Suriname denies entry to Cubans who arrived on a flight with a layover in Panama

The authorities of Suriname denied entry to several Cubans who arrived in the country on flights from Cuba.

According to reported on Facebook in groups of Hispanics in Suriname and on users' profiles, several groups have been impacted by a tightening of the immigration measures in that country.

Around 19 people from the Cuba-Suriname flight on March 28 were returned to Panama, where they had made a stopover.

In a video uploaded by internet user Javier Noblet Domínguez, one of the affected Cuban women shared that on March 28, the country's authorities prevented them from entering and didn't even ask them where they were heading, only retaining their passports and ordering them to return to Panama.

"It's a disrespect what they are doing to us. They are going to deport us without giving us an explanation, without anything, they picked us out randomly and are deporting us just because they want to, because we are not doing anything, because we have not done anything illegal, we bought our tickets, we have everything in order, and what they want to do is deport us without giving us an explanation. They are not even capable of looking us in the face, of giving us an explanation, nothing," commented a Cuban woman with indignation.

Later, on Tuesday, they were returned to Cuba on another flight.

In the post on Facebook by Hispanos en Surinam, where the incident was reported, several forum members confirmed the news. The sister of one of the affected individuals mentioned that their passports were taken away.

"They were told they should go next Tuesday, nothing more. The Cuban consul is meeting with immigration today," he said at the beginning of the week. "My sister flew out on the 28th and had her passport taken; they should give it back to her today, we'll see if that's true," he added later.

One of the internet users commented that the denial of entry was due to the answers given by the Cubans who could not prove that they would be in that country as tourists and were considered potential migrants.

It appears that on two or three occasions, the authorities in Suriname have taken this measure of returning those who are trying to reach Brazil or head to other territories.

The comments refer to another group that allegedly attempted to enter Suriname on March 30 and was also returned to Cuba.

The influencer Rob Morales commented during a live stream on YouTube that Suriname has tightened the requirements for staying and traveling through its country due to the increase in illegal routes that depart from there to the United States.

The authorities require a address of the visitor's stay in Suriname, updated documents, and a minimum amount of cash.

"The surveillance of individuals or organizations involved in illicit migration and human trafficking will be intensified. Suriname has not closed its border, but it is strengthening its migration controls to ensure safe and legal migration," he said.

Among the immigration regulations for Cuban citizens is a strict document review, including passports: "They can take it away from you."

On the other hand, the minimum financial requirement per passenger has been updated to $1,000: "They must come with $1,000. Effective immediately, that’s right now, okay? Flight Always emphasizes that these regulations are established by the immigration authorities."

In 2023, the government of that country announced that it would require visas for Cubans due to the abuse of visa-free travel to Suriname by citizens of the Island.

In July 2022, Suriname eliminated the visa requirement for traveling to the country, aiming to boost tourism and foreign investment. This resulted in a 90% increase, while the remaining travelers primarily used it as a stopover to continue to another destination, exacerbating the Central American migration crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Denial of Entry to Cubans in Suriname