Amid the immigration ban on humanitarian parole and growing uncertainty in Cuba, more and more Cubans are looking to a little-explored but accessible country that doesn’t require a visa and allows entry only with a national passport.
It’s not a popular tourist destination, nor does it appear in the catalogs of major travel agencies, but its stability, safety, and freedom of movement have begun to spark the interest of those looking to escape, even for a few days, the constant pressure of the island.
It is also gaining ground among Cubans living in the United States who want to help their relatives vacation abroad without having to risk traveling to Cuba themselves, amid talk of sanctions or retaliation for those who enter the island under certain administrations.
READ ALSO:
Cuba’s Energy Minister says blackouts will not end and that fuel is a “priority issue.”
Furthermore, it is emerging as a potential destination for those looking to stock up on clothing, shoes, appliances, or merchandise to resell on the Cuban informal market, without the hassle of bureaucratic obstacles or immigration restrictions.
A cheaper cost of living than in other destinations
This country offers a clear advantage over other points in the Caribbean and Central America: it is cheaperA stay in a guesthouse can cost as little as $25 to $30 per night. A centrally located hotel with air conditioning, a private bathroom, rarely costs more than $60 to $70. The most expensive beachfront or eco-friendly resorts barely exceed $150 to $180 per night, prices below those seen in destinations like Nicaragua or Guyana.
Eating out is also more affordable. A simple lunch at local cafes costs between $4 and $7. In mid-range restaurants, a full meal costs $12 to $20. Food in supermarkets—bread, rice, vegetables, fruits, canned goods—has stable and lower prices than in Cuba, even compared to what Cubans pay in the United States. MLC or the black market.
Transportation, health and services
Transportation is basic but functional. Local taxis charge between $5 and $10 for a short ride. Minibuses run between major towns for just $2 to $4. Renting an economy vehicle costs about $50 a day.
As for health, there are public hospitals in the capital and private clinics in urban areas. A general medical consultation costs between $20 and $40. Although it is not a destination for complex treatments, common emergencies can be treated.unes. It is recommended to travel with medical insurance.
Cheaper for shopping too
In local shops, markets, and small businesses, you can find T-shirts for $6 to $10, sneakers for $20 to $40, and small appliances—fans, blenders, electric stoves—for $25 to $50. Even some basic electric motorcycles can be purchased for $1.700, a lower price than on other islands or countries in the region.
READ ALSO:
These are the Cuban immigrants who face the lowest risk of deportation in the United States, according to experts.
Those who travel with the intention of buying for resale find better margins in this country than in Panama, Suriname, or Guyana, where prices have risen or controls are tighter.
What country is this?
Is Dominica, an independent island in the Eastern Caribbean located between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, it is a peaceful, English-speaking country with a population of around 70.000. Its currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of 1 USD = 2,70 XCD.
Visa-free entry and air connection
Cubans can enter Dominica without a visa for up to 21 days. No letter of invitation or proof of bank funds is required. A valid passport is sufficient.
There are no direct flights from Havana. Most routes include one or two stopovers, usually via Panama, Barbados, or Antigua. Round-trip fares range from $750 to $1.100, depending on the season and the airline.
An option that many are considering
With better prices than other destinations, no visa required, and with security and peace of mind, Dominica It is gaining visibility among Cubans seeking to leave the country, reunite with relatives outside the island, or undertake small business activities without legal risks.
A legal, affordable, and under-exploited alternative that is increasingly attracting interest among those looking to the Caribbean for a solution.
