Cuba

[K2JF]

I posted this in the DX forum as well. I'm going to Cuba in a few weeks with an art group and am intending to bring an Elecraft KX1 to operate while there. Is anyone aware of any restrictions I would have to deal with?

[K7KBN]

http://www.arrl.org/select-countries-a-d

Scroll down to Cuba and follow the suggestions there.  I don't know if you have to be an ARRL member to open the link.

[W5FYI]

There is such a thing as an International Amateur Radio Permit for the Central and South Americas, but I don't think the U.S. permits reciprocal operating with Cuba...unless, however, you're going to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station. It's U.S. territory, but you may need permission from the installation commander before keying up a transmitter, and paperwork may take a while to complete. GL

[K8GU]

A few thoughts on operating from foreign countries:  Do it right or don't do it. 

Keep in mind that you have to get the gear through Customs before you operate it.  Even if you have legal authority to operate in a country it doesn't mean that you have legal authority to bring equipment into the country.  The Cubans have been making an example of one Alan Gross (read the news).  You will be an American in a country whose government has not had favorable relations with the U.S. in many decades.  Carrying anything electronic (even an SLR, for example) besides the usual small gadgets will make you doubly suspicious. 

You could try writing the radio club listed on the ARRL site.  But, my candid opinion is that you're crazy to plan this just "a few weeks" in advance.  Leave the radio at home and enjoy visiting Cuba. 

As an aside, the IARP looks homemade.  I've heard of them producing a dubious look from Customs officers in at least one Latin American country.

[W6EM]

As has been said, what happened to Mr. Gross could happen to anyone taking communications gear into Cuba.  Not worth the risk, IMO.  What might be termed "permission" could be easily revoked or claimed to be invalid when entering the country.

Too easy to be accused of being an agent and be stuck there rolling cigars for 20 years.

[K2JF]

thanks for the giving me the best advice I could get - I ain't bringin' nuthin' there. I wanna come home after a week.

[KE3WD]

A wise decision. 


73

[WA3SKN]

There is a lot of planning to operate overseas, and two weeks is not enough time to do it.  You are not in the "states" no more!  Leave the radio at home this time and enjoy the trip!
73s.

-Mike.