Cuba Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime and unreliable electrical power.

Petty crime is a risk for travelers in Cuba. This includes pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is also on the rise in Cuba.

U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities. OFAC regulates travel to, from, and within Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, defined to include, among other things, all U.S. citizens or residents (wherever located) and anyone in the United States, regardless of their citizenship and nationality. Failure by a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to act consistently with the regulations may result in penalties and criminal prosecution. Travel to Cuba without an OFAC license is illegal.

Cuba's electrical supply is unreliable. Since October 2024, there have been several prolonged nationwide power outages. Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts lasting up to 12 hours occur daily in Havana, and even longer outside the capital. Some large businesses, hotels, hospitals, and institutions use generators during power outages. However, they may have trouble keeping the generators running during a long outage due to the inconsistent and scarce availability of fuel.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba

Protests in Cuba

Cuba is experiencing a worsening economic situation with shortages of fuel, electricity, water and basic necessities. This is affecting tourism services and disrupting travel within the country.

The situation has led to frequent protests. To date most of these have remained peaceful but be aware that protests can escalate. You should stay away from large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The situation is also leading to an increase in opportunistic crime, but levels remain lower than in the UK. See ‘Crime’ on the Safety and security page.

Power outages and fuel and water shortages

The Cuban National Electric grid has collapsed a number of times over the last few months. Given current circumstances, further grid collapses are likely. Low fuel reserves are leading to severe and sustained disruption to essential infrastructure and basic services, including transport, medical care, communications, water supply and street lighting. Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations to conserve severely limited energy supplies. Access to safe drinking water and wastewater management can be problematic.

Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption.

Travel disruption

Cuban authorities have announced that all of its international airports are without aviation fuel. Only Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport is currently in operation. Some airlines, including all Canadian airlines, Air France, Iberia, World2Fly and LATAM, have suspended flights to and from Cuba. Other airlines are keeping their routes under review. Options for leaving the country could reduce further if the situation worsens.

If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. If you are considering leaving Cuba, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel.

Continue to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Subscribe to FCDO email alerts and read our guidance on how to deal with a crisis overseas.

International card transactions

The Cuban Central Bank has announced that international cards such as Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted in Cuba. Available payment methods include cash and Cuban prepaid cards. You will not be able to withdraw cash through ATMs with an international card.

If you need to visit Cuba, you should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the entire length of your stay and in case of an emergency (such as medical treatment or delayed departure). US dollars and euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged in Cuba. See ‘Money’ on the Safety and security page.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cuba

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cuba, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Cuba is ruled by a single party, with a high level of social control. Opposition parties are not allowed. There are restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals. Any political demonstrations not approved by the government may be broken up by the authorities.

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities. Internet access can sometime be blocked during times of political tension.

Risk level

CUBA - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Cuba due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine. These shortages can also affect services at resorts and disrupt ground transportation. Fuel availability has decreased and is difficult to predict. These conditions are likely to persist in the immediate term and could worsen further during the upcoming hurricane season.

The situation is affecting the operations of the Embassy of Canada in Havana. Our ability to provide consular services may become limited, particularly if the situation deteriorates further.

All Canadian airlines have suspended service to Cuba until further notice. Commercial flights remain available through international airlines; however, they may become limited on short notice. You should consider leaving while options remain available.

• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates
• Make sure your travel documents are up to date and secure at all times
• If you require emergency consular assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

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Power outages

Cuba is experiencing long and unpredictable daily power cuts. Sometimes, unexpected nationwide power outages occur and can last more than 24 hours.

Most large hotels and resorts use generators during power outages. However, fuel shortages may impact generator use. The timing, location and type of impacts of power outages on resorts vary and are difficult to predict.

• Monitor local media for the latest information
• Try to keep your phone charged
• Plan accordingly

Shortages

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including:

• fuel
• medication
• food
• bottled water
• public water supply
• hard currency

Resorts may be affected by shortages of basic necessities, which can impact the availability of products and private and public services, such as food, electricity, running water, and hot water.

Fuel shortages affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car after running out of gas. There are often long line-ups at gas stations, sometimes resulting in altercations.

Food shortages or food spoilage because of power outages can occur even in restaurants and hotels.

• Plan accordingly
• Bring some supplies with you, including toiletries and medication
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Make sure you always have access to a complete emergency kit

You should carry sufficient cash since many businesses outside larger cities do not accept credit cards. Even in larger cities, credit cards and ATMs may not work due to power outages, for example.More information on money

古巴风险等级为蓝色（低风险）