Dozens of Cubans gathered outside the Embassy of Nicaragua in Havana on Monday seeking information, following the announcement by that country's government of the cancellation of visa-free travel for Cuban citizens.
On social media, several videos are circulating that show long lines and visibly confused people at the entrance of the diplomatic office, trying to find out what will happen with their travel plans.
The concern is greater among those who have already purchased tickets to Managua, one of the main departure points for Cubans trying to emigrate. Many fear losing the money they’ve invested or becoming trapped in a bureaucratic limbo.
The measure was confirmed this Sunday through an official statement from the Nicaraguan Ministry of the Interior. The text informs that citizens of Cuba, holders of ordinary passports, are once again among the nationalities that require a consulted visa to enter the Central American country.
Requests must be made online, through the institutional email solicitudes@mint.gob.ni, and can be processed “from anywhere in the world,” as long as the requirements established by Nicaraguan legislation are met.
The Ministry clarified that the visas requested for Cuban citizens will be free of charge. The visa process is free, but the statement did not specify how long the evaluation and granting process will take.
The visa-free policy was approved in 2021 with the argument of promoting tourism and the so-called "humanitarian family relationship" between Cuba and Nicaragua, but it coincided with a significant increase in irregular migration from the island to the United States, using Managua as the starting point for migration routes.
In recent years, Washington has accused the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo of facilitating the transit of migrants.
The restoration of the visa occurs in a context of increased international pressure on Managua and amid the tightening of U.S. President Donald Trump's policy towards the Cuban regime.
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