A Cuban woman living in the United States has tearfully reported that Cuban authorities prohibited her from entering the island because she wasn't traveling with her Cuban passport, despite recently acquiring U.S. citizenship. "It was heartbreaking to be there and not be able to see my family. I’m sharing this so no one else has to go through this ordeal," wrote @daylunaphotography in a TikTok video description, where she detailed her experience at Havana Airport.
According to her account, the trip was unplanned due to a family emergency, and she did not check entry requirements before traveling. "I became a U.S. citizen a few months ago, and visiting Cuba wasn't on my agenda, but a family issue arose suddenly," she explained. The young woman noted that at the Kentucky airport, where she boarded her flight to Cuba, the Cuban passport was never requested, and she described the American staff as "very kind and helpful." However, once she arrived on the island, immigration officials denied her entrance and forced her to return on the same flight to the United States.
"I don't understand why, as a Cuban, I'm not allowed to enter my own country when I already have U.S. citizenship. It's utterly absurd. I wasn't on vacation; it was a family matter," she lamented. She also emphasized that she was respectful to the Cuban officials and admitted her mistake for not verifying the necessary documents.
Emotionally shaken, she expressed her disappointment: "It hurt deeply not being able to see my family, but it also made me appreciate even more this country that welcomed me. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to return safely."
The incident has sparked numerous comments on social media, where many users pointed out that the Cuban regime mandates all citizens born on the island to enter and exit the country with a Cuban passport, regardless of holding another nationality. Cuba's immigration policy requires naturalized citizens abroad to renew and pay for their Cuban passport every two years, a costly and mandatory process that critics argue is a revenue source for the government despite disapproval from the Cuban diaspora.
Understanding Cuban Passport Regulations
Why must Cuban-born individuals enter Cuba with a Cuban passport?
Cuban law requires all individuals born in Cuba to enter and exit using a Cuban passport, regardless of any other nationality they may hold. This regulation is part of the country's immigration policy.
What are the costs associated with a Cuban passport?
Renewing a Cuban passport can be quite expensive, as it must be renewed and paid for every two years. This is seen by many as a financial burden imposed by the Cuban government on its citizens abroad.
Can U.S. citizens of Cuban origin travel to Cuba without a Cuban passport?
No, U.S. citizens who were born in Cuba are still required to enter Cuba using a Cuban passport. The possession of U.S. citizenship does not exempt them from this requirement.