A Cuban woman residing in Spain approached the U.S. Embassy in Madrid with high hopes of securing a B1/B2 visa, only to leave empty-handed. Known on TikTok as @yairis.acuario, she recounted her experience in a video shared last Monday, four days after her consular appointment on August 20.
Her story echoes the frustration felt by countless Cubans across Europe: despite having strong ties to Spain, her Cuban citizenship was the deciding factor in the visa denial.
“I was extremely confident because if they asked the questions I anticipated, I have solid roots in Spain. My life is here; I have a 10-year-old son I’ve left with my husband,” she explained in the video.
With a stable job, a home in her name, and an established life in Spain, her plan was to visit the U.S. for just a week to see her mother and sisters, with every intention of returning.
Unexpected Consular Interview
However, the consular interview took an unexpected turn. “They only asked if I worked, and that was it. I was stunned because you go in expecting one thing and they ask another,” she recounted. The official did not delve into her ties to Spain or her reasons for returning but instead focused on Cuba.
“I thought it was about proving you want to return, but they were asking me things about Cuba,” she added, visibly puzzled.
Restrictive Visa Policies
The scenario she describes isn't coincidental. Since June 9, 2025, a presidential proclamation from the Trump administration has suspended the issuance of B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas for Cuban nationals, allowing exceptions only for legal permanent residents, holders of diplomatic visas, and immediate family of U.S. citizens. This policy impacts Cubans regardless of their country of residence, even those legally living in Europe.
Cuba is also excluded from the ESTA visa waiver program, closing that alternative path even for Cubans with dual European nationality. Those who have traveled to the island since January 12, 2021, are also barred from using this mechanism, despite holding a passport from a waiver program country.
Determination to Reapply
The plight of Cuban families divided by denied visas has worsened as these restrictions took effect, and this woman’s case highlights how stringent immigration measures affect even those with established lives outside of Cuba.
Refusing to give up, she declared her intent to reapply. “They will get tired of me; I'm going back soon,” she asserted, and urged other Cubans living in Spain to share their consular interview experiences and whether they succeeded: “I want to know what you did because I want to visit the United States, and I don’t plan to stay; my life is here.”
Understanding U.S. Visa Denials for Cubans in Europe
Why was the Cuban woman denied a U.S. visa in Madrid?
She was denied a U.S. visa despite having strong ties in Spain due to her Cuban nationality, which is a key factor under restrictive visa policies implemented by the U.S. government.
What are the current U.S. visa restrictions for Cubans?
Since June 9, 2025, the U.S. has suspended several visa categories for Cuban nationals, with limited exceptions, impacting Cubans worldwide, regardless of their place of residence.