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The Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for Cuba on September 12, warning about the serious energy crisis and supply shortages affecting the island, as well as risks related to public safety, transportation, and connectivity.
Prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages
The notice emphasizes that Cuba schedules daily blackouts, but warns that sometimes there are unexpected nationwide outages that can last over 24 hours.
Although many hotels and resorts have generators, the lack of fuel can limit their use, affecting the basic services that tourists receive. For this reason, Ottawa recommends keeping phones charged, following local news, and planning ahead.
Supply crisis
The Canadian government warns that Cuba is facing chronic and severe shortages of basic goods such as food and bottled water, medication, fuel, and foreign currency.
These shortages have caused frequent interruptions in transportation, long lines at gas stations and even altercations among the population. Many visitors have found themselves stranded with rental cars due to the inability to obtain fuel.
Security and crime risks
The alert emphasizes the prevalence of petty crimes such as bag and wallet thefts in tourist areas, markets, beaches, and public transport. It also warns about thefts in hotels and private homes.
Frauds and scams related to unlicensed taxis, fake tour guides, and street vendors are also reported. In some cases, the use of threats or violence has been recorded.
Although violent crimes are less common, the Canadian government notes that there have been assaults during robberies and sexual assaults against Canadian women, even in resorts. Among the recommendations are:
- Avoid showing large sums of money or valuable belongings
- Do not walk alone at night or accept food or drinks from strangers
- Only use official taxis and registered tour operators
Harassment and repression of demonstrations
The notice includes warnings about harassment of women, Lgbtiq+ individuals, and racialized groups.
Also remember that all demonstrations against the government in Cuba are illegal and that the police can suppress them and detain any foreigners present in the vicinity.
Poor transportation and infrastructure
Canada points out that the highways on the island are in poor condition, with little signage, inadequate lighting, and the presence of animals on the road. Many vehicles lack basic technical conditions, and public transportation is described as scarce, overcrowded, and unreliable.
The rail service is also considered slow and unsafe.
Limited connectivity
The telecommunications network in Cuba is inadequate and unreliable. Canadian mobile phones do not always work, and internet access is limited.
The Canadian government also warns that local authorities may block social media and connectivity during times of political tension or during protests.
Alert level
The risk level for Cuba remains at "Exercise a high degree of caution," although it is noted that in tourist areas such as Varadero, Cayo Coco, or Guardalavaca, normal precautions are sufficient.
At the end of August, in its previous alert, the Government of Canada had warned its travelers heading to Cuba about outbreaks of dengue and Oropouche virus disease in several regions of the country, which led to a recommendation for extreme precautions against insect bites, as well as checking vaccination schedules before traveling.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (Mintur) rushed to assure that, despite the energy crisis, the island "remains a safe and reliable destination" and that visitors "will be able to enjoy their tourist experience," thanks to a well-prepared infrastructure and a "dedicated human team."
The statement was joined by another statement released on Wednesday, in which Mintur emphasized that “the majority of our hotels and tourist services are equipped with electric generators and necessary resources to operate normally,” ensuring that power outages will not affect the sector.
The contrast is painful when hotels are advertised with power generators and assured fuel to keep visitors in air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools, while entire families on the island cook with wood stoves, receive syrup and jam as "relief" for their children and endure endless queues to access water in the midst of the crisis.
Russian tour operators recently stated to specialized media that they have not received complaints from tourists regarding the power outages on the island, claiming that the autonomous generation systems in most hotels operate stably, mitigating the impact of the electrical collapse.
The statements contrast with the reality of Cubans, who for over a year have been facing constant blackouts that disrupt daily life and are just recovering from the most recent collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).
By June, Cuba had welcomed 981,856 international visitors, which is 327,799 fewer than in 2024, marking a 25% decrease in the total number of visitors, according to official data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
Canada, the traditional primary market for Cuban tourism, shows a significant contraction declining from 577,624 to 428,125 visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the travel advisory to Cuba issued by the Government of Canada
Why has the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory for Cuba?
The Government of Canada has issued a travel alert for Cuba due to the severe energy and supply crisis affecting the island. This includes prolonged blackouts, shortages of essential goods such as food, bottled water, and medications, as well as risks related to public safety and connectivity. Additionally, outbreaks of diseases like dengue and hepatitis A have been reported, increasing health risks for travelers.
What are the main security risks for tourists in Cuba?
The main security risks for tourists in Cuba include petty crimes such as bag and wallet theft in tourist areas, fraud and scams related to unlicensed taxis and fake tour guides. Additionally, there are reports of assaults and sexual attacks, particularly against women. It is advisable not to walk alone at night and to use official taxis to minimize these risks.
How does the energy crisis affect tourists in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba primarily impacts tourists through prolonged blackouts that can last more than 24 hours. Although many hotels have generators, a lack of fuel may limit their use, affecting basic services such as air conditioning and lighting. Travelers are advised to keep their devices charged and plan ahead.
What health precautions should travelers take before going to Cuba?
Due to the recent outbreaks of dengue and Oropouche virus disease, travelers are advised to take extreme precautions against insect bites and to check their vaccination schedules before traveling to Cuba. Additionally, they should only consume bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes, and refrain from eating raw foods to minimize the risks of diseases such as hepatitis A.
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