The government of Ecuador will require a transit visa for Cubans traveling through its territory who currently already need a visa for entry.
The measure, announced this Sunday by the Foreign Ministry of the South American country, also includes nationals from 45 other countries, such as Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Congo, Senegal, Venezuela, Vietnam, Haiti, China, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Sudan.
The measure has been taken with the intention of strengthening state security and migration control, the Foreign Ministry specified.
"This modification is adopted as part of the National Government's fight against transnational organized crime, particularly against human trafficking and migrant smuggling mafias," the statement reads.
Ecuadorian authorities will request "transit visas for nationals transiting from countries that currently require a visa to enter the country and for those that the human mobility authority determines," they add.
President Daniel Noboa has declared that his country is in an "internal armed conflict" against criminal gangs.
In January, a Cuban identified as Miguel O. was arrested in an operation by the Anti-Drug Investigation Directorate of the National Police of Ecuador, which dismantled a drug trafficking network in the Guamaní area, south of Quito.
Alongside him, an Ecuadorian and a Venezuelan were detained, all allegedly involved in the transportation of 74 kilos of cocaine, valued at $92,000 in the South American country's market.
Between January 2017 and January 2021, 1,066 Cuban emigrants were naturalized in the Andean country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Transit Visa Requirement for Cubans in Ecuador
Why does Ecuador require transit visas for Cubans?
Ecuador has decided to require transit visas for Cubans to strengthen state security and immigration control. This measure also applies to 45 other countries and is part of the fight against transnational organized crime, particularly against human trafficking and migrant smuggling mafias.
How does this measure affect Cubans traveling through Ecuador?
The new transit visa requirement complicates travel for Cubans using Ecuador as a transit point to other destinations. This restriction may increase costs and the time needed to plan their trips, as well as make transit to other countries more difficult.
What other countries are included in the new transit visa requirement for Ecuador?
In addition to Cuba, the new transit visa requirement affects citizens of 45 other countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Congo, Senegal, Venezuela, Vietnam, Haiti, China, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Sudan, among others.
What is the relationship between this measure and organized crime in Ecuador?
The transit visa requirement is part of the Ecuadorian government's efforts against transnational organized crime, especially targeting the mafias involved in human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. President Daniel Noboa has stated that Ecuador is facing an "internal armed conflict" due to criminal gangs.
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