Guyana Becomes New Cuban Migration Route - IOM Report

Cuban migration patterns are undergoing a historic transformation, with Guyana emerging as a strategic gateway to South America, according to a recent report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The analysis, covering January 2025 to February 2026, reveals a significant shift in traditional Cuban migration routes, with South America increasingly becoming a final destination rather than just a corridor to the United States.

Guyana: New Visa-Free Entry Point

IOM data shows that Cubans are taking advantage of Guyana’s visa-free policy to enter the country, using it as a strategic point before crossing into Brazil, specifically to the northern state of Roraima.

“These trends show that Latin America is no longer just a corridor for Cuban migrants, but is increasingly becoming their intended home,” explained María Moita, IOM Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Brazil Triples Regular Cuban Entries

Statistics reveal exponential growth:

• 2024: 2,100 Cubans arrived in Brazil through regular channels
• 2025: The figure skyrocketed to 6,400 people
• No month in 2025 recorded a negative Cuban migration balance

Migrants typically enter through Venezuela or Guyana where no visa is required, before crossing into Brazil’s northern state of Roraima.

Central American Routes in Dramatic Decline

While South America gains prominence, traditional northbound routes show a dramatic 75% drop:

Honduras

• 2024: 64,000 Cubans entered irregularly from Nicaragua
• 2025: Only 17,000 arrivals
• First two months of 2026: Mere 1,500 arrivals

Guatemala

All surveyed Cubans identified economic reasons as the main driver for leaving their country.

Uruguay Doubles Its Migration Balance

The small South American nation also shows upward trends:

• 2024: Monthly average of 500 Cubans
• 2025: Over 1,200 Cubans per month

Costa Rica: Final Destination for 94%

In a survey conducted in January and February 2026 among Cubans in Costa Rica, 94% expressed intention to remain in the country, citing better economic conditions, political stability, and access to international protection.

Factors Driving the Change

Energy Crisis in Cuba

CNN recently reported that Cuba is experiencing the most profound moment of economic uncertainty in decades. The Trump administration has cut oil flow to the island through:

• Military actions in Venezuela
• Tariff threats on Mexico
• Isolation of potential fuel suppliers

Route Diversification

Migrants no longer depend exclusively on traditional overland corridors, but are also traveling by air to South America, taking advantage of more flexible migration policies.

Implications for Migration Policies

IOM uses its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), the most comprehensive human mobility data infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean, operating in more than 20 countries.

This information allows governments to:

• Design evidence-based migration policies
• Coordinate regional migration governance mechanisms
• Plan humanitarian responses

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Guyana becoming a preferred route? Guyana doesn’t require visas for Cuban citizens, facilitating legal access. From there, they can move to Brazil or other South American countries.

What’s causing the decline in Central American routes? More restrictive policies under the Trump administration, combined with better opportunities in South America, have redirected migration flows southward.

What’s the current situation of Cuba’s economy? Cuba faces its worst energy crisis in decades, with oil supply cuts and lack of allies willing to provide the hundreds of millions needed to maintain the economy.

Do Cuban migrants plan to stay in South America permanently? Data suggests yes. In Costa Rica, 94% expressed intention to remain, while Brazil and Uruguay show consistently positive migration balances.

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For more information about migration routes and asylum policies, check our related articles on USCIS and asylum procedures, CBP One program, and legal resources for Cubans.

Sources: International Organization for Migration (IOM), Kaieteur News, CNN