The United States is easing a ban on trade with Cuba and travel there

New rules for trade between the United States and Cuba and trips to the Island of Freedom come into force already on Friday 16 in January, US officials said.

US citizens will be allowed to use credit cards in Cuba, and US companies will be allowed to export certain goods to Cuba.

Americans are also allowed to take with them from Cuba alcoholic beverages and tobacco products worth up to 100 dollars. In practice, this means that the ban on the import of Cuban cigars has been completely lifted.

Change of marks

The new rules were adopted as a result of the agreement reached at the end of last year on the restoration of diplomatic relations, which were terminated in 1961.

Although the general trade embargo policy with respect to Cuba remains in force and only the US Congress can cancel it, the new rules weaken it greatly.

Earlier this week, the US authorities confirmed that Cuba had released 53 political prisoners as part of measures to restore relations between the two countries agreed with the American side.

“Today’s announcement of new trade rules is another step toward reversing outdated policies and replacing them with policies that promote the political and economic freedom of Cubans,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew.

Under the new rules, for a trip to Cuba, American citizens should no longer apply to the State Department for a special permit, as they were forced to do earlier.

US companies also received permits to export mobile phones and software to Cuba, as well as to provide Internet access services there.

American firms will also be able to invest in agricultural enterprises in Cuba and in small Cuban private companies.

The thaw in relations between the two countries was announced in December during simultaneous televised speeches of President Barack Obama and President of Cuba Raul Castro.

At the end of January, UWB Assistant Secretary of State Robert Jacobson will arrive at the head of the delegation in Havana to discuss issues related to migration.

This visit will be the first high-level diplomatic contact after the announcement of the restoration of relations, writes BBC News.