Obama Introduces New Travel-Friendly Policy on Cuba

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 2:31 PM ET, Wed December 17, 2014

Photo by David Cogswell

President Barack Obama has announced a new policy pertaining to the United States' relationship with Cuba.

According to CNN, the plans involve normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba as well as allowing some forms of travel and trade between the two countries that had previously been banned as a result of a half century-long embargo.

"Neither the American nor Cuban people are well-served by a rigid policy that's rooted in events that took place before most of us were born," said Obama.

"I believe we can do more to support the Cuban people, and promote our values, through engagements. After all, these 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked. It's time for a new approach."

Meanwhile, Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben praised the move in a statement:

"Travel Leaders Group applauds the move by the U.S. Government to begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba. Even though freedom of movement has been one of our most cherished rights as Americans, Cuba has been strictly off-limits to most of us for over 50 years. We believe that there is no greater way for Americans to break down barriers than through their unimpeded travel, where we collectively can exchange in a free flow of ideas."

Plans are in place to re-open a U.S. embassy in the Cuban capital of Havana in the coming months and Secretary of State John Kerry has been instructed to review Cuba's place on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list ahead of beginning discussions with Cuban leaders in order to re-establish diplomatic relations.

Still, the White House needs the cooperation of Congress in order to fully lift the embargo.

The new policy, though it doesn't allow for tourism, is big news for travelers and the industry as it will allow for some trade and travel to the Caribbean island and signals a potential starting point for more significant change.

Under the new policy, general licenses will be made available for travel to Cuba in several categories, including family visits, journalistic activity, educational and regligious activities and humanitarian projects.

So long as their service provider complies with the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, travelers using American credit and debit cards will be able to make plans to travel to Cuba.