Cubans dream of being tourists - abroad

[hack89]

HAVANA, Cuba – Imagine having the right to get a passport, but not having the right to get it stamped.

That’s been the de facto policy in Cuba for half a century where people are basically barred from packing their bags to take a trip abroad just for fun.

Under the current policy, any Cuban wanting to travel abroad needs permission to leave the country, a process that many find not only demeaning, but expensive. Any request can be turned down, often without the applicant learning the reason why, but always after paying $150 to process the paperwork requesting the exit permit.

Between the cost of the passport and other documents, Cuban travelers abroad pay close to $400 – not counting airfare. Those costs make travel out of reach for most Cubans who, on average, bring home about $20 a month. (Cubans get by on such paltry incomes thanks to subsidized rent and groceries, free education and health care, as well as remittances from relatives living abroad)

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/13/6637533-cubans-dream-of-being-tourists-abroad-

[dipsydoodle]

1. Most US citizens can't travel legally to Cuba anyway

The costs of most Cubans wishing to travel abroad are paid for by sponsors so it don't actually cost the Cubans sfa.

btw - you find this in the Latin Forum last Wednseday.