The United States Embassy in Havana announced that it will only provide emergency services to U.S. citizens on Friday, January 16, due to access restrictions in the vicinity of the diplomatic mission implemented by the Cuban government for an official event.
In a statement, the diplomatic representation explained that the regime organized an event in the square in front of the Embassy, thereby limiting normal access to the building.
In addition, the streets around the Embassy will be closed to vehicular traffic.
This necessitates the temporary suspension of regular consular services, such as visa processing and general public assistance.
The official event, taking place within a day of tributes and mass ceremonies dedicated to Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela, has led to the closure of nearby streets and the implementation of a security arrangement that hinders mobility for employees and visitors of the U.S. embassy.
The Embassy detailed that the restrictions on vehicle traffic and the police presence in the area are intended to ensure safety due to the concentration of people and the presence of control forces, which prevents the provision of consular services under normal conditions.
Recommendations and emergency care
In light of this situation, the Embassy made a series of recommendations to its citizens in Cuba:
Avoid crowds and the event area.
Be prepared for an increased police presence and possible detours or traffic disruptions.
Stay alert to the environment and follow updates through local media.
Additionally, the diplomatic mission reminded that, outside of regular office hours, Americans can contact in case of emergency at the phone number +(53) (7) 839-4100 (dialing 1 and then 0) or via email at acshavana@state.gov.
The office also invited individuals to enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to subscribe to its WhatsApp channel "Consular Information for U.S. Citizens" to receive security updates and notifications about changes in services.
Context of the restrictions
The suspension of services occurs amidst a series of official events organized by the Cuban government in tribute to the 32 Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela during the operation to capture dictator Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
The remains of the officials were repatriated to Havana this Thursday.
New commemorations are scheduled for Friday: a gathering at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune on the Malecón and simultaneous events in all provincial cities, followed by the burial of the bodies in the tombs of the Fallen for the Defense in their respective localities.
Tribute activities have involved extensive road closures and access restrictions in the capital since the early hours of Thursday, according to statements from the Provincial Commission of Road Safety in Havana.
The use of public spaces near the U.S. Embassy for such official events is not new and has, on previous occasions, caused traffic disruptions, increased police presence, and operational adjustments by diplomatic missions stationed on the Island.
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