The Cuban YouTuber Dina Stars returned to Cuban soil after years of absence, on a trip filled with tension, family memories, and strict checks by the authorities at José Martí International Airport in Havana.
Dina, who emigrated to Spain after the protests on July 11, 2021, shared the first video of a series documenting her stay in Cuba on her YouTube channel. In this initial chapter, she shows the process of preparing for the trip, the baggage check, and the emotional reunion with her mother.
The influencer traveled from Madrid with the airline Air China, and praised the good service and the friendliness of the crew. However, upon arriving in Havana, she faced several obstacles: she tried to record her arrival at the airport, but the Cuban authorities prohibited her from filming. "What a tremendous level of intensity," she expressed in the video while recounting her experience.
Dina also reported that she had to pay a surcharge for excess baggage, as only up to 30 kilograms of miscellaneous items are allowed, and she now claims that customs officials not only weigh the suitcases but also the carry-on luggage and even her personal bag.
"We had to pay 400 pesos. It's unfair because those suitcases had already been paid for when we left Spain, but the issue isn't what they charge, it's the delay in their service," he commented.
Despite the stress experienced at Customs, where they even searched one of her bags, she finally managed to hug her mother at the entrance of Terminal 3, as the Cuban airport does not allow family members to enter the passenger reception area.
In an emotional moment of the video, Dina's mother confessed that she was afraid her daughter would be detained by State Security upon entering the country.
“Take so long to leave that I told Bryan, ‘Oh, I’ve already been caught’,” she revealed sadly. Dina, amid nervous laughter, responded with a hug that marked the beginning of their much-anticipated vacation in Havana.
It is important to remember that Dina Stars left Cuba after being pressured by State Security due to her public statements and her participation in the manifestations of 11J.
The young woman was aware of the risks that her return to the island posed, but she decided to go back to reunite with her loved ones.
This trip promises a series of videos in which Dina will document her experience on the island, marked by mixed emotions, bureaucracy, and the desire to reconnect with her homeland.
Frequently asked questions about Dina Stars' trip to Cuba and experiences at Customs
What difficulties did Dina Stars face upon arriving at Havana airport?
Dina Stars faced strict checks by Cuban authorities, who prohibited her from filming her arrival. She also had to pay a surcharge for excess luggage, as current regulations allow only up to 30 kilograms of miscellaneous items, and officials even weigh carry-on luggage and personal bags.
What was Dina Stars' mother's reaction upon her arrival in Cuba?
The mother of Dina Stars was visibly concerned about the possibility of her daughter being detained by State Security upon entering the country. She expressed her fear by saying she thought Dina might have been arrested, which reflects the tension and risk involved in Dina's return to Cuba after her public statements in support of the 11J demonstrators.
Why did Dina Stars decide to return to Cuba despite the risks?
Dina Stars decided to return to Cuba to reunite with her loved ones, despite being aware of the risks involved in her return to the island. Her journey is driven by the desire to reconnect with her homeland and document her experience in a series of videos.
What has been the experience of other Cubans returning to the island and going through Customs?
The experience of other Cubans returning to the island has been similar to that of Dina Stars, facing strict controls and stressful situations at Customs. An example is the case of a Cuban woman who returned from the United States and encountered a blackout at the airport, which delayed the customs process for several hours. These incidents reflect the difficulties and bureaucracy that many face when temporarily returning to Cuba.
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