Changes in travel restrictions to Cuba

After Cuba and the United States announced a chance in diplomatic relations, Americans are now able to travel to the country under new rules announced on December 17th.

Americans who want to travel in one of twelve categories, such as professional, religious, or educational trips, will no longer need licenses in advance.

Yet, it’s still not as simple as booking a flight and going, the rules are almost fluid.

WINK News was allowed into the country without all the licenses, but were later told by a high ranking official we should have been sent back to Florida when we landed without them.

The rules and reality don’t always match.

The new rules say Americans can use credit cards in the country, but the reality is American banks are blocked. No credit or debit cards are useful, it’s cash only.

You can bring back $400 worth of souvenirs now, including a $100 worth of liquor and cigars. However, not all U.S. Customs agents seemed aware of the fact.

Still, Americans have been finding ways to visit for years, and the demand for travel to Cuba is only going up.

If you’re really interested in going, the best advice is to use a tour company that arranges everything.

MasterCard says they’ll opening up to Americans in Cuba starting in March, but don’t expect that to mean you’ll just be able to use your card anywhere right away.