The U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments have jointly announced that, effective January 15, 2015, certain groups of U.S. citizens may now freely travel to Cuba without the need to obtain a license. These include individuals with families in Cuba, employees on official business for U.S. and foreign governments, journalists, professional researchers and educators, exporters/importers, individuals involved with religious activities, public performers, humanitarian workers and athletic competitors. Since there are no direct flights to Cuba, eligible individuals will have to book flights through a third country. Initially the airlines will be tasked with determining whether U.S. travelers fall within one of the above categories. U.S. citizens will be allowed to use U.S. credit and debit cards when they visit Cuba. Also, they will be allowed to import up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, and for the connoisseurs of fine rum and cigars, up to $100 of alcohol and tobacco. The U.S. Department of State is also preparing to lay the groundwork for a new U.S. Embassy in Havana in the next few months.