“It is important to note that travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statue,” the official said.
Earlier in the day, Washington announced new changes to its sanctions policy on Cuba by facilitating travel to the island nation for certain authorized purposes. The US government allowed new travel-related transactions associated with professional meetings, disaster preparedness and response projects, media and artistic productions in Cuba.
US citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba for 12 specific purposes that are listed in the US Treasury Department’s Cuban Assets Control Regulations. They include journalistic, educational, religious, professional and humanitarian activities, in addition to family visits and "support for the Cuban people."
In September 2015, the Obama administration announced it was relaxing regulations with Cuba, making it easier for US citizens to travel and conduct business there.
Despite improving relations, Washington still maintains a congressionally-mandate trade embargo on Havana.
