On August 25, the Canadian government revised its travel advisory for Cuba. The advisory continues to urge travelers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the severe shortages of essential items such as food, medicine, potable water, and fuel, alongside health and safety risks that may impact visitors.
Health Alerts and Precautions
Recent outbreaks of dengue and Oropouche virus in various regions have prompted new public health warnings. Canadian authorities are advising travelers to take extreme precautions against insect bites and to review their vaccination statuses before traveling. There is also an ongoing hepatitis A warning, with cases identified in Canadian travelers returning from Cuba. Visitors are advised to drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes, unpeeled fruits, and raw foods.
Vigilance in Tourist Areas
While most tourist spots like Varadero, Cayo Santa María, and Cayo Coco are considered relatively safe, Canada advises practicing standard safety measures, avoiding isolated areas, and remaining vigilant even within hotels and resorts, particularly at night.
Crime, Scams, and Frauds
Canada warns of a rise in petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and thefts in crowded areas, including beaches, nightclubs, and public transport. Visitors are also cautioned about scams and overcharging in taxis, vintage car rentals, and tourist services, which could escalate to threats or violence. Additionally, there is a reiterated warning concerning the risk of sexual assault, particularly against women, with incidents reported even at tourist resorts. Travelers are advised against walking alone at night, avoiding isolated areas, and not accepting drinks or snacks from strangers.
Shortages, Blackouts, and Collapsed Transport
Cuba's ongoing structural crisis, according to the advisory, is worsening. The nation faces intermittent power and water outages, telecommunications issues, and widespread shortages affecting everything from transportation to access to basic goods, medications, and fuel. "Public transportation is scarce and unreliable, including taxis. Several tourists have been stranded temporarily due to an inability to refuel rental cars because of the gasoline shortage," the report warns.
Warning Against Protests
The Canadian government emphasizes that all public demonstrations against the Cuban government are illegal, and foreign tourists could be detained if found near even peaceful protests. "Cuban police may disperse unauthorized gatherings and detain those participating or simply present," the advisory states.
Traveler Recommendations
Canada advises its citizens traveling to Cuba to carry an emergency kit, have sufficient cash (preferably in small denominations), purchase international medical insurance that includes air evacuation, and not rely on local internet or mobile phone services for emergencies.
FAQs on Canada's Travel Advisory for Cuba
What are the main health risks for travelers to Cuba?
Travelers are at risk of dengue, Oropouche virus, and hepatitis A. Precautions include avoiding insect bites, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and consuming only safe drinking water.
Are there any specific safety tips for tourists in Cuba?
Tourists should remain vigilant in tourist areas, avoid isolated locations, and be cautious of scams and petty crimes. It is also advised to avoid walking alone at night and not to accept drinks from strangers.
How is the current situation in Cuba affecting travel?
The situation in Cuba is characterized by shortages of basic goods, intermittent power outages, and unreliable transportation, which significantly affect travel logistics.