The Obama administration has announced changes regarding travel to Cuba.
The fifth-round of measures regarding the Cuban embargo comes prior to President Obama’s visit to the Caribbean nation, the first of an American leader in almost 90 years.
Officials said in a statement that it will allow individual “people-to-people educational travel” to Cuba.
“Today’s steps build on the actions of the last 15 months as we continue to break down economic barriers, empower the Cuban people and advance their financial freedoms, and chart a new course in U.S.-Cuba relations,” said Lew.
“These steps not only expand opportunities for economic engagement between the Cuban people and the American business community, but will also improve the lives of millions of Cuba’s citizens,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in a statement.
The easing of restrictions follows President Obama and President Raul Castro’s announcement about opening up diplomatic relations with Cuba in December 2014.
However, not all diplomatic restrictions will be cleared until congress ends the embargo.
The United States cut diplomatic relations with the communist country and Cold War enemy in 1961. Both countries remained hostile for decades.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
