Cuba Travel Advisory: Updated Safety Guidance for 2026
Cuba Travel Advisory: Updated Safety Guidance for 2026
Thinking about Cuba? Right now, governments like the U.S., U.K., Canada, Spain, and Australia all say: be extra careful if you’re heading there. There’s a mix of reasons — crime, health risks, shaky infrastructure, and a tangle of legal rules.
Cuba Travel Advisory: Updated Safety Guidance for 2026
The U.S. Department of State has Cuba at Level 2, so Americans should keep their guard up. Here’s what stands out:
Crime: Petty theft — pickpockets, purse snatchers — happens a lot. Lately, violent crime, including armed robbery and even homicides, is cropping up more often in some areas.
Power Problems: Power outages hit all over the island, sometimes for hours. Hotels, shops, even hospitals feel it.
Legal Hurdles: U.S. law doesn’t allow regular tourist travel to Cuba. Americans can only go under one of 12 specific categories approved by the Treasury Department. Skip the license, and you’re breaking the law — with real penalties.
Safety Tips: Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t flash valuables. Be ready for blackouts. And sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you go.
Health Warnings: Mosquitoes Mean Trouble
Several countries have warned about mosquito-borne diseases in Cuba — dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche, to name a few. The British and Spanish advisories suggest:
Use insect repellent, cover up with long sleeves.
Check if you need any vaccines before you leave.
Buy solid health insurance that covers emergencies and evacuation.
Don’t drink untreated water, and make sure you’re vaccinated for hepatitis A and anything else recommended.
Infrastructure and Daily Life: It’s Not Always Easy
Lots of official reports mention real problems with basics:
Power and water cuts are common, everywhere.
Fuel shortages make getting around tricky. Buses, taxis, even rental cars might be hard to find.
Phones and internet can be spotty — or even cut off — especially if there’s political tension.
Roads can be rough, and driving at night is risky.
Safety and Security
Most people visit Cuba without major problems, but it’s riskier than your average beach getaway.
Pickpocketing and scams pop up in tourist spots and transit areas.
Some taxis aren’t legit — stick with official ones or trusted providers.
Joining a protest is illegal, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get you detained.
Best bet: steer clear of demonstrations and crowds.
If You’re Still Going
If you’re set on Cuba in 2026, here’s what the experts and official sources say:
Check for the newest advisories before you book — things can change fast.
Sort out your visa or tourist card. Americans, make sure you’re traveling under an approved OFAC category.
Get comprehensive insurance — medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, the works.
Pack essential meds and plan for power, water, food, or internet outages.
While you’re there, keep up with local news and embassy updates.
Final Thoughts
Cuba has a lot to offer — the culture, the history, those vibrant streets. But right now, you need to plan carefully. Crime, health risks, power problems, and legal issues mean you can’t just show up and wing it. Do your homework, take the warnings seriously, and stay smart while you travel.
