Warning against travel to Cuba

Travelers to Cuba must be prepared for drastic restrictions. On Tuesday, the FDFA updated its assessment of the situation in the island nation and significantly raised the warning level. The reason for this is a toxic mix of economic collapse, precarious energy supplies, and a noticeably worse security situation.

Anyone traveling to Cuba at present will find themselves in a country struggling with massive infrastructure problems. According to the FDFA, the energy supply is extremely unstable, with regular power outages lasting several hours or even days now also affecting large hotel complexes. This economy of scarcity also extends to fuel, food, and everyday goods. Even communication is limited, as telephone and internet connections are regularly interrupted, which can make it considerably more difficult to maintain contact with Switzerland.

Medical emergency: return recommended

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs considers the medical situation to be particularly critical. Due to severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, reliable emergency care cannot currently be guaranteed. The FDFA is therefore very clear in its recommendations: even in the case of minor injuries or illnesses, vacationers are advised to return to Switzerland quickly, as adequate treatment is often not available locally.

The image of the supposedly safe Caribbean island is rapidly crumbling. The FDFA reports a worrying increase in crime, which is mainly reflected in a high rate of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and armed robberies. According to the authorities, drug-related crime is also on the rise. Travelers should also bear in mind that the risk of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out in Cuba either.

Although the FDFA explicitly advises against tourist and non-urgent travel, stricter precautions apply to people who still have to fly for compelling reasons. It is strongly recommended that you keep up to date with the media before and during your trip and obtain information on flight connections exclusively from the airlines themselves. Once there, mass events and rallies of any kind should be strictly avoided, and the instructions of the local authorities should be followed. Overall, the utmost attention should be paid to personal safety.

“The economic situation in connection with the situation in Venezuela has serious consequences for everyday life,” according to the FDFA.