How Obama will relax US-Cuba policy

US President Barack Obama moved on Wednesday to normalise diplomatic relations with Cuba, a shift the White House said was needed because the long-standing US embargo against the communist-ruled island has failed to promote democracy and has hurt the Cuban people.

>>Reuters
Published : 17 Dec 2014, 06:28 PM
Updated : 17 Dec 2014, 06:33 PM

Here are the key changes:

Diplomatic relations

* The US will open an embassy in Havana.

* During the next six months, Secretary of State John Kerry will review Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

* US officials will hold high-level talks with Cuban counterparts on issues like migration, narcotics, environmental protections, human trafficking.

* US officials will discuss maritime boundaries with Cuba and Mexico in the Gulf of Mexico.

Expanded travel

* More Americans will be allowed to travel to Cuba.

* The overall travel ban can only be lifted by Congress, so tourism will not be allowed.

* Travel licenses will be available for family visits, journalists, professional research and professional meetings, educational activities, religious activities, performances and athletic competitions, humanitarian projects, and certain export activities.

Trade

* Trade will be authorised with Cuban private companies in building materials for private homes, goods for entrepreneurs, farm equipment for small farmers.

* Licensed travellers can bring back $400 in Cuban goods, including up to $100 in tobacco and alcohol for personal use.

* The overall trade ban can only be lifted by Congress.

Banking

* US banks can open correspondent accounts at Cuban banks to help process authorised trade and remittances.

* Rules defining "cash in advance" will be revised to mean "cash before transfer of title" to help finance trade with Cuba.

* Travellers can use US credit and debit cards.

* US-owned entities in other countries will be allowed to provide services to Cuban people who are outside of Cuba.

* US bank accounts of Cuban nationals who have moved outside of Cuba will be unblocked.

Telecommunications

* Export of telecom devices and services will be authorised.

* Telecom providers will be allowed to provide commercial telecom and internet services.

Remittances

* US citizens can sent up to $2,000 per quarter to Cuban nationals and humanitarian projects, up from $500. Licenses will no longer be required.