1:46
- ABC News
- January 15, 2015
AC
Obama administration announces sweeping changes to Cuban travel restrictions.
1:46
The White House hopes softened travel restrictions, effective Friday, are likely to incentivize a diverse groups of travelers. For Americans who meet these conditions, life and business in Cuba will come with far fewer restrictions.
-Remittances, or financial gifts, for families will be increased to $10,000 a year and remittances for banking institutions no longer require special licenses.
-Travelers will be allowed to use U.S. credit and debit cards in Cuba.
-There could soon be far better cellphone and Internet service. The Office of Foreign Assets Control is permitted to facilitate the process of establishing better telecommunications inside Cuba and between third countries.
-Workers can export building equipment and materials used by the private sector or construct or renovate Cuba’s crumbling infrastructure.
-Upon leaving Cuba, Americans will be able to import up to $400 worth of goods, including no more than $100 of alcohol or tobacco products.
Many Americans will pay close attention to that last easement. But consumers of fine cigars may still have to smuggle them back. The average box of Cohibas runs at around $300.
If you fit one of the categories for travel to Cuba, you can leave on a flight Friday through a third country. No major carriers offer direct flights out of the United States.
The administration is doing what it can through executive action to widen the parameters as far as it can to allow Americans to go to Cuba, but it can only do so much without the approval of Capitol Hill. Ultimately, it’s up to the Republican-led Congress to lift all restrictions on American trade and travel, and right now there is no pending legislation to do so.
Nevertheless, the Obama administration if forging ahead. Later this month the State Department will begin to lay the groundwork for a new U.S. Embassy in Havana, when Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Roberta Jacobson travels to the region.
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