Canadians can stay 90 days?

We're the good guys, as far as Cubans are concerned. Canada never joined the US-led embargo against Cuba. Canada has cooperated with Cuba on many joint-venture businesses, including, most notably, nickle and tourism development. Canadian geologists have also worked with Cuban geologists in the search for petroleum deposits on the island and in Cuban waters. Canada donated the funds for the new international air terminal in Havana, and for the upgrading of the one in Varadero.

And the average Cuban considers Canadians to be "Cuban-like" in their politeness--or if you want to put it in negative terms, their passivity. Speaking here in gross generalities, Cubans find Canadians not so abrasive as many of the louder or more assertive foreigners who visit. I doubt this last-named detail is responsible for the regulation which allows Canadians to stay on the island longer than most other nationalities without visa renewal, but who knows? Maybe it is.

In any case, my best guess (based on comments from Cubans in positions of authority) is that the special consideration Canadians get is related to the many Canadians engaged in business on the island. Maybe those in the Cuban bureaucracy who decide such matters think that 30 days is just not a long enough time to get business done in Cuba (which is largely true.)

Business + political considerations

Actually, Canadians can get to stay for 160 days. The idea was to encourage Canadian snow birds to winter in Cuba, instead of
Florida. Not much came of the idea, it was much too expensive, the level of comfort and services was nowhere near what was available in Florida or other poplular retirement spots in Mexico and Central America.
Another thing, our previous first ministers were great ass kissers when it came to Cuba.

I think you meant 180 days, which I have done.

Pierre and Fidel were old spearfishing buddies.

Also a reason why Fidel was closest to the aisle at Pierre's funeral.

Or maybe it is because Canadians are such sheep that we can be sucked-in longer and harder than others, hence we are invited for a more persistent and closer shearing then other less gullible nationalities.

Es possible, no?

Greslogo, i stand corrected.

davfitz, to humour your perspective:
I would suggest that it is because Cuba knows that Canadians are slower than other nationalities to spend our money. Cuba needs to keep us longer to make it worth putting up with us there.

But really I think it is because they know we are just so damned swell. At least 3 months worth of swell.

#8

I defer to your much more positive perspective on the situation!