US President Barack Obama has announced a new plan that will ease travel restrictions to Cuba.

The plan, which goes into effect in two weeks, will allow students seeking academic credit and church groups traveling for religious purposes to visit the communist country.

In addition, more airports will be able to offer chartered flights to the island nation.

Presently, only three airports in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles offer authorized charters to Cuba.

Under the plan, any international airport with appropriate customs and immigration facilities will be able to offer chartered flights, as long as licensed travel agencies seek permission.

The changes come a year after the administration relaxed other Cuban policies, allowing Cuban-Americans to visit family members and send money to Cuban relatives.

Source: MSNBC