Campaign to End U.S. Cuba Travel Ban Gathers Steam

London: A powerful campaign has been launched in the U.S. Congress to overturn the 1960s Cuban embargo which bans Americans from visiting the country.

The island, which lies only 90 miles off Key West, Florida, has been a thorn in the travel plans of all but the hardiest of American travelers. Although tens of thousands of Americans visit Cuba each year, traveling to the country is difficult.

There are no direct flights and any American wishing to travel there has to apply for a special permit. Even then American citizens can only visit for religious, academic or business reasons.

An estimated 60 to 70 percent of Americans now favor lifting the Cold-War era travel ban after U.S. President Barack Obama lifted restrictions for Cuban Americans who wanted to visit their families.