Cubans can now travel freely abroad. The government has abolished exit visas and other restrictions imposed half a century ago to prevent people from leaving after the revolution.
However, there is a catch. Cubans can only leave the country with a passport – which costs 100 US dollars, approximately five times the local average salary.
According to the new rules, travel is also approved for doctors. Until now, they were unable to travel because the authorities feared they would leave the country en masse. Similar restrictions applied to other esteemed professions, such as scientists and poets. The government still retains the right to restrict travel for anyone deemed to have an impact on national security or the economic strength of the country.
Now that their government has made travel easier for them, all other barriers remain – as very few countries allow Cubans entry without a visa. Mainly because they are known for not returning once they arrive.
