A Cuban resident in the United States shared on social media her recent travel experience to Cuba, aiming to clear up doubts and dispel fears that many compatriots have when considering a return to the island and then re-entering U.S. territory.
The young woman, identified on TikTok as La-Cubana-De-Dallas, stated that she emigrated to the U.S. in 2023 using the CBP One app.
He explained that in August 2024, he applied for his permanent residency and received it just two months later, in October.
Once his status was regularized, he decided to travel to Cuba in May 2025 to celebrate Mother's Day with his loved ones after a long time without visiting them.
“I took a long time to go through the so-called laws that people invent, the false news, and everything that's being discussed on social media. I was afraid, but I took the risk because the desire to see my family was overwhelming”, she confessed in the video.
During her one-week stay on the island, the concern never completely vanished. She claims that her greatest fear was the return, especially how she would be treated at the airport, whether there would be reprisals or restrictions, or if they would detain her in the dreaded "cuartico."
However, his arrival at Miami airport, where he connected to Dallas, Texas, was smooth and without complications. He reports that the customs officers only asked him four basic questions: where he was coming from, how many days he had stayed, the purpose of his trip, and how much money he was carrying.
“I wasn't put in any room, as people say. Everything was perfect,” she explained, assuring that she was not interrogated beyond the usual and was not subjected to any special checks.
Moreover, he clarifies that, in his experience, people who are briefly detained at customs are usually those who do not declare items or goods or who are subject to routine checks such as drug tests.
During the trip, she also heard rumors that starting May 21, the reentry of Cubans who had traveled to the island would no longer be permitted. However, after seeking official information and consulting social media, she found no evidence to support that claim.
“I hope this video serves as one more reason for many people not to worry so much about going to Cuba and coming back,” he concluded.
This testimony adds to similar ones from Cubans residing in the U.S. who have recently traveled to the island and returned without issues, like the case published by @salonmaite, who claimed in a video on TikTok that she handed over her passport “in less than a second” and faced no difficulties upon re-entering the North American country.
In contrast, a young woman identified as Diva Vargas recounted that she traveled to the island to see her sick mother. Before boarding the flight, an airport employee, as she reported, kindly warned her about the risks of traveling to Cuba amidst the current immigration uncertainty.
Even so, she decided to continue the journey, motivated by family reasons that, as in many cases, weigh more than fear. Upon her return to the United States, she was taken to what is called the "cuartico," a room where immigration agents conduct additional interviews with certain travelers.
“They took me to the famous little room and they were super nice”, he assured, thus dispelling the alarming versions circulating on social media about mistreatment or obstacles to re-entry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Travel to the U.S. from Cuba
Is it true that Cubans face issues when reentering the U.S. after visiting Cuba?
Most testimonies indicate that Cubans do not face significant issues when re-entering the U.S., as long as they have their documentation in order. Although some are taken to the "cuartico" for additional interviews, this is part of a routine process and does not necessarily imply major problems.
Why are some travelers taken to the "cuartico" at U.S. airports?
Being taken to the "cuartico" is a common practice at U.S. airports for conducting additional interviews or routine checks. This can happen for various reasons, such as failing to declare items, routine checks, or identity verifications. It does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, and many travelers report that the process is quick and hassle-free.
What questions do immigration officers usually ask when returning from Cuba?
The questions are usually basic: where the traveler is coming from, how many days they were away, the purpose of the trip, and how much money they are carrying. These questions are part of the standard entry process and should not cause concern.
Are there official restrictions for Cubans residing in the U.S. to travel to Cuba?
There are no official restrictions preventing Cuban residents in the U.S. from traveling to Cuba. However, it is important to stay informed about possible changes in immigration policies and always verify with official sources before traveling, due to the misinformation that circulates on social media.
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