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The government of the Bahamas recommended on Monday that its citizens avoid all non-essential travel to Cuba, citing the deep energy crisis affecting the island, fuel shortages, transportation issues, and difficulties in accessing basic goods and services.
The warning was issued by the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which alerted about the impact that these shortages have on daily life even in Havana, reported the media Caribbean National Weekly.
"These issues can affect daily life across the island, including Havana, and may change without notice," the organization stated in an official announcement, in which it also urged Bahamians already in Cuba to take extra precautions.
One of the aspects that concerns the authorities the most is the financial situation facing travelers. According to the warning, Visa and Mastercard cards have ceased to function in Cuba at the beginning of June, so those visiting the country should have enough cash to cover all their expenses.
The suspension of both cards occurred on June 3, when FINCIMEX announced the cessation of operations to avoid losses arising from settlement periods. The measure is attributed to Executive Order 14404 signed by Donald Trump on May 1, 2026, which expanded sanctions against Cuba and imposed secondary penalties on financial institutions linked to GAESA.
The Bahamian government also reminded travelers that they are required to declare any amount exceeding $5,000 when entering or leaving the country, as failure to comply with this rule may result in the confiscation of funds.
The alert also includes safety recommendations, such as avoiding protests and large gatherings, as well as following the instructions of local authorities at all times.
The decision by the Bahamas adds to a growing list of governments that have tightened their travel advisories for Cuba in recent weeks. Germany recently issued one of the most severe warnings strongly advising against travel to the island and warning of the risk of further power system failures.
Canada and the United Kingdom have also urged their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba. Ottawa even recommended that Canadians currently on the island consider leaving while transportation options are still available.
International warnings come at a particularly challenging time for the country. In May, electricity generation deficits hovered around or exceeding 2,000 megawatts, causing blackouts of up to 20 to 24 hours daily in various regions and extended outages in several provinces in Eastern Cuba.
The energy crisis adds to structural problems that have been affecting infrastructure, transportation, and public services for years. The current fuel shortage has further exacerbated a situation already marked by the accumulated deterioration of the economy and essential sectors for the population.
The impact is also reflected in the tourism industry, one of the main economic drivers of the country. Between January and April 2026, Cuba received only 328,608 international visitors, a figure that represents a decline of more than half compared to the same period the previous year.
The contraction of tourism has been compounded by a reduction in air connectivity. Several international companies have suspended or reduced their operations to the island over the past year, in an increasingly complex context for travelers and tour operators.
The warning issued by the Bahamas confirms that the difficulties faced daily by Cubans are also beginning to have direct consequences for foreign visitors, a factor that could continue to impact Cuba's image as a tourist destination in the Caribbean.
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