A Cuban woman named Tania García took to social media to share her surprise at the massive line she encountered upon arriving at Havana's José Martí International Airport. According to García, all passengers, regardless of their luggage size, were subjected to thorough baggage checks.
"It's a tight situation. Now, everyone, I mean everyone, is being checked. Every single piece of luggage is inspected," she remarked with astonishment as she filmed the lengthy queue of travelers waiting for customs clearance.
In the brief 25-second clip, García expressed that she had never experienced anything like this during her previous trips to Cuba. "Look at this line... It's never happened to me before, and now for the first time, I'm here, but it's everyone, literally everyone, even the smallest bags," she emphasized.
However, García later clarified that she did not face any confiscation nor were her bags opened. "In the end, they didn't take anything from me or open my bags; it was just about scanning them," she explained.
Concerns About Airport Organization
Her main criticism was aimed at the service's organization, especially when several international flights converge, leading to a backlog of passengers waiting to pass their belongings through the X-ray machines. "Flights after flights come together... they should add more X-ray machines and staff to prevent chaos," she suggested.
Impact of New Immigration and Customs Regulations
García's experience coincides with the early days of implementing new immigration and customs laws, including Law 171 on Migration, Law 172 on Citizenship, and Law 173 on Foreigners, which took effect on November 1. These laws introduce changes such as removing the 24-month overseas stay limit and establishing effective migratory residency, while still allowing the government to regulate entry and exit under certain conditions.
While these laws alter migration rules, there's no indication that García's delays were directly linked to their enforcement. The luggage inspections are part of the customs regulations, which also saw revisions in 2026.
In April, Decree-Law 108 on Customs came into effect, expanding inspection powers over travelers and goods. Additionally, new rules on personal imports have been in place since October.
Complaints about airport checks are not uncommon. In late October, a Cuban man and his Mexican wife reported a negative experience at Havana's airport, where the woman claimed she underwent an exhaustive check before departing the country.
In February 2025, authorities inaugurated an expansion of Terminal 3, which included several X-ray machines aimed at streamlining the baggage inspection process.
Understanding the New Airport Procedures in Cuba
What changes have recently been implemented at Havana's airport?
Recent changes include more thorough baggage inspections for all passengers, regardless of luggage size, coinciding with new customs and immigration laws.
Are the new immigration laws affecting airport procedures?
While the new laws alter migration rules, there is no clear evidence that they are directly affecting the delays in airport procedures.
What suggestions have been made to improve airport efficiency?
Suggestions include increasing the number of X-ray machines and staff to manage the influx of passengers more effectively and reduce chaos.