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The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory, urging its citizens to exercise “a high degree of caution” when visiting Cuba, due to the supply crisis, frequent blackouts, and the deterioration of basic services, even in tourist areas.
In its official travel portal, updated on January 15, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada warned that the Caribbean country is facing a "chronic and severe shortage of basic products," including food, bottled water, medication, fuel, and foreign currency, which also affects hotels and resorts.
The statement details that "national blackouts can last more than 24 hours" and that scheduled power outages are part of a strategy to reduce pressure on the energy grid.
Nonetheless, the text clarifies that the emergency generators of large hotels could stop working due to a lack of fuel, affecting essential services such as running water, refrigeration, and lighting.
The alert also warns that travelers may face difficulties moving around the country due to fuel shortages, public transportation issues, and long lines at gas stations.
"Traveling around the island is extremely complicated, and some tourists have been temporarily stranded with rental cars," the statement indicates.
The Canadian government advises its citizens to carry essential items such as medications, hygiene products, and non-perishable food, as well as to maintain water reserves and keep their phones charged whenever possible.
The report also mentions an increase in petty crimes in tourist areas, such as theft and scams, and warns of attempts at fraud or overcharging in taxis and local businesses.
There is also a reference to the possibility of Internet outages or restrictions on social media "in the event of disturbances or public demonstrations."
The Ottawa warning emphasizes that the Cuban crisis affects both the local population and tourism, one of the country's main sources of income.
Despite this, the site specifies that there is no travel ban, but rather a recommendation to "exercise a high degree of caution" during the stay.
This is the most recent update on Canada’s risk level regarding Cuba, which remains at the “increased caution” category since 2023, but now includes specific warnings about prolonged blackouts and shortages of food, water, and fuel.
In the same way, last November, the Canadian government updated its travel precautions for Cuba to include a warning about the chikungunya outbreak.
Contradictorily, a few days ago, a group of regime officials traveled to Canada to send a reassuring message to tour operators and travel agencies: tourism is functioning "normally" and there is no reason for alarm, despite the recent warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.
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