Officials in Suriname have barred entry to several Cubans who arrived on flights originating from Cuba. Reports on Facebook, especially within Hispanic groups in Suriname and user profiles, indicate that numerous groups have been impacted by the country's stricter immigration policies.
On March 28, approximately 19 individuals traveling on the Cuba-Suriname flight were sent back to Panama, where they had a layover. A video posted by Javier Noblet Domínguez featured a Cuban woman expressing her frustration over being denied entry by Surinamese authorities without any inquiry about their destination. Their passports were confiscated, and they were instructed to return to Panama.
"It's utterly disrespectful how they're treating us. They're deporting us without any explanation, selecting us randomly, even though we're not involved in anything illegal. We have our tickets and everything in order, yet they're forcing us out without a word," the aggrieved woman stated.
The following Tuesday, the group was sent back to Cuba on another flight. The Facebook post from Hispanos en Surinam confirmed the incident, with multiple users corroborating the story. A sister of one of those affected revealed that their passports had been seized.
"They were told to return the following Tuesday, and nothing more. The Cuban consul is meeting with immigration today," she stated earlier in the week. "My sister flew on the 28th, and they took her passport. Today, they're supposed to return it, let's see if it's true," she added.
Another user commented that the entry denial was due to the failure of the Cubans to convincingly demonstrate their tourist intentions, leading authorities to suspect they might be potential migrants. On several occasions, Surinamese authorities have reportedly returned individuals who appear to be using the country as a stepping stone to Brazil or other destinations.
Comments also mentioned another group that attempted to enter Suriname on March 30 but was also sent back to Cuba. Influencer Rob Morales noted on a YouTube broadcast that Suriname has tightened its requirements for staying and transiting through due to an increase in illegal routes heading to the United States.
Authorities now require visitors to provide a specific address where they will be staying in Suriname, up-to-date documents, and a minimum of $1,000 in cash. "Surveillance will intensify concerning individuals or organizations involved in illegal migration and human trafficking. Suriname hasn't closed its borders but is enhancing its immigration controls to ensure safe and legal migration," Morales explained.
Among the new immigration regulations for Cuban citizens is a thorough inspection of documents, including passports, which can be confiscated. Additionally, the minimum financial requirement per traveler has been raised to $1,000. "You must arrive with $1,000. This is effective immediately," emphasized Flight Always, pointing out that these rules are set by immigration authorities.
In 2023, the Surinamese government announced a visa requirement for Cubans, following the misuse of visa-free travel to the country by island residents. In July 2022, Suriname had abolished the visa requirement to boost tourism and foreign investment, achieving a 90% success rate. However, the remaining travelers were using it as a stopover for onward journeys, exacerbating the Central American migration crisis.
Key Questions on Suriname's Immigration Policies for Cubans
Why did Suriname deny entry to the Cuban travelers?
Suriname denied entry as the Cuban travelers failed to demonstrate convincingly that they were visiting as tourists, raising suspicions of potential migration intentions.
What are the new requirements for Cubans traveling to Suriname?
Travelers must provide a specific accommodation address in Suriname, have updated travel documents, and carry at least $1,000 in cash.
How has Suriname's immigration policy changed in recent years?
Suriname initially removed visa requirements in 2022 to boost tourism but reinstated them due to misuse and migration issues. They've also increased financial and documentation requirements for travelers.