There are no weight restrictions in luggage; restrictions are only on the kind of goods. Therefore, Customs Authorities have regulated that visitors can import, apart from their personal belongings, new or used articles up to a value of $250.00 (two hundred and fifty dollars); articles exceeding that limit will be subject to seizure.

Out of the limit of $250 (two hundred and fifty dollars) in value authorized for importation, the first $50.00 (fifty dollars) are exempt of payment, so the maximum tax to pay will be $200.00 (two hundred dollars).

Besides personal belongings, you are allowed to import other items that are exempt of payment: two bottles of liquor, one carton of cigarettes, personal jewelry, one photo or video camera, one typing machine, sports gear, fishing gear, and up to 10 kg of medications; as long as they are kept in their original containers.

Video equipment of any kind, brand and model, including those built in other equipment, are banned. The prohibition includes the so-called video and DVD players. The ban excludes Missions and Diplomatic Agents, Cuban officials working abroad on an official mission for more than a year and people authorized to import domestic appliances.

It is strongly prohibited to import explosive substances, firearms and pornographic material.

If you buy live or stuffed animals protected by the Convention on the International Commerce of Flora and Wildlife Species, you must apply for an export permit required by customs authorities. Among the species protected by the Convention are parrots, crocodiles and hawksbill turtles.

For further information, see the web site of the General Customs Office of the Republic of Cuba at http://www.aduana.islagrande.cu