US eases restrictions on Cuba travel
In a bid to strengthen trade ties with Cuba, the Obama administration has removed some of the red tape restricting US citizens from visiting the island
The US government has relaxed its rules on travelling to Cuba. US citizens are now allowed to visit the island without a license, which they were previously required to have
Following Obama’s December recommendations to lift a 50-year embargo on Cuba, new rules have been brought in, as of January 16, that allow US citizens to visit the island for any one of a dozen reasons. Previously, they were forced to obtain a licence from the US government before they could visit, but the new laws do away with the system and make travel to the communist-run island far easier.
Any American tourists found lazing on the beach will still be fined
President of Cuba Educational Travel Collin Laverty applauded the Treasury and Commerce Departments for “interpreting President Obama’s initiative in the broadest possible terms,” and expects to see a greater number of US citizens taking to the island in the coming months. “Under the educational category, which is bound to see the most action, travellers need only sign a piece of paper stating the purpose of their trip is to learn about Cuba and interact with the Cuban people”, says Laverty. “It’s that simple; find someone who can book your trip, sign a piece of paper, and off you go. You will be expected to visit the agricultural market, speak with the owners of private restaurants, share your own life experiences with Cubans and, of course, to stay away from the beaches. That’s it.”
Any American tourists found lazing on the beach will still be fined, though the new rules mean that a greater number of US citizens will be taking to Cuba without red tape hanging over their every move. However, the actions stop short of allowing US citizens to travel about the island as they wish, and the changes mark only the first of a long line of measures intended to improve US diplomatic relations with Cuba.
“At the moment there are only a number of agencies and charter airlines that have experience working with Cuba and the infrastructure to handle the surging demand”, says Laverty. “Soon, however, expect major airliners and online booking sites to get in on the action. One can expect an uptick in both custom tours and, now for the first time, legal travel by individuals, families and small groups to Cuba, who will take part in these self-directed educational visits.”
In addition to expanding trade ties with Cuba, the reforms will bring a range of new employment opportunities for those in bot countries.
