The Obama administration has made further inroads to establishing free, unrestricted travel to Cuba with news that individual exemptions are no longer needed if traveling by cruise ship or ferry.
A government official not authorized to speak publicly, said it will probably take effect from next year as a direct maritime route still hasn’t been officially established.
The US official, quoted by the AP, said the US and Cuba are edging closer to allowing scheduled commercial flights between the two countries which could also begin sometime next year.
It comes alongside a slew of other reforms aimed at opening up trade opportunities, banking and telecommunications services in Cuba.
A direct postal service between the two countries will resume for the first time since 1963, and Verizon will become the first US carrier to offer roaming wireless service in Cuba beginning this week.
"By offering worldwide services while traveling in Cuba, we are making it simple and easy for customers to stay connected wherever and whenever they choose," said Javier Farfan, vice president of cultural and segment marketing for Verizon.
"Our customers are citizens of the world, and we want them to enjoy seamlessly a great Verizon experience wherever they travel."
