Boot Key Harbor
"Marathon- the Heart of the Florida Keys"

An On-Line Cruising Guide for the Florida Keys & Cuba
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DISCLAIMER: To all readers of this information, including U.S. Government agencies, officials and representatives: Nothing in this website does, nor is intended to, encourage illegal activity of any type whatsoever including illegally spending money in Cuba or violation of any part of the U.S. Embargo against Cuba or any other law by U.S. citizens or others. We believe all information reported here, and all activity within this organization and website, to be within the allowed scope of the law, and all readers are encouraged to validate this for themselves. The purpose of information presented on this website is simply to help people in both Cuba and the U.S.. We hereby assert our claim to all of our U.S. Constitutional Rights including Freedom of Speech.

This is an example of the form and explanation we provide to our passengers (traveling under OFAC license) about importing items back into the U.S.. Though we understand it can vary from license to license, ours allows $100 per person of merchandise, in addition to an unlimited amount of art/music/literature (see below). We have them fill out this form to prepare for arrival at U.S. Customs, and in addition they might have to fill out the official customs declaration form. This also includes the address where you buy the official Cuban stamps to EXPORT paintings from there.

M/V CREATIVE TOUCH
Rev. 022002
Guidelines for Importing Cuban Items into the U.S.

The US Treasury Dept licenses under which we have been traveling to Cuba allows the passenger to bring back up to $100 in Cuban made items. In the year 2001-2002 however, the US Customs Dept has assigned arbitrary valuations to some items and very narrowly defined the term "art". Cigars are now valued at $4 each, regardless of the actual purchase price, and 5ths of liquor such as rum or vodka is valued at approximately $5 per bottle.

Travelers of any type may, without limit and in addition to the $100, bring back music, literature and art. Music would include CD’s and tapes, literature is any printed material including books, and art is very narrowly defined as original paintings. Art no longer includes items such as handicrafts, sculpture, needlepoint, photography, etc., according to US Customs.

Furthermore, all paintings purchased in Cuba must have an official stamp on them before they can be EXPORTED from Cuba. Officials will check this when clearing out. Ask the vendor for the stamp when you buy the painting – but many times they just don’t have them. By allowing some time M-F during normal business hours, you can obtain the stamps yourself before departure from Cuba. You must go to the Oficina de Biernes Patrimoniales at Calle 17 e/ 12 y 10 in Vedado. Vedado is the western edge of downtown Havana. It’s on 17^th street between 12^th & 10^th. Buy the stamps there before departure.

TRAVELER’s NAME: ___________________________________________

TREASURY DEPT. LICENSE #: ___________________________________

ITEM Quantity $ COST (Or Valuation)

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________Total Value_____________________________

Art/Music/Literature______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________Total Value (art) _________________________

(continue list on reverse side if needed)