Cuba considers reform to allow citizens to travel abroad

The Cuban government said on Monday that it was considering a reform that would allow its citizens to travel abroad as tourists for the first time in 50 years.

By News Wires (text)

AFP - The government of Raul Castro announced plans Monday to let Cubans travel abroad as tourists for the first time in more than 50 years.

The measure is one of 313 reforms approved by the Communist Party Congress in mid-April.

The point, published in a government-distributed tabloid sheet, reads: "Study a policy that allows Cubans living in the country to travel abroad as tourists."

The document gives no further detail on the travel policy or date at which it may be implemented, but makes official the decision to authorize travel as part of reforms launched by the Castro regime.

Currently, to travel abroad Cubans must file a $150 exit request that may be denied. Travel abroad is limited to 30 days, and the paperwork authorizing foreign travel amounts to around $400.

Over the past 52 years the Cuban government has only authorized highly prominent workers to travel abroad, usually to countries in the now defunct Soviet Union.

Date created : 09/05/2011

Comments (2)

EXIT PERMIT FROM YOUR OWN COUNTRY?

by Daniel D Martin (not verified) - 20/10/2011 - 17:35

Who could deny Castro's dictatorship when Cubans are not even free to leave or return to their own country?
Who can deny Castro's corruption when Cubans are charged $550 to get an ''exit permit'' when their average salary is $4 a month?
Who gave the criminal Castro brothers the right to decide what Cuban can exit or return to Cuba ,when they and their families can do it anytime they want to?
FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FOR CUBA TODAY!