In a meeting held in Bogotá, Colombia with tourism operators and airlines, Cuba's Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, unveiled a bold proposal that could reshape regional travel dynamics: the creation of a shared visa system among Latin American countries, inspired by Europe's Schengen Area. "We need to discuss visas that can be used across several countries, similar to the Schengen Area in Europe. We should look at global models and apply them regionally to reap mutual benefits from distant tourist flows," he stated during the meeting at the Hotel Dann Carlton, as mentioned in an interview with El País.
A Visionary Proposal: The "Caribbean Schengen"
This ambitious proposal aims not only to simplify travel processes for tourists but also to promote a regional tourism outlook, particularly targeting far-off markets like China, Russia, and Turkey. The goal is for a visitor arriving in Havana to easily travel onward to destinations such as Cartagena, Cancún, or Lima without facing additional immigration hurdles. García Granda emphasizes that only a unified strategy will enable regional countries to attract visitors who might otherwise choose destinations with greater integration and less bureaucracy.
Contextual Challenges: Declining Tourist Numbers
The relevance of this idea is magnified by recent trends: Cuba's tourist numbers have plummeted from 4.7 million in 2017 to just 2.2 million in 2024. García Granda attributes this decline to several factors: the pandemic, the country's ongoing energy crisis, and the tightened U.S. policies that have reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, impacting even European tourists who fear repercussions when traveling to the U.S. later.
Focusing Eastward: China as a Key Player
With the drop in American tourists, the Cuban government is turning its attention to emerging markets. The minister disclosed that China is central to his expansion strategy. Currently, there are two weekly flights between Beijing and Havana, and visa requirements for Chinese citizens have been lifted. García Granda believes that attracting Chinese tourists would benefit not only Cuba but all of Latin America. The strategy to appeal to this traveler profile includes diversifying offerings beyond the classic "sun and beach" vacation, enhancing air connectivity, reducing immigration barriers, and fostering partnerships with other countries on the continent.
The Feasibility of a "Latin American Schengen"
While García Granda's proposal for a regional visa akin to the Schengen Area may be bold and even visionary, it is far from simple to implement. Latin America lacks the institutional, political, and logistical frameworks that enabled Europe to establish its free-movement zone. Differences among countries, gaps in their immigration systems, divergent economic interests, and the political instability that plagues much of the region make such a measure seem more like a diplomatic aspiration than a feasible reality at present.
Beyond its symbolism, the minister’s proposal seems to address an urgent need: finding creative solutions to the deep crisis facing Cuba's tourism sector. However, a "Caribbean Schengen" would require years of multilateral negotiations, firm commitments from governments that do not always act in concert, and a shared legal and technological infrastructure that currently does not exist.
For Cuba, the proposal appears to distract from the structural issues plaguing its tourism industry: power outages, widespread shortages, restrictions on freedoms, and an international image tarnished by political and economic factors. While the removal of bureaucratic obstacles is a commendable goal, rebuilding confidence in Cuba as a travel destination, diversifying the tourism offering with actions rather than intentions, and proving competitive equality in the global market must come first.
Ultimately, while the idea may serve as a rhetorical exercise and a nod to potential strategic allies, the geopolitical and economic realities of the continent create a significant divide between the ambition of the discourse and the tangible possibilities of implementation.
Exploring the Proposed Caribbean Schengen
What is the main goal of Cuba's proposed visa system?
The primary objective is to simplify travel for tourists across Latin American countries, similar to the Schengen Area in Europe, thereby increasing visitor numbers and promoting regional tourism.
Why has Cuba's tourism industry seen a decline in visitors?
The decline is attributed to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, an ongoing energy crisis, and stricter U.S. policies, including Cuba's re-listing as a state sponsor of terrorism, which deters even European tourists.
How is China involved in Cuba's tourism strategy?
China is a key target in Cuba's strategy to attract new tourists. The country has lifted visa requirements for Chinese citizens and seeks to increase connectivity and diversify its tourism offerings.