What New Relations With Cuba Mean For American Travelers
BOSTON (CBS) -- The United States now has normal diplomatic relations with Cuba. But what does that mean for travelers looking to jet off to Havana for a long weekend?
Rep. Jim McGovern, who represents Massachusetts' 2nd congressional district, talked with WBZ NewsRadio 1030 morning anchor Joe Mathieu Monday to discuss what has changed between the two countries.
"We have a formal embassy who will communicate directly with the Cuban government," McGovern said. "And they have a formal embassy that will communicate directly with the U.S. government."
That doesn't mean you should start packing the suitcase just yet.
"You still can't travel to Cuba just as a tourist," McGovern said. "But there are general licenses that are being granted for various categories ranging from studying, to religious activities, to cultural activities."
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McGovern said it's up to the U.S. government to lift the travel ban to Cuba, and anyone who really wants to go should write to their congressional representative.
"I think it's a little bit ironic that the United States of America, the country that talks about the importance of freedom, would deny their own citizens the freedom and the right to travel some place," he said.
More info from the U.S. embassy in Havana
Listen to the interview: