Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateWe noted here last August that the ban on Americans traveling to Cuba might soon be lifted. It remains in place, but last week a White House decree further chipped away at the embargo.
On Friday President Obama directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security to implement "significant changes to policies regarding Cuba," including allowing more liberal travel policies for educators and religious organizations. This follows the President's 2009 action, while allows Cuban-Americans to visit relatives on the island. That said, the current travel ban—which is nearly 50 years old and was implemented by the Kennedy Administration at the height of the Cold War—will remain in place for most American travelers.
In addition, the White House statement proclaims that licensed charter flights to Cuba will soon be approved to operate from any international airport in the U.S. Currently such operations are sanctioned only from facilities in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City.
Not surprisingly, last week's changes were met with both praise and criticism from organizations and lawmakers who have long spoken out both for and against the travel ban. However, both sides recognize that most Americans still cannot travel freely to Cuba.
The Center for Democracy in the Americas issued a statement entitled Progress on Travel! that noted: "While we continue to believe that the right policy is total repeal of the travel ban for all Americans, which requires an act of Congress, we also believe that efforts by the administration to ease restrictions on travel under its existing authority are in the best interests of the United States."
— William J. McGee
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
