Why Seek Love in Cuba? A Cuban in the U.S. Warns Against Romance Trips to the Island

A Cuban woman living in the United States has sparked a lively discussion on social media by issuing a strong warning to fellow expatriates who travel to Cuba in search of romantic partners. In a TikTok video, she cautions against the potential risk that some individuals on the island might use romantic relationships as a means to emigrate.

Yunisleidy Villa, known on TikTok as @yunisleidy1008, challenges those residing abroad who choose to find love in Cuba, especially when they end up spending substantial amounts of money on relationships that, she warns, might not be genuine.

"If you're living here, why are you going back there to find a partner, only to end up sending pounds, sending dollars, buying houses, investing, and renovating things that aren't even in your name? Wake up," she declared.

Villa described situations where, based on her observations and experiences, some expatriates send money, purchase properties, and cover expenses to support their partners on the island. She suggests these actions could be misguided if the relationships are being used merely as a ticket out of Cuba.

She noted that some of these relationships often dissolve shortly after the partner manages to relocate to the United States, with excuses like "I don't feel the same anymore" or "It's not you, it's me" starting to emerge.

"What a coincidence that the love always seems to vanish," she commented with sarcasm.

Villa used the term "coyote bobo" to describe those who unwittingly finance someone's emigration without realizing there might be no real intention to build a life together.

"Cuba is full of people waiting for a naive coyote to fall in love, pay up, solve their problems, and bring them to the United States," she stated.

She also warned about declarations of love that, in her view, some individuals use to keep their foreign partners hopeful while receiving financial support.

"Of course, they'll tell you they've never felt something like this for anyone else. They need you to keep living in that fantasy, to keep sending money and not to ask questions since nothing is in your name," she explained.

Villa's more striking assertion targeted those who believe the romantic interest they garner during visits to Cuba is rooted in genuine affection.

"In Cuba, when someone from the U.S. shows up, even the lame, the one-eyed, the old, and the down-and-out get lucky. Remember, anyone can become romantic when they see a chance to leave," she assured.

However, Yunisleidy clarified that her warning was not meant to generalize about everyone living on the island or about relationships between Cubans from different parts of the world.

"Not everyone is like this, but many know exactly what I'm talking about," she emphasized.

The topic of romantic relationships linked to emigration has previously stirred similar debates on social media. In April 2026, a Cuban woman living in Spain shared that a friend on the island asked her to find a Spanish partner to facilitate emigration. Her testimony also highlighted the risks of entering relationships solely for that purpose.

Likewise, in March, a Cuban woman in Italy questioned European men who travel to Cuba in search of partners, warning about situations where immigration status might become a tool of control within a relationship.

Yunisleidy's reflection contrasts with another Cuban living in the United States who recently claimed that it was easier to fall in love in Cuba, comparing romantic relationships in both countries.

Villa concluded by stressing the importance of thoroughly getting to know someone before investing financially or making decisions that could impact one's future.

"Stop going to Cuba to find a partner, believing that all 'I love you's are genuine. Get to know the person, set limits, and don't give away your money, your house, and your future for a promise," she advised.