José, a Cuban content creator currently living in Thailand, has issued a cautionary message to fellow Cubans dreaming of emigrating to this Asian nation.
In a video shared on his Instagram account @josecubitaa_habla, José emphasizes that traveling to Thailand without sufficient funds or a job could be a costly mistake.
He says, "Cubans wanting to come to Thailand need to come prepared. Without money, there's no work here." In Cuban slang, "come prepared" means arriving with enough money, and "work" implies searching for a job from scratch without any resources.
Cubans Should Plan Ahead Before Moving
José stresses that the only viable exception is having a job offer lined up beforehand: "Unless you're a professional and find a company that offers you work and justifies needing you for the job."
He also points out remote work as an alternative: "If you can find an online job, that's different. If you have income from the internet, you can live here. It's cheaper than in Europe," he notes.
Without secure income from abroad, José warns, starting from scratch in Thailand isn't advisable. He believes there aren't enough job opportunities to save and thrive.
Understanding Thailand's Immigration Policies
The video also touches on an alleged recent change in Thailand's immigration policy. According to José, the allowed stay has been reduced to one month, shortening the time frame for those arriving without a clear plan.
This contrasts with the visa exemption for Cubans that became effective on July 15, 2024, allowing stays of up to 60 days for tourism without prior visa requirements.
Siam Visa Pro confirms that the visa exemption is for 30 days and does not include the right to work. To work legally in Thailand, a non-immigrant type B visa and a work permit sponsored by a Thai employer are required. Working without this permit is illegal.
Options for Those with External Income
For those with external income, there is the Destination Thailand Visa, designed for digital nomads, which allows stays of up to 180 days, renewable over five years. However, this option requires proof of bank funds of at least 500,000 baht (approximately 13,000 euros) and evidence of income from outside the country.
Tourist visa holders can stay in Thailand for a maximum of 60 days. "If you wish to stay longer than 60 days, you can apply for a stay extension at the Immigration Office," the official website states.
Cost of Living and Recent Trends
The cost of living in cities like Bangkok ranges from 35,000 to 45,000 baht per month for a single person with a basic lifestyle, equivalent to around 967 euros per month according to estimates from 2026.
The trend of Cubans moving to Thailand is relatively new. Since Thailand relaxed entry requirements for Cuban citizens two years ago, the destination has gained visibility on social media as an alternative to traditional migration routes. In June, a Cuban woman residing in Thailand shared her life experiences there.
José concludes his video with a phrase that encapsulates his warning to those considering a move to Thailand: "Get well-informed before you come and don't waste your time or money."
FAQs About Moving to Thailand from Cuba
What should Cubans know before moving to Thailand?
Cubans should ensure they have sufficient funds or a remote job lined up before moving. It's crucial to understand immigration policies and the cost of living to avoid financial strain.
What are the visa requirements for Cubans in Thailand?
Cubans can stay up to 30 days without a visa, but working requires a non-immigrant type B visa and a work permit sponsored by a Thai employer.
Is Thailand affordable for Cubans?
While living in Thailand can be cheaper than in Europe, it is vital to have a steady income, especially considering the monthly living costs in cities like Bangkok.