Washington, June 8 (RHC)-- The U.S. government on Wednesday modified its regulations on group travel and sending remittances to Cuba, two of the restrictive measures adopted during Donald Trump's administration.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) noted that the new guidelines will be published on Thursday in the Federal Register.

Thus, group educational trips by Americans to the island, conducted under the auspices of an organization subject to U.S. jurisdiction, will be allowed. On such trips, they must be accompanied by an employee, paid consultant, or agent of the sponsoring entity.

Also, transactions related to such trips and others related to the attendance or organization of professional meetings or conferences in Cuba will be authorized under certain conditions.

OFAC clarified that individual person-to-person travel and visits for tourist activities on the island remain prohibited.

Regarding remittances to Cuban family members and citizens, the U.S. Administration officially eliminated the limit of US$1,000 every three months, although it did not specify what mechanisms would be available for sending such remittances.

Last May, President Joe Biden said he would lift some of the 243 measures taken during the Trump era, which the Democratic politician has kept in place since his inauguration in January 2021.

The Cuban government assured that the newly announced measures are a step in the right direction, but they are insufficient as long as the U.S. economic blockade remains intact.

The U.S. Administration promised that consular services and visa processing would be increased, and facilities would be offered for families to visit their relatives in Cuba.

In addition, the White House stated its intention to reinstate a family reunification program that has been suspended for years.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation authorized flights to Cuban airports outside Havana, which had been prohibited since 2019.