A Cuban woman residing in Brazil has found herself stuck in Cuba after her attempt to return home was thwarted by Cuban immigration officials. They barred her from boarding her flight, claiming she lacked an essential official document. Known as Dayi on TikTok, she shared her ordeal in a video on Thursday, which quickly garnered over 106,000 views.
Dayi explained that her trip to Cuba was meant to be a family visit. The trouble began at the airport when she was informed, "we were told no, that we couldn’t travel because we were missing an official document," she recounted with visible distress.
The bureaucratic hurdle is compounded by financial constraints, making the situation more dire. "We don’t have the money to make another journey," she admitted, uncertain of when or how she and her family will be able to leave Cuba.
As she awaits a resolution, Dayi describes the daily challenges she faces on the island: "the blackouts are terrible, there's no water, prices are exorbitant, everything is a mess." The gas shortage forces her to cook with charcoal, a situation she finds increasingly unbearable.
The Bureaucratic Trap
Dayi's predicament is part of a larger issue affecting many Cubans living abroad. The Cuban government requires its citizens to have a valid Cuban passport for both entry and exit. If the passport has expired or lacks necessary documentation, departure is denied. This bureaucratic snag has left many travelers stranded when visiting family with incomplete or nearly expired documents.
New Migration Law Intensifies Control
The migration landscape is further complicated by a new Migration Law enacted in May 2026, set to take effect this November. This law broadens the reasons the regime can use to prevent citizens from leaving the country, including national security, preservation of a skilled workforce, and sensitive official information, thereby tightening state control over Cuban mobility.
In a state of desperation, Dayi made a public plea from the island: "please, if anyone has information and can tell me how we can return, because I just don’t know anymore." She concluded her video with a sentiment that encapsulates her current nightmare: "I haven't felt such joy in waking up and knowing it didn’t happen again."
Understanding Cuba's Immigration Challenges
Why can't Dayi leave Cuba?
Dayi is unable to leave Cuba because she lacks a required official document, as per Cuban immigration authorities.
What is the new Migration Law in Cuba?
The new Migration Law, effective from November 2026, expands the grounds on which the Cuban government can restrict citizens from leaving, citing reasons like national security and workforce preservation.
What challenges are faced by Cubans living abroad when visiting Cuba?
Cubans living abroad may face challenges like being unable to leave if their passport is expired or if they don't meet all documentation requirements, leading to unexpected and prolonged stays.