Cubans now allowed to leave country legally with new travel policy < br />

2013-01-16 07:17:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

HAVANA, CUBA (BNO NEWS) -- The government of Cuba on Monday opened its doors for nationals to travel internationally, changing its policy after decades.

Cuba for several decades - since the 1960s - had implemented tight restrictions for Cubans to travel internationally, but as of Monday, nationals will be able to leave the country and return without exit visas, also known as 'white cards,' and official invitations from foreign countries.

The travel policy had been announced around three months ago and took effect on Monday, but previously, Cuban nationals would lose their rights and properties after leaving the county without exit visas. In addition, they were only allowed to return for month-long stays and extended stays for only three months. They were also not allowed to buy properties or invest in the country, although many did so unofficially.

With the country's modified travel policies, Cubans will be able to leave the country from 11 to 24 months without losing the citizen rights. In addition, Cubans living abroad will be able to have longer stays.

However, long lines are not expected at Cuba's immigration and foreign offices, as foreign exchange rates are unfavorable for most and travel visas are still needed for several countries, which have their own series of requisites.

Some countries, nonetheless, allow Cubans to enter without visas, including Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Slovakia, Barbados, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Granada, Saint Cristobal and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Moldavia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Overall, they are the old communist bloc and other Caribbean countries.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2013-01-16

Hold on,Cubans never needed a visa to arrive on a Florida beach and stay,work and live the American dream. Now what? If Cubans turn up now on a raft on a Florida beach,will they be asked for a travel permit,and what happens if they do not have one. Looks like a whole new ball game,funny old world. When will the first Cubans start arriving in Pattaya. Well You never saw the Russians coming.