Visitors to Cuba are permitted 20 kilos of personal effects plus “other articles and equipment depending on their profession,” all of which must be re-exported. A CUC25 per kilo charge applies for items over 20 kilos. An additional two kilos of gifts are permitted, if packed separately.

Visitors are also allowed 10 kilos of medicines, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of pipe tobacco, and up to three liters of wine and alcohol. An additional US$200 of “objects and articles for noncommercial use” can be imported, subject to a tax equal to 100 percent of the declared value, but this applies mostly to Cubans and returning foreign residents.

Laptops must be declared; you will need to fill out a customs declaration, and the laptop must depart Cuba with you.

“Obscene and pornographic” literature is banned—the definition includes politically unacceptable tracts. (If you must leave items with customs authorities, obtain a signed receipt to enable you to reclaim the items upon departure.)

For further information, contact the Aduana (Customs, Calle 6, esq. 39, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, tel. 07/883-8282, www.aduana.co.cu).