Nicaragua Reinstates Visa Requirements for Cubans, Closing Key Transit Route to the United States

Managua, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Effective February 8, 2026, the Nicaraguan government has suspended visa-free entry for Cuban nationals, effectively dismantling a critical transit corridor for irregular migration to the United States. This policy shift, transitioning Cubans from visa-exempt status to a mandatory consultative visa, comes amidst escalating pressure from Washington and recent sanctions targeting transit networks. The reversal represents a strategic departure for Managua, which reportedly generated over $50 million in 2023 by facilitating a flow that saw Cuban border encounters exceed 200,000 annually since 2022. By closing this “air bridge,” the administration forces migrants toward the treacherous Darién Gap via Guyana, significantly raising the logistical and financial barriers to entry. This development signals a major realignment in Central American enforcement dynamics, potentially alleviating immediate strain on the U.S. southern border while intensifying the humanitarian crisis for those seeking exit from Cuba’s economic collapse.