Canada's government now advises against non-essential travel to Cuba due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine.

Is Cuba Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Cuba faces its most severe infrastructure crisis in decades, with fuel shortages triggering widespread power cuts and supply chain failures across the island nation of 11.3 million people. The US State Department maintains its Level 2 advisory to "exercise increased caution" due to crime and unreliable electrical power, whilst Australia's Smartraveller service advises travellers to "reconsider your need to travel" due to serious fuel shortages impacting essential services.

Travel Off Path, a major travel advisory company, now tells most leisure travellers to skip Cuba entirely in 2026. The recommendation reflects mounting concerns over the country's ability to maintain basic tourist infrastructure during the ongoing energy crisis.

The Current Situation

Cuba's fuel shortage stems from reduced oil shipments and ageing power generation infrastructure. Rolling blackouts now affect Havana and other major cities for 8-12 hours daily, according to Reuters reports from March 2026. The electrical grid operates at 60% capacity during peak periods, forcing authorities to prioritise hospitals and essential services over tourist areas.

Water pumping stations across the island operate intermittently due to power cuts. Hotels in Varadero, Cuba's primary beach resort 140km east of Havana, report water shortages lasting 4-6 hours daily. Medical facilities face severe shortages of imported medicines and equipment, with rural clinics particularly affected.

Food distribution networks struggle with fuel shortages affecting transport. State-run shops in Havana report empty shelves for basic items including rice, cooking oil, and tinned goods. The peso has weakened 40% against the US dollar since January 2026, driving inflation on imported goods.

Regional Safety Breakdown

Havana remains relatively stable despite infrastructure problems. The historic centre (Habana Vieja) maintains tourist police presence, though evening lighting is unreliable during blackouts. The Malecón waterfront experiences higher crime rates after dark when street lighting fails.

Varadero's resort zone operates backup generators but faces water and food supply disruptions. Resort operators warn guests of potential service interruptions lasting several hours. The 20km peninsula hosts Cuba's largest concentration of international tourists, with Canadian and European visitors comprising 70% of arrivals.

Santiago de Cuba, the island's second-largest city 870km southeast of Havana, experiences more severe shortages than the capital. The FCO confirmed British nationals faced difficulties accessing medical care and banking services during March power cuts lasting up to 18 hours.

Trinidad and other UNESCO heritage sites maintain tourist police presence but offer limited emergency services during blackouts. Rural areas experience the most severe shortages, with some communities isolated for days due to fuel shortages affecting transport.

Crime & Safety

Petty crime rates have increased 25% since January 2026, according to Cuban National Police statistics. Thieves target tourists carrying cash, mobile phones, and cameras, particularly during power cuts when street lighting fails. The US State Department warns that crime occurs most frequently in Old Havana, Centro Habana, and areas near the Malecón after sunset.

Violent crime remains relatively rare compared to other Caribbean nations. Cuba's homicide rate of 4.2 per 100,000 people ranks below Jamaica (43.8) and the Dominican Republic (11.9), according to UN statistics. Tourist-targeted violence is uncommon but robbery incidents have increased near ATMs and currency exchange locations.

Scams targeting foreign visitors include counterfeit cigars, overcharging for taxi rides, and fake casa particular bookings. Currency exchange fraud has increased as economic pressures mount. Travellers report being approached by individuals claiming to sell rationed goods at inflated prices.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

British nationals require a tourist visa allowing stays up to 90 days. The visa costs £15 and is available from Cuban consulates or approved travel agents. Visitors must show proof of comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.

All travellers need return flight tickets and accommodation proof. Hotels and casa particulares must register foreign guests with local authorities within 24 hours. Cash remains essential as card payments are unreliable during power cuts.

The Cuban government requires visitors to declare cash amounts exceeding $5,000 USD. Currency exchange is only legal at official CADECA locations or banks. US dollars, euros, and Canadian dollars are accepted, though exchange rates fluctuate significantly.

Internet access remains limited and expensive. WiFi cards cost $1-3 USD per hour and are only available at designated hotspots. Mobile roaming charges are high, with major UK networks charging £5-8 per day for data packages.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Travellers with existing bookings should contact tour operators about cancellation policies and travel insurance coverage. Many operators now offer full refunds or date changes without penalty due to the infrastructure crisis.

Those proceeding with travel should pack essential medications, portable battery packs, and cash in multiple currencies. Book accommodation with backup power and water storage systems. Avoid areas outside main tourist zones after dark.

Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain regular contact with family. Download offline maps and carry printed copies of important documents. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation coverage.

Monitor power grid status through official channels and plan activities around outage schedules. Book internal flights rather than bus transport where possible, as fuel shortages affect road networks more severely.

Key Facts:

  • Canada, Australia, and travel companies now advise against non-essential travel to Cuba
  • Rolling blackouts affect Cuban cities 8-12 hours daily due to severe fuel shortages
  • Petty crime has increased 25% since January 2026, particularly during power cuts
  • Basic necessities including food, water, and medicine face severe shortages across the island