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Ireland has become the latest country to issue a serious travel advisory for Cuba, amid the worsening economic and humanitarian crisis affecting the island.
According to The Irish Times, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba, stating that the situation in the Caribbean country is "becoming increasingly severe" and poses significant risks to health and safety. The warning places Cuba at the second highest risk level, reserved for destinations with "serious and potentially deadly" threats.
But the most alarming aspect of the message was not just the diagnosis of a crisis, but the direct warning that Ireland has an "extremely limited" capacity to provide consular assistance in Cuba, as the European country does not have an embassy in Havana, and its diplomatic representation for Cuban matters operates from Mexico, the Irish media explained.
The Irish government noted that the fuel shortage is worsening the operation of the Cuban electrical grid and causing prolonged blackouts, some lasting over 24 hours.
These cuts, the warning detailed, directly affect the supply of water, food refrigeration, communications, and essential services. In some cases, tourists have even been moved from hotels to concentrate energy resources and optimize the use of available electricity.
Irish authorities also warned that the situation is impacting hospitals and clinics, which could drastically reduce access to medical care in case of emergencies.
Among the most critical elements, Ireland noted that Cuba is facing a precarious situation in its air infrastructure. According to the report, Cuban authorities stated that all nine international airports are out of aviation fuel, which has already led to route cancellations.
The United Kingdom has also warned that this situation could prevent visitors from leaving the country, a scenario particularly concerning for foreign tourists.
"Travel may not be covered by insurance."
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) noted that there are currently "very few, if any" Irish tourists in Cuba, and warned that travelers may be left without insurance coverage.
Its executive director, Clare Dunne, explained that when the Department of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel, it usually means that travel insurance does not cover the destination. Therefore, she urged those planning to visit Cuba to contact their agency and insurer "immediately."
The Irish warnings add to those issued in recent weeks by several European countries, as well as by Canada and the United Kingdom, at a time when Cuba is facing more severe blackouts, shortages of food and fuel, and a tourism infrastructure that is also beginning to deteriorate.
In a country that relies on tourism as a key source of income, the impact of the energy crisis threatens to further deepen economic deterioration and social despair.
Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans inside and outside the island are watching with concern as the collapse becomes more visible and even foreign governments are warning that traveling to Cuba could literally mean finding oneself without a way out.
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