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The German government issued an official warning to its citizens planning to travel to Cuba due to the ongoing blackouts that are significantly disrupting daily life on the island.
The warning, published by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website, highlighted the difficulties arising from the energy crisis and recommends carefully assessing the necessity of traveling to the country under the current conditions.
Extended power outages, which often last several hours or even days, not only disrupt the electricity supply but also impact the distribution of drinking water, public transportation, and communication, the note emphasized.
However, the Cuban regime in its official narrative has asserted that there are no electricity outages in the hotels.
Only buildings equipped with generators and sufficient fuel are able to maintain continuous service, while the rest of the public and private facilities operate under severe limitations or remain closed, the alert indicated.
The impact of this crisis extends to essential services such as healthcare. Although hospitals dedicated to foreigners have better resources, energy restrictions have limited the operation of many healthcare facilities, which could complicate the response to severe emergencies.
Additionally, the food and medicine refrigeration system experiences frequent failures, putting the preservation of sensitive products at risk.
Another concern highlighted is the lack of lighting on streets and roads at night, which increases safety risks.
Power outages also impact the operation of ATMs and electronic transactions, which is why the German government advised carrying enough cash, preferably in euros, to avoid issues during your stay.
The Ministry also advised travelers to bring flashlights, portable batteries, and other items to help them cope with power outages, as well as to stay informed through local and international media.
He also emphasized that the long queues at gas stations, arising from the fuel shortage, further hinder mobility within the country.
In the statement, the German government warned about the adverse conditions that travelers may encounter in Cuba and recommended preparing with great caution before undertaking any travel.
The energy crisis on the island continues to be a growing concern for both visitors and residents, highlighting the structural difficulties the country is facing.
Recently, the German airline Condor announced that it will cease all operations to Cuba starting in May 2025, which will result in the elimination of the only direct air connection between Germany and the Caribbean island.
The decision, which will impact destinations such as Havana, Varadero, and Holguín—currently the only ones receiving regular flights from Cóndor—aligns with the airline's strategic measures.
This halt in operations highlights that the Cuban tourism industry is going through one of its most significant crises, marked by a sharp decline in international tourists from key markets such as North America, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Travel Warnings
Why has Germany issued a travel warning for Cuba?
Germany has issued a travel advisory for Cuba due to the ongoing blackouts affecting daily life on the island, impacting essential services such as water supply, transportation, and communications. The advisory recommends that travelers carefully assess the necessity of visiting the country under these conditions.
How are the power outages affecting services in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba interrupt electricity supply for hours or days, affecting the distribution of drinking water, public transportation, and communications. They also have a negative impact on healthcare, as many hospitals face operational limitations due to the lack of power.
Do hotels in Cuba also experience power outages?
Although the Cuban regime claims that hotels do not experience power outages, only those equipped with generators and sufficient fuel are able to provide continuous service. Many hotels and other tourist facilities face severe limitations or remain closed due to the energy crisis.
What recommendations does the German government make to travelers heading to Cuba?
The German government advises travelers to carry sufficient cash, as well as flashlights and portable batteries, due to power outages affecting electronic transactions and public lighting. Additionally, it recommends staying informed through local and international media about the situation on the island.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on tourism in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to a decline in tourism in Cuba, impacting the country's image as a tourist destination. Tour operators have removed Cuba from their offerings due to competition from other markets and the poor conditions tourists face, such as power outages and lack of basic services in hotels.
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