February 15, 2000. From Chicago Tribune News Services
HAVANA, CUBA - Hundreds of Cubans lined up Monday outside the U.S. mission here to apply for visas under a new system that promises to eliminate months of waiting for some Cubans.
The system took effect Monday. About 700 Cubans showed up at the U.S. Interests Section to drop off their ports and pick up applications.
The new procedure was supposed to take effect last month but was postponed after the U.S. said Cuba had backed away from an earlier agreement to allow the more efficient process.
Under the old system, Cubans seeking tourist visas had to send a letter to the Interests Section.
Now, Cubans can go directly to the mission, drop off ports and obtain applications. |