Cuba has expressed disappointment about the recent revisions in American travel policy to the country, saying that while the move makes it easier for Americans to visit and interact with people in Cuba, these steps are not enough.

Regular tourism is still restricted between the US and Cuba, but academics and religious groups will be able to move between the two with relative ease. Another new development is that any American will be able to send money to the country (up to $2k a year) providing the recipient is not affiliated with the Castro administration or Communist Party. Prior to this, Americans could only send money people in Cuba if they were relatives.

While the plans have been confirmed, the new rules will not be implemented for a couple of weeks.

Despite the relaxation in the tough restrictions imposed during George W. Bush’s presidency, the Foreign Ministry of Cuba has commented that the new rules only bring the American-Cuban travel policy back to how it was during Clinton’s presidency. In the statement issued on Sunday, the ministry added "Though the measures are positive, they are well below what was hoped for, have a limited reach and do not change [American] policy against Cuba."

The trade embargo which has existed for almost fifty years is understood to continue despite the easing regulations, giving rise to further criticisms that the White House has no intention to improve relations on a wider level. Cuban officials has dubbed the embargo a ‘blockade’, and has noted that Cuba is the only country to which North Americans cannot travel.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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