The Cuban government has once again hindered the international travel plans of independent journalist Boris González Arenas. Scheduled to depart for the United States, González Arenas was set to participate in the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists focusing on "AI and Technology in Journalism" as part of the IVLP 2026 (International Visitor Leadership Program).
According to González Arenas' posts on social media, he was stopped at customs in Terminal 3 of Havana's José Martí International Airport due to a purported "travel restriction."
A customs officer named Ricardo González informed him of the travel ban, although, as González Arenas reported, the official could not specify who had issued the order.
"At Terminal 3 of José Martí International Airport, I was barred from passing customs... I had a travel restriction," González Arenas posted.
While at the airport, González Arenas lodged a complaint, but stated it was not formally accepted, nor was he given an explanation about the authority behind the restriction.
"I hold no grudge against Ricardo. He was neither friendly nor hostile, and as a customs officer, he is required to carry his identification and stand at the forefront of a complaint where he is the least culpable. Those more responsible could be men observing from afar (though I have no proof), but the main culprits remain completely hidden, seeking to preserve their anonymity and fortunes away from public scrutiny, hoping to evade the disgust of history," he expressed.
The journalist also noted that between 2019 and 2024, he was under a permanent travel ban, and in previous years, he was similarly prevented from attending invitations to the British Parliament and electoral processes in Colombia due to such restrictions.
"They do well to stop my travels because every word of mine would strive to shatter the foundation of their filth," he asserted.
The Cuban authorities have previously obstructed his travel attempts. In 2019, he was barred from trips to Great Britain and Panama, both times while trying to depart from Havana's airport.
This latest travel prohibition adds to the growing list of migration restrictions faced by activists and independent journalists on the island, amid increasing reports of infringements on freedom of movement and expression.
Understanding Cuban Travel Restrictions on Journalists
Why was Boris González Arenas prevented from leaving Cuba?
Boris González Arenas was stopped at the airport because of a so-called "travel restriction" imposed by Cuban authorities, though no specific source or reason was provided to him.
Has González Arenas faced similar travel bans in the past?
Yes, between 2019 and 2024, he was subjected to a permanent travel ban, and he has been prevented from traveling on various occasions, including missed invitations to the British Parliament and Colombian electoral processes.
What broader issues do these travel restrictions highlight?
These restrictions underscore the limitations on freedom of movement and expression that activists and independent journalists often face in Cuba, reflecting a broader pattern of governmental control and censorship.