U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert For Iconic Caribbean Country

Travelers worldwide dream of vacationing in the Caribbean. At Travel Off Path, it’s one of our favorites for an unforgettable vacation, from the paradise shores of Cancun to clusters of speckled islands dotting the Atlantic.

Though there’s one in particular that finds itself on many travelers’ wishlists due to its vibrant culture and captivating history, where time seemingly stands still to this day.

Riding in a classic pink “Caddy” may seem fun, but here it’s a symbol of stagnation. Every nation needs progress in order to keep up with the rest of the world, and when that stalls under heavy sanctions and rigid internal policies, both locals and tourists are often the ones who feel the pain.

In a string of headline-grabbing incidents, leaving a bad mark on their already tarnished reputation, the U.S. Embassy has issued a security alert as a result of the latest occurrence, ultimately warning tourists of the challenges in visiting this hard-to-reach island despite its close proximity to American soil.

Yes, we’re talking about Cuba — a place that’s undeniably rich in culture, yet poor in freedom, equally beautiful as it is haunting, and maddeningly complex, as it is obvious why it can be a headache to even get a passport stamp.

Let’s dive into what travelers need to know about this storied Caribbean icon if you’re planning a vacation unlike any other in the region.

Why Cuba Is On The Receiving End Of A Security Alert

When Motel 6 can deliver a promise to guests better than an entire country, you know there are deep underlying issues that won’t be solved overnight.

That’s right — Cuba is suffering from power outages…again.

According to the U.S. Embassy, Cuba experienced a complete nationwide failure on the morning of September 10th.

No lights, no internet, no power whatsoever — just candles and chit-chatting with neighbors like the olden days for those without generators.

The alert was immediately issued the same afternoon, and there was no word of any progress.

Regardless of whether lights are flickering on and off at this point or not, it’s a serious concern going forward.

Imagine being in a foreign country with a language barrier ad no phone service (which was also pointed out by the Embassy).

The good news is that many major businesses use backup generators, but not all. Plus, many visitors opt to stay with relatives or book an Airbnb rather than stay at a hotel, and it’s highly unlikely your host keeps a generator on-site.

This is not the first time, nor is it likely to be the last loss of power. The Embassy points out that Cuba’s electrical grid is highly unreliable, given numerous outages since last fall.

In fact, there are expected to be more scheduled shutdowns in addition to unpredictable cut-offs.

Are Americans Even Legally Allowed Visit Cuba?

The one country that most Americans cannot visit is North Korea, but does anybody want to?

Cuba, however? It’s so tempting and so close. This summer, the Trump administration technically banned Americans from vacationing in Cuba for 5 years.

The question is what constitutes a vacation, and that’s a tough one to answer. When we visit paradises like Punta Cana or Cabo, you’re likely there to unwind, whittle away at the swim-up bar, and soak up as much sun as you can without heading back home looking like a raisin.

In Cuba, that could get you into trouble if your sole purpose is to enjoy a true vacation with picture-perfect beach days, smokin’ a stogie at a cigar factory, and sippin’ Cuba Libres at a cozy bar.

Trips to Cuba need to have a specific purpose. According to Legal Cuba Travel, your trip must align with one of the following 12 categories:

• Educational Activities
• Support for the Cuban People
• Professional Research
• Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Athletic and other competitions, and Exhibitions
• Journalistic Activity
• Humanitarian Projects
• Religious Activities
• Family Visits
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
• Certain authorized export transactions
• Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and specific intergovernmental organizations

Notice none of these sound like a good time (sorry, family). These requirements have been in place since I had the chance to visit in 2017, and I declared “Support for the Cuban People” by staying in an Airbnb, and was never questioned about it.

It’s best to keep documents of your itinerary in case you are the unlucky one who does get questioned.

Tips To Stay Safe In Cuba Should You Decide To Visit

Should you have a legit purpose for visiting, or care to tempt fate, the U.S. Embassy is urging Americans to follow these tips to remain safe in uncertain times in Cuba:

• Monitor local media (kinda tough without phone or internet, no?)
• Stay in touch with family and friends (do walkie-talkies work across the ocean?)
• Keep cell phones and power banks charged
• Pack a flashlight and spare batteries
• Store up on nonperishable food and water

U.S. Embassy Assistance In Havana:

Phone: +(53) (7) 839-4100; after hours press 1, then 0 for American citizen emergencies
Email address: acshavana@state.gov

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.