Madrid/The US Embassy in Cuba warned this Tuesday through its social networks that it has received information about denials of entry to Americans upon their arrival to the Island, as well as orders for nationals to “leave the country immediately under threat of arrest.”
The diplomatic headquarters has not illustrated the situation with any example that would give an idea of the alleged causes, although a source close to the embassy has expressed his “concern” about the risk of a repeat of what happened in Venezuela when the Chavista regime “imprisoned American citizens and used them as hostages to negotiate” with Washington.
The embassy points out that it cannot mediate in matters of entry and exit from Cuba, although it can provide consular assistance to US citizens who request it and to do so it reiterates its means of contact by telephone and through social networks.
The message has been classified as “routine” by the consular headquarters, which means that it contains administrative and non-confidential information, and adds a list of the rules to follow if you want to travel to the Island, including obtaining a visa and, subsequently, checking prohibited items at Customs, such as electronic cigarettes, satellite phones and drones, among other devices. Also, remember that the amount of cash that can be transferred to Cuba without declaring is established at 5,000 dollars – or the same amount in Cuban pesos.
“Failure to comply with Cuban immigration and customs laws can lead to confiscations, severe penalties or arrests,” he emphasizes. It also urges travelers to facilitate a possible police or immigration registration. “Remain calm and follow all instructions. Be courteous and professional,” he adds.
The message has not been linked to any known previous information or complaint of Americans who have been prevented from entering or expelled from the country, although two shipments of humanitarian aid from the United States to the east of the country recently arrived in Cuba, specifically to Holguin and Santiago de Cuba. The kits mainly contained food, hygiene and water packages for those affected by Hurricane Melissa, which passed through the Island in November.
According to the related parties, Cáritas Cuba has been in charge of receiving and distributing the aid, although international organizations such as Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Germany have participated in both operations, which have supported logistics and financing.
The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, notified last Tuesday the 13th of the departure of the aid, valued at three million dollars, while the Government of Cuba – which said it accepted the donation, because it was borne by the taxpayer population – reproached the Donald Trump Administration for not having officially communicated the shipment, which – it said – it learned about from the Catholic Church.
