US loosens embargo on Cuba, making trade and travel easier
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration says new rules to significantly loosen the US trade embargo against Cuba and open up the communist island to greater American travel will go into effect Friday.
They are the next step in President Barack Obama's plan to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. They come three days after US officials confirmed the release of 53 political prisoners Cuba had promised to free.
The measures include permission for Americans to use credit cards in Cuba and US companies to export some technologies. Americans authorized to visit Cuba need no longer apply for special licenses. Americans can also bring home up to $100 in alcohol and tobacco from Cuba, meaning the ban on Cuban cigars is officially over.
