is a sprawling city of 2 million with poor mass transit, so make sure your hotel is in the area you plan to visit most. Tourism officials will make your hotel reservations for you at the Havana airport if you haven't made them before then.

OTHER:

Be sure to bring prescription medications.

The water at resorts and in Havana should be safe to drink.

Outside the resorts, men should plan to wear long pants; only women, cyclists and children wear shorts.

If you have room, pack extra toiletries, bubble gum and reading matter to give as small gifts or tips.

by CNB