This month’s update occurs after the August adjustment, which had already highlighted climate risks, possible manifestations and minor crimes.
Miami, United States. – The Canada government updated last Friday its travel notice to Cuba, which suggests “a high degree of caution” to nationals who decide to travel to the island “due to the shortage of basic items, including food, medicines and fuel.”
The official notice reiterates security, health, transport, telecommunications and input and exit requirements, and it specifies that in tourist poles such as Jardines del Rey – Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredón Grande and Cayo Santa María – and in destinations such as Cayo Largo del Sur, the Guardalavaca Strip between Playa Pesquero and Play Varadero Peninsula are enough “normal security precautions.”
In terms of security, Canada warns that “violent crimes incidents are not frequent, but aggressions may occur (…) during a robbery with raid or a robbery.” In addition, it recommends staying in places with good security and maintaining closed doors and windows.
On sexual aggressions, he points out that Incidents have occurred Against Canadian women, even in resorts, and emphasizes the need to immediately denounce both Cuban authorities and the Canadian representation.
In fraud and overprices, the notice states that “some businesses, including taxis and classic car rentals, can try to collect exorbitant prices”, and alert of irregular operators throughout the country, even at the airport of Havana: “throughout the country, including the Havana International Airport, agents of Tours and fraudulent taxi drivers. There have been luggage robberies from taxis trunk. ”
He also warns about the persistence of sex workers and workers: “In bars, workers and sex workers, including minors, they can be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who reject their insinuations. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been victims of robberies after having sex, and some have faced accusations of sex with minors.”
The notice also highlights the energy crisis and its daily effects: “To reduce the pressure on the electricity grid, Cuba long program daily cuts of electricity. Sometimes unforeseen blackouts occur nationwide that can last more than 24 hours.” To this is added the shortage of fuel and basic goods: “The shortage of fuel affects a wide range of services. Traveling the island is extremely difficult. Public transport services, including taxis, are often interrupted, leaving tourists with few options to move altercations ”.
In communications, the document is overwhelming: “Canadian cell phones may not work, even in large cities,” and remember that Internet access is limited and can be blocked by the authorities. As for demonstrations, it emphasizes: “All manifestations against the government are illegal,” so he recommends not participating, avoiding protests and following official instructions.
The notice incorporates caution for aquatic and recreational activities, and returns on internal mobility. On buses, he points out: “Public buses are unreliable, scarce, crowded and poorly maintained.” On Taxis, urges to use only the “officially identified”, avoid taking them on the street, not sharing with strangers and agreeing the rate before leaving. The railroad is described as unreliable and slow.
Likewise, Canada warns its nationals that they must carry personal articles and medicines due to local scarcity. In health, he informs that “cases of hepatitis A have been reported in travelers returning from Cuba”, and recommends vaccination and food safety measures. On the health network, he warns: “The facilities are in poor condition. They lack basic drugs, supplies and medical equipment.” It also indicates severe limitations in mental health and ambulances, and advises insurance with evacuation and hospitalization, as well as traveling with sufficient medication and in its original container.
This month’s update occurs after the August adjustment, which I had already highlighted Climate risks, possible manifestations and minor crimes, in addition to reminders about the fulfillment of local laws.
