As U.S.-Cuba Relations Thaw, Here's What You Can And Can't Do

As U.S.-Cuba Relations Thaw, Here's What You Can And Can't Do
OCTOBER 10, 2015 5:03 AM ET
SCOTT HORSLEY

Since the diplomatic thaw with Cuba was first announced last December,
the Obama administration has moved aggressively to ease restrictions on
travel and trade. Looser rules were announced in January, and
restrictions were eased further in September. But the Commerce and
Treasury Departments can only go so far, unless Congress votes to lift
the legal embargo.

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker traveled to Cuba this week, where she
met with regulators to figure out where some of the new commercial
boundaries could be drawn. She was the first secretary of commerce to
visit the island since 1950.

What's more, in some areas where U.S. officials have given a green
light, it hasn't been matched by their counterparts in Cuba. The legal
boundaries are steadily shifting. But here's a quick guide to where
things stand right now.

Four things that have gotten easier about doing business with Cuba:

Traveling from the U.S. to Cuba
Travel is still limited to 12 authorized categories, including
educational, religious and humanitarian work. But would-be travelers are
now on the honor system to say which category they fall in. And
beginning in September, permission was extended to close relatives in
many of the categories.

Using your cellphone
Verizon Wireless now offers international calling service to Americans
traveling in Cuba.

Sending money
Cuban nationals are now permitted to receive unlimited amounts of money
from the U.S. Before September, remittances were limited to $2,000 per
quarter.

Buying cigars, rum and other souvenirs
Visitors to Cuba can bring up to $400 in merchandise home, including up
to $100 worth of tobacco and alcohol.

And here are four things that haven't:

Flying commercial

U.S. and Cuban negotiators have yet to strike a civil aviation
agreement, opening the door to regularly scheduled commercial air
service. Charter flights, however, are available.

Hiring Cuban employees

The U.S. government has allowed American companies in various categories
(e.g., export, travel, telecommunications, education) to open offices in
Cuba and hire Cuban nationals. Hiring is still generally restricted,
however, by the Cuban government.

Trading international cargo

The U.S. government has cleared the way for passenger and cargo vessels
to travel directly to and from Cuba. However, international cargo
vessels from third countries that stop in Cuba are barred from U.S.
ports for six months.

Using credit cards

The Treasury Department has paved the way for Americans traveling in
Cuba to use credit cards, but most banks have not yet jumped into the
business.

Source: As U.S.-Cuba Relations Thaw, Here's What You Can And Can't Do :
It's All Politics : NPR -
http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/10/10/447235148/as-u-s-cuba-relations-thaw-heres-what-you-can-and-cant-do