U.S. Further Eases Travel, Business Restrictions on Cuba

The United States eased restrictions on travel and business on Cuba Friday, marking another notable advance forward in the thawing of relations with the Cuban government. Both countries also want to establish direct postal service.

Senior administration officials called the easing of restrictions “a major step” in U.S.-Cuba relations in a conference call with reporters Friday. Officials said the move is “intended to strengthen employment opportunities for Cubans” and would be “an effective way to empower Cubans.”

The changes in U.S. Treasury and Commerce regulations will allow for increased travel opportunities to Cuba for Americans, provide Cubans with access to telecommunications and promote growth of business opportunities within Cuba.

“The President firmly believes that allowing increased travel, commerce and the flow of information to, from and within Cuba will allow the U.S. to better advance its interests and improve the lives of ordinary Cubans,” said a senior administration official.

The changes — effective Monday, September 21— ease licensing for certain U.S. entities to operate within Cuba, including news bureaus, educational and religious organizations and telecommunications companies. Certain classes of goods including telecommunications and software can now be shipped into Cuba.

Close relatives in some authorized travel categories will now be allowed to travel to Cuba. Cargo, passenger and some recreational vessels will also be allowed to travel to Cuba under a general license. Senior administration officials said they did not “see these moves as a chipping away at tourism restrictions.” General tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited.

“A stronger, more open U.S.-Cuba relationship has the potential to create economic opportunities for both Americans and Cubans alike,” Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said earlier.

Administration officials said the easing of restrictions was not timed to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to Cuba and the United States.

The easing comes two months after the formal restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana and the day after Cuba announced it would appoint its first Ambassador to the United States in 54 years.