The Government of Canada warned its citizens who wish to travel to Cuba about the risks involved in tourism in a country with critical levels of scarcity, insecurity and deterioration of hotel infrastructure and public services.
The highest level warning occurs after the gloomy episode experienced by the family of Faraj Allah Jarjour, a sixty-year-old Quebecer who died in Cuba and whose family denounced the island's officials for the loss of his body when it came to repatriating him to Canada. The body of the Canadian citizen appeared in Russia.
In its latest update (May 6), the website The government warned Canadian citizens who are considering the possibility of traveling to Cuba as a tourist destination to “exercise caution,” as There is a shortage of basic necessities on the island. such as food, medicine and fuel.
In addition, he recommended taking “the usual safety precautions” to avoid incidents that put travelers at risk. The Canadian government informed its citizens that minor crimes occur in Cuba, typical of pickpockets and violent assailants.
In that sense, he pointed out that “markets, public buses, nightclubs and beaches” are the most conducive places for this type of crime. “It can also occur in isolated areas,” he warned.
“Theft in hotel rooms is common, particularly in private accommodations (private homes) and in cars,” noted the government website without expressly referring to the fact that violence and crime have increased on the Island in recent years.
However, Canadian authorities advised their citizens to “avoid showing signs of wealth”, “keep electronic devices out of sight”, “not carry valuables in checked luggage”, “avoid carrying large amounts of cash” and “never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, not even in the trunk,” among other recommendations.
“Incidents of violent crime are not frequent, but assaults can occur. They mainly occur during a robbery or robbery. Stay in accommodation with good security. Keep your windows and doors closed at all times,” the notice stated, revealing official concern about the increase in crime rates.
Be very careful with scammers
Credit card and ATM fraud can occur, the Canadian government warns. In that sense, he asked travelers to pay “close attention when other people handle their cards” and to exercise extreme caution when withdrawing money from ATMs or making electronic payments.
“Some companies may try to charge exorbitant prices, such as taxis and classic car rentals. Disputes over excessive charges can lead to violence,” the authorities stated, urging “always confirm prices before consuming or contracting a service to avoid” and not “leaving your credit card in the hands of bar or restaurant staff.”
“Some scammers specialize in tourists. Most speak some English or French and make an effort to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or facilitate the purchase of cigars. “Some have used violence in their efforts to rob tourists,” said the government notice.
The authorities also warned of the existence of "fake tourist agents and taxi drivers who operate throughout the country, including the international airport of Havana" and pointed out that there is no absolute security even in the international flight terminals. “There have been thefts of luggage from the trunks of taxis,” they stated.
“In bars, sex workers, including minors, They can be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who reject their advances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been victims of robbery after having sex, and some of them have faced accusations of child sexual abuse,” the Canadian government warned.
Finally, in the security section, the country's authorities told their citizens to “not resist” if they are the target of threats from thieves or violent robberies.
From blackouts to medicines: Shortages, another cause for alarm
“Cuba faces a chronic and serious shortage of basic necessities, among them: food, bottled water, public water supply, medicines, fuel and foreign currency,” they noted.
In relation to the fuel shortage, the Canadian government described it as “critical” and warned that it affects “a wide range of services.”
“Traveling around the island is a great challenge. Public transport services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists few options for travel. Some travelers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. There are intermittent shortages of drinking water supplied by the municipalities, even in Havana and in tourist centers,” they indicated.
The fuel crisis also affects the services of “hotels and resorts, which often use generators during power outages.” Finally, they referred to other consequences of fuel shortages such as “interruptions in other essential services” such as hospitals and “long lines at gas stations that have led to altercations.”
“Local authorities impose rationing of food and medicine, which could also affect travelers,” the Canadian government warned, recommending its citizens bring to Cuba “toiletries, medications and a complete emergency kit.”
Regarding blackouts, the Canadian authorities themselves acknowledge that “they occur regularly outside of Havana and tourist areas,” but that they represent a challenge for services in general.
Cuba is not safe for female tourists
The safety of women who travel to Cuba is compromised for several reasons: from the prevailing machismo to the culture of violence and impunity. “Women traveling alone may be subject to some forms of sexual harassment“the authorities warned.
“Incidents of sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts,” they added. In that sense, they advised women to be careful when accepting snacks, drinks, gum and cigarettes from new acquaintances. “They may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.”
Telecommunications and online transactions: they are not secure
“The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor. Connections are unreliable and may be intermittent. Internet access is limited throughout the island. Local authorities control telecommunications. They can block access to mobile phones and the Internet in the event of civil unrest or before demonstrations,” they warned.
In that sense, they stressed that “some Canadian mobile phones may not work, even in large cities,” so they told tourists not to rely on their cell phones as help in emergency situations. “Subscribe and install a VPN service before leaving Canada.”
“Banking or online shopping can be a challenge in Cuba, if possible. Most Cuban websites are not secure. Many are inaccessible. Some travelers, who purchased their travel package online on a travel website in Canada, discovered upon arriving in Cuba that their hotel had not received any reservation or payment.”
The protests in Cuba and repression: A new alarm for tourism in Cuba
“Sometimes demonstrations occur, participating in them can be illegal. Local authorities will break up demonstrations or political meetings not authorized by the government. They can also block access to the Internet, including social networks, without prior notice. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time,” Canadian authorities acknowledged.
Therefore, they recommended their citizens “not to participate in demonstrations and avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings take place.”
Other warnings related to water activities, weather and driving on Cuban roads were also included in the Canadian government advisory. In addition to the usual precautions, they drew attention to the poor condition of the roads, the lack of adequate signage and lighting, the poor condition of the vehicle fleet on the Island, the presence of wandering cattle, horse-drawn carts, and pedestrians on the roads. and slow traffic, as well as the driving habits of Cubans.
“Drinking and driving is also common…Road safety standards are poor across the country. Accidents that cause deaths are common,” the notice concluded, but not before recommending “avoid traveling at night” and not picking up people on the road to avoid assaults and greater harm.
Regarding public transportation, the Canadian Government warned its citizens that “the service is not reliable, since urban buses are scarce, overcrowded and poorly maintained.” Furthermore, “incidents of pickpocketing are frequent.”
Although authorities recommended the use of taxis, they warned not to share them with strangers and to avoid stopping them on the street. “Agree on a fare before departure, as taxis are not equipped with meters.”
Finally, the notice from the Government of Canada made reference to the “anomalous health incidents” that affected the staff of its embassy in Havana and indicated that they continue to “investigate the possible causes.”
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