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Travel Agencies Rush Amid Cuba Banking Deadline

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — As the deadline nears for Cuba to find a new bank for its diplomatic accounts in the U.S, travel agencies which offer flights to the island are rushing to get passport and visa applications in.

Cuba temporarily stopped providing almost all consular services at the Cuban Interests Section in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York in November. The U.S. State Department said the U.S. bank that had handled Cuba's accounts severed the relationship due to a "business decision."

M&T Bank later agreed to continue accepting deposits through Feb. 17.

The Cuban Interests Section has not provided any information since, and travel operators in Miami said they were advised by consular agents to submit all documents a week before the deadline.

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