Bulgaria Issues Highest Travel Warning for Cuba over Power and Fuel Crisis – Novinite.com
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Bulgarian citizens to avoid traveling to Cuba unless absolutely necessary, including for tourism, citing the country’s worsening crisis. The warning was issued by the ministry’s Situation Center as conditions on the island continue to deteriorate.
The ministry has maintained its highest travel advisory for Cuba, assigning the country a Level 4 risk rating, which recommends suspending all travel except in cases of extreme necessity.
According to the advisory, the decision is driven by the deepening energy crisis, persistent fuel shortages, and widespread power outages affecting the country. Authorities also point to serious disruptions in healthcare services, urban and intercity transportation, and the supply of medicines, food, and other essential goods. The ministry additionally warns of an increased risk of crime.
The Foreign Ministry noted that opportunities to leave Cuba have become more limited. Due to shortages of aviation fuel, the number of international commercial flights departing from Havana and other Cuban cities has been significantly reduced. Many of the remaining flights now require technical stops in third countries for refueling, resulting in longer travel times and frequent schedule changes.
Bulgarian citizens currently in Cuba are urged to monitor the status of their flights regularly and remain in close contact with their tour operators.
The ministry also advises travelers to exercise heightened caution because of an increase in crimes targeting tourists, including robberies, thefts, and pickpocketing. Visitors are encouraged to avoid large public gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities, and keep sufficient supplies of water, food, and medication. They are also advised to ensure they have ways to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices in case of prolonged power outages.
Bulgarian nationals residing in Cuba are encouraged to contact the Consular Service at the Bulgarian Embassy in Havana and provide updated contact information if necessary. The ministry also reminded citizens that emergency assistance is available through the embassy and the Foreign Ministry’s 24-hour Situation Center.
The warning comes as Cuba continues to struggle with a severe energy crisis. Just two days ago, Cuban authorities announced that electricity had been restored after a nationwide blackout that affected the entire country. According to Agence France-Presse, it was the sixth nationwide power outage linked to the island’s ongoing energy crisis, with fuel shortages continuing to disrupt power plants and backup generators, causing repeated failures of the electricity system.