The Ecuadorian government has decided to implement a transit visa requirement for Cuban nationals journeying through its territory, adding to the existing entry visa requirement. This policy, revealed by Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, will also apply to citizens of 45 other nations, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Philippines, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Congo, Senegal, Venezuela, Vietnam, Haiti, China, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Sudan.
The main objective of this measure, as explained by the foreign ministry, is to bolster national security and enhance migration control. "This alteration is part of the National Government's efforts to combat transnational organized crime, particularly targeting human trafficking and migrant smuggling rings," the statement emphasized.
According to Ecuadorian authorities, transit visas will be mandated for travelers from countries already requiring entry visas, as well as others identified by the human mobility authority. President Daniel Noboa has declared that Ecuador is engaged in an "internal armed conflict" against criminal organizations.
Earlier this year, a Cuban named Miguel O. was apprehended during an anti-drug operation by Ecuador's National Police Drug Investigation Directorate. This operation dismantled a drug trafficking network in Guamaní, located in southern Quito. Alongside him, an Ecuadorian and a Venezuelan were also arrested, all allegedly involved in transporting 74 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $92,000 in the South American nation.
Between January 2017 and January 2021, a total of 1,066 Cuban emigrants were granted naturalization in the Andean country.
Ecuador's Visa Policy and Its Implications
Why is Ecuador requiring transit visas for Cuban travelers?
Ecuador is introducing transit visas to strengthen state security and control migration, aiming to combat transnational organized crime, especially human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Who else is affected by Ecuador's new visa requirement?
Besides Cubans, citizens from 45 other countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, and Bangladesh, will also need transit visas to travel through Ecuador.
What prompted Ecuador to declare an "internal armed conflict"?
The Ecuadorian government, led by President Daniel Noboa, declared an "internal armed conflict" in response to increasing threats from criminal organizations operating within the country.