The recent announcement that Cubans will no longer enjoy visa-free travel to Nicaragua has caused concern among those who have already purchased flights from Havana to Managua.
This route has been a major pathway for Cubans in recent years, prompting hundreds to seek answers directly at the Nicaraguan Embassy in Havana. They demand expedited processing of migration documents due to the anticipated halt in flights caused by Cuba's fuel crisis.
What Happens to Your Ticket to Nicaragua?
Airlines generally disclaim responsibility for any changes in immigration policies of destination countries. Travelers are expected to have all necessary documents ready when traveling. Failure to secure a Nicaraguan visa in time means losing the money spent on the ticket.
Conviasa, an airline servicing the Caracas–Havana–Managua route, offers budget-friendly fares that typically exclude travel insurance. As a result, many travelers are left without coverage for unforeseen situations, such as these recent changes in immigration policy.
In case of flight cancellations, passengers can only retain their ticket if the airline decides to reschedule. Conviasa has announced certain schedule adjustments but has not clarified what will happen to bookings outside the newly announced calendar.
The Financial Risk of Losing Your Ticket
The high cost of tickets from Cuba to Nicaragua adds to the anxiety. By late 2024, fares between Havana and Managua soared to $7,000. Currently, prices hover around $1,200, still a significant sum for Cuban families, many of whom sell their possessions to afford a ticket to what they hope will be freedom.
The loss of money is both real and unavoidable, as seen in the recent past when Panama imposed a mandatory transit visa for Cubans on March 8, 2022. Thousands were unable to fly and lost substantial amounts of money, as airlines were not obligated to refund tickets.
Reasons Behind the Visa Changes
Nicaragua's Ministry of the Interior has reinstated the requirement for Cubans to obtain a consulted visa to enter the country. The process is free and applications must be submitted via email to solicitudes@mint.gob.ni. However, no timeline for visa approval has been provided, nor have the specific requirements for applicants been detailed.
Concurrently, Conviasa has temporarily suspended its Caracas–Havana–Managua route, citing "external causes" related to the new immigration requirements and a notice of Jet A-1 fuel shortages at Cuban international airports from February 10 to March 11.
The airline has rescheduled flights between February 11 and 19, 2026, but has not specified plans for those scheduled after these dates.
Understanding the Migration Context
Visa-free travel was initially approved in 2021 to boost tourism and strengthen ties between Cuba and Nicaragua. However, it led to a significant increase in irregular migration from the island, using Managua as a stepping stone to Central America and the United States.
The visa reinstatement comes amid increasing international pressure on the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, along with a regional environment marked by stricter US immigration policies.
For travelers who have already purchased their tickets, the advice is straightforward: Verify the status of your Havana-Managua flight with the airline, apply for the Nicaraguan visa as soon as possible, and do not go to the airport without official visa approval.
FAQs on Cuban Travel to Nicaragua
What should Cubans do if they already have a ticket to Nicaragua?
Travelers should confirm their flight status with the airline, apply for the Nicaraguan visa promptly, and ensure they have received official visa approval before heading to the airport.
Why did Nicaragua change its visa policy for Cubans?
The visa-free policy was initially intended to enhance tourism and relations, but it led to increased irregular migration. The policy change coincides with international pressure on Nicaragua's government and tighter US immigration policies.