A Cuban living in the United States who frequently travels to the island shared a video on TikTok that has caused a stir. In it, she shows the condition of the streets in Havana and issues a direct warning to those considering traveling at this time: “I do not recommend traveling to Cuba right now, unless absolutely necessary, but I do not recommend it at all for tourism.”
The video, posted by creator @tu_viaje_con_rosy, shows footage of a street in Centro Habana, a heavily trafficked area frequented by locals. The images depict accumulated garbage and evident urban deterioration. “There are mosquitoes everywhere, and that's the most concerning part because they transmit several diseases that are spreading throughout Cuba,” says the TikToker while filming from a car.
Rosy, who usually makes videos about travel, deliveries, and recommendations for those visiting the island, changed her tone this time to warn about the health situation. “If you have to go, bring medications, vitamins, and pills for diarrhea, because the water quality is very poor and there are many outbreaks of dengue,” she advised, adding that thefts and assaults have also been reported in the capital.
The clip quickly went viral and generated hundreds of comments from Cubans both inside and outside the country. Many agreed with what it depicted. “My God, Cuba is worse than Haiti,” commented one user, while another wrote: “It’s so sad to see how our Cuba is falling apart.” Others recognized the location and confirmed that neglect and dirt are becoming increasingly visible in Havana.
Amid some criticism, Rosy clarified that she does not intend to "speak ill of the country," but rather to show what is truly happening. "I do not speak ill of Cuba, I only speak the truth. There are viruses, there are no medications, and trash is everywhere. That is not criticizing; it is raising an alarm," she explained in the comments after receiving support from many of her followers.
The testimony of this Cuban woman reflects what thousands of Cubans in the capital experience daily, where health problems, outbreaks of diseases, and a lack of basic services have become part of everyday life. Although Rosy usually travels to Cuba to see her family and deliver aid, this time she was clear: it is not a moment for tourism on the island.
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