Germany Issues a Security Alert for Travel to Cuba
Two researchers cancel their stay on the island at the request of the German Academic Exchange Service.
HAVANA TIMES – The German Foreign Ministry has issued a security warning for those planning to visit Cuba. In a notice in force since December 5, it informs travelers of the problems with electricity generation that, in the last two months, have caused at least three total power outages on the island.
Although in these cases the the national power network was eventually restored, “the capacity to produce electricity does not cover the needs,” the note points out. “On October 17, 2024, the Cuban government informed the population of another worsening of the energy situation in the country,” the text adds, attributing the blackouts to other difficulties and referencing “considerable restrictions” that extend beyond the days of total electrical collapse.
The energy instability is causing “water supply problems” throughout the country, restrictions on public activities and also in tourist centres such as the Varadero beach resort in Matanzas, the warning states. Only buildings with electric generators, such as hotels, can enjoy lighting and air conditioning during power outages, it says. Meanwhile, rescue services are functioning only “basically” and the capacity to provide medical care is also restricted.
“Streets and roads are left unlit at night, public transport is not running or is only operating in a reduced capacity. Internet and mobile phone connections are being cut off,” the statement said. “Food refrigeration cannot be guaranteed at all times under these circumstances, nor can a supply of hot water.”
The difficulties that this situation brings to trade and electronic payments are also mentioned by Germany’s Foreign Ministry: “The card payment system and the provision of money from ATMs” also suffer interruptions in their operation and, in these intervals without electricity “only a few banks are open” to which it must be added that the gas stations for refueling “operate only with restrictions.”
“Many public facilities are closed or without air conditioning,” the ministry notes, urging “caution” when planning a vacation on the island. However, “if you want to travel despite everything,” the notice lists elements to take into consideration such as staying informed through local media and social networks about the situation in the country; avoiding moving around in the dark due to the dangers of being assaulted and robbed; and carrying flashlights, candles and batteries to recharge mobile phones during longer power outages.
The news confirms the testimony that a source in the Cuban academic sector sent to 14ymedio this week. Two researchers from the University of Frankfurt were advised by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which financed their stay, not to travel to the island because it is not a safe destination. The women had to cancel their tickets to fly, which they had already purchased and were scheduled to arrive at the end of November.
The warning from the German Foreign Ministry follows the announcement by Condor Airlines that it “will not offer flights to Cuba next summer and will transfer its capacity to destinations that enjoy greater demand.” The statement to clarify why it will stop flying to the island as of this coming May has been another hard blow to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism’s expectations of travelers from Germany, because it clearly highlights the decline in the popularity of Cuba as a destination.
Translated by Translating Cuba.