A thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations that began with the Dec. 17 release
of American contractor Alan Gross, imprisoned in Cuba since 2011, stands to
benefit travelers, as well.
The U.S. will reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba
(which were severed in 1961), the Obama administration said on Wednesday, and further
ease travel restrictions to the country.
In his speech announcing the changes, President Obama said
he believed in the power of the people-to-people programs that he reopened in
2009. Under revised travel policy, general licenses will be available for
authorized travel to Cuba in 12 categories:
• Family visits
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign
governments and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research and professional meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and
other competitions and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban people
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or
information materials
• Certain export transactions that may be considered for
authorization under existing regulations and guidelines
• Activities of private foundations or research or
educational institutes
Travelers will be able to make arrangements through any
service provider that complies with rules of the U.S. Treasury's Office of
Foreign Assets Control, using American credit and debit cards.
The U.S. will reestablish an embassy in Havana in the coming
months, and Cuba will open an embassy in Washington.