Cuba Overflight Permit

information taken from the FAA's IFIM (International Flight Information Manual)

Aircraft Entry Requirements. All private and nonscheduled commercial aircraft overflying or landing for commercial or noncommercial purposes must obtain prior approval from the Ministerio Del Transporte Area Aeronautica, Calle 23-No. 64 Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion, Cuidad de La Habana 4, Cuba at least 48 hours prior to overflying, and at least 10 days prior if landing. All requests must include provisions for
prepaid reply. All requests must include the following information:

0 Name, nationality and address of the aircraft operator.

0 Aircraft type and registration marks.

0 Name of pilot-in-command (PIC).

0 Place of origin and destination.

0 Air corridor and routes to be used under the flight plan.

0 Date of the flight.

0 Purpose of the flight.

0 Number of passengers and type and amount of cargo.

0 Statements of third party insurance liability coverage.

0 Radio frequencies available.

All flights into Cuban airspace, including those in the established air corridors of Maya, Giron, and Nuevas, must be able to establish and maintain communications with Havana flight information region (FIR)/control area (CTA) 10 minutes prior to airspace entry. All flights must have a flight plan on file with Havana FIR/CTA at least 1 hour prior to airspace entry. In addition, any aircraft overflying or landing in Cuba must carry the following documents on board:

0 Registration certificate.

0 Certificate of airworthiness.

0 Licenses (certificates) for all crewmembers.

0 Aircraft logbooks.

0 The onboard radio station licenses.

0 A list of passengers' names showing places of embarkation
and destination.

0 A manifest and detailed declaration of all cargo carried.

c. Special Notices. A NOTAM dated April 1, 1993, contained the following warning regarding Cuban airspace: "The Federal Aviation Administration has been informed that an official Cuban government publication has issued a warning that Cuban Armed Forces will shoot down any aircraft that penetrates Cuban airspace illegally and refuses to obey an order to land for inspection. All pilots should take note; use extreme caution in the area of Cuban airspace; adhere strictly to Cuban requirements for overflight of their territory." Any aircraft that flies over Cuban national territory or jurisdictional waters may be intercepted and required to land if any of the following occur:

0 Flying over national territory and jurisdictional waters
without proper authorization.

0 Flying without proper authorization outside of national
routes or established international corridors.

0 Executing inappropriate maneuvers.

0 Not following any of the instructions from air traffic
control (ATC).

d. Legal Considerations. Aircraft that have been ordered to land, or have landed without proper authorization, will be subject to whatever penalties the Cuban authorities may prescribe, without recourse. The pilot and/or aircraft owner will be held responsible for any damage, injuries, or resulting expense. No aircraft may make an overflight carrying photographic equipment, arms, ammunition, explosives, or other articles and substances the Cuban aeronautical authority may specify. Overflights shall not be authorized if the operation constitutes a danger to air navigation or if, in the judgment of the Cuban aeronautical authority, the operator does not offer adequate guaranties to cover any liability incurred because of the overflight. These liabilities include damage and loss caused to subjacent persons or property, and payment for any services rendered or obligations that may arise in connection with the overflight. The use of Cuban radio for flight information, ATC, or other purposes is considered a service, and operators should expect to be billed for its use. Any person or corporation,
partnership, organization, or association subject to U.S. jurisdiction and considering the operation of aircraft into
Cuba must review current Department of Commerce and Department of State regulations relating to trade and other transactions involving Cuba. Within 1 hour of departure, the PIC must file an IFR flight plan and a written statement with the Immigration and Naturalization Service office at the departure airport. This statement must contain all of the information in the flight plan, the name of each occupant of the aircraft, the number of occupants in the aircraft (including the flightcrew), and a description of any cargo. The U.S. Naval airfield/facilities located at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba are closed to all civilian air traffic except for valid emergencies. All emergency landings will be thoroughly investigated by U.S. authorities to determine their validity and the nature of their business.

Traveling To Cuba

    For  many US citizens, the temptation to visit an island that Washington has dubbed off-limits holds a compelling allure (more than 85,000 US citizens visited Cuba in 1997 - mostly through gateways such as Jamaica, Mexico, and Canada.

    The US Government's Trading with the Enemy Act, while not actually banning US citizens from traveling to Cuba, prohibits them from spending money there or otherwise engaging in financial transactions with Cuba.  To spend even one cent, a US citizen must have a Treasury Dept license, which is granted only to journalists, academic researchers, and Cuban-Americans with family in Cuba.  Yet if you purchase an all-inclusive package in say Jamaica and don't actually spend any money in Cuba, your visit is entirely legal.

    All you need is your passport and a tourist visa issued on the spot by any of the Jamaican companies that specialize in excursions to this intriguing island of socialism and sensuality.  The Cuban government has a open-door policy and welcomes US tourists.  Cuban immigration officials don't stamp passports.

    Getting there is easy.  Air Jamaica flies from Montego Bay and Kingston to Havana on Monday, Friday, and Saturday, with connecting service from the USA (you must purchase your Cuban portion separately in Jamaica).

    Several Jamaica tour companies offer weekend and longer excursions from Montego Bay and Kingston using Cuban Airlines and Air Jamaica Express charters.  Most trips include airfare, transfers, city tours, some meals and entertainment, and accommodations for overnight trips.  You can pay four your tour with a US credit card. (US credit cards cannot be used in Cuba.)

    Despite Cuba's hardships and faults, visiting is a profound experience that far exceeds most traveler's expectations.  It stirs one's passions and deeply touches the heart and soul.