U.S. to open more airports to Cuban travel

WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will allow more airports to support flights to and from Cuba as part of its most recent change to current travel regulations to the communist country.

The adjustment, announced Friday, will allow airports previously unapproved by Customs and Border Protection to accept flights coming from and traveling to the island nation.

Previously, the CBP allowed flights to and from Cuba to only 22 approved airports.

As part of the change, Cuba-related flights will also be treated as other international flights under Title 19 of the Federal Register. The changes will be published Monday, March 21, the DHS said.

Earlier this week, the United States eased other restrictions placed on Cuba ahead of President Barack Obama's three-day visit to the island.

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce announced they will permit individuals to visit Cuba for "people-to-people educational travel," allowing Americans to visit the Caribbean country for educational purposes either individually or in groups.

This week's changes will also allow Cubans to open U.S. bank accounts and permit Cubans living in the United States to earn a salary, also making it easier for dollars to be used by Cubans.