Long lines were evident in Havana when Cuba's new migration and travel policies took effect Jan. 14.
The relaxed policies open the door to a new era in travel for the Cuban people, who have been long deprived of the right to freely travel abroad.
There are still hurdles to surmount, however.
While the Cuban government no longer requires the reviled exit permits and the notarized letters of invitation from foreign hosts, Cubans still have to obtain visas from most countries they plan to visit, buy an air ticket and apply and pay for a passport to leave Cuba, a time-consuming and expensive process that costs about $110.
Also abolished is the re-entry permit, which has been required since 1961 for Cubans who live abroad and wish to visit the island.
Cubans need a visa to visit the U.S. Applications are processed on a case-by-case basis by the overworked and understaffed U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Washington's diplomatic mission on the island, a process that was backlogged even before the new rules took effect.
The U.S. has a target of issuing 20,000 visas per year to Cubans, according to the U.S. State Department.
That could mean a long wait for those who do get visas, and disappointment for many others.
Follow Gay Nagle Myers on Twitter @gnmtravelweekly.