The Canadian government has issued an alert for its travelers traveling to Cuba, asking them to “exercise a high degree of caution”. When visiting the island, due to the “shortage of basic products including food, medicine and fuel”, as well as the threat of being robbed and sexually assaulted.
According to a travel policy update for Cuba issued on September 5, which placed a yellow alert for the island, travelers planning to travel there should take note of the following: “It is facing chronic and severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, bottled water, medicine, fuel and hard currency.”
“The fuel shortage is currently severe and affects a wide range of services. Traveling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transport services including taxis are frequently disrupted, leaving tourists with few options for travel . Some passengers are temporarily stranded with the rental car,” he says.
It added, “Hotel and resorts, which often use generators during power cuts, may not be able to maintain their services. The fuel shortage may also affect government services.”
The report warns “The shortage may lead to disruption of other essential services. There are often long lines at service stations, leading to riots.”
Keeping in view the above, Ottawa asks its citizens to travel to Cuba with “toilets and medicines”“Keeping ready supplies of water, food and fuel” as well as ensuring that “there is always access to a complete emergency kit.”
Another aspect highlighted by the officials is that it implies Safety of women, especially those traveling alone.
“Women who travel alone can be victims of some form of sexual harassment. There have been incidents of sexual harassment against Canadian women, including at beach resorts.”accepts the report.
In situations of this nature, Ottawa advises tourists to avoid “snacks, drinks, gum and cigarettes” offered by new acquaintances. Also, “do not leave food or drink unattended or in the care of strangers.”
Regarding the growing insecurity in Cuba The authority acknowledges that “there are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching”.They usually occur in crowded places, such as tourist areas, markets, public buses, nightclubs, and beaches, although they can also occur in isolated areas.
“Theft in hotel rooms, especially in private homes and cars, is common,” he added.
also warns of Scams involving credit card and ATM fraud and exorbitant prices when renting taxis and classic cars. “Disputes over overcharging can lead to violence,” he says.
For this reason, he always recommends “confirming prices before consuming or contracting a service”.
“Some scammers specialize in duping tourists. Most of them speak some English or French and do their best to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or facilitate the purchase of cigarettes. Some have used violence in their attempts to rob tourists,” the report said.
“Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers also operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport. Luggage has been stolen from the trunk of taxis,” he says.
“In bars, sex workers, including minors, can be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who refuse their services. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been robbed after having sex, and some of them have faced charges for having sex with minors.”it shows.
The extensive list of difficulties Canadians in Cuba may face includes the island’s telecommunications network, which Ottawa describes as “poor”. “Connections are unreliable and can be intermittent,” he acknowledges.
And, given the government’s increasing efforts to throttle Internet connections in Cuba during the popular outbreak, Canada has warned that “local authorities control telecommunications. They may block access to mobile phones and the Internet in the event of civil unrest or before demonstrations.”
Hence his suggestion: “Don’t rely on your mobile phone for emergencies, especially outside major cities. Sign up for and install a VPN service before leaving Canada.”
Regarding road conditions, he emphasizes that they are “poor throughout the island, except for the central highway, which runs west to east across the country. Driving can be dangerous due to poorly maintained roads; lack of signage; insufficient lighting; loose cattle; horse carriage; pedestrians, and slow traffic.
“Most of Cuba’s cars are old and in poor condition. They often lack standard safety equipment. Some cars and most bicycles do not have working lights.”
on health care in Cuba, Ottawa warns that “the availability of quality medical care is limited. (…) Medical professionals are generally adequately trained. However, the facilities are in poor condition. They lack basic medicines, medical supplies and equipment. Sanitation practices may be inadequate.”
“Medical services are also available in most international hotels and clinics located in tourist areas, where doctors and nurses provide the initial emergency medical care reserved for foreigners. The medical care provided at these clinics is often superior to that provided at public facilities.”
Remember, though, “emergency and ambulance services are limited. Response times can be slow, especially outside tourist areas.”
He suggests, “Cuba faces severe shortages of medications, including common antibiotics and pain relievers. In addition to your prescribed medication, you should also carry enough of your basic medications to last you longer than the duration of your intended stay.” Must be kept.”
remember that Travelers may be at risk of typhoid fever, salmonellosis, and insect bites. Due to this, tourists become vulnerable to Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika. If you do not take preventive measures against mosquitoes.
The long summary of warnings ends by recalling that “the decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller, who is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a health Kit travel, especially if you are traveling away from major urban centres.
Canada is the main source market for Cuban tourists. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an average of 1.3 million tourists from that country visited the island every year. As of July, 630,041 Canadian citizens had arrived in the Caribbean nation, according to official figures.
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