Cuba Travel Risk Level

Updated to reflect information on power grid failures and Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses for travel. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime and unreliable electrical power . Country Summary: 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. U.S. citizens in Cuba or those planning to visit should check local news often to stay up to date. In Cuba, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests or demonstrations. U.S. Embassy employees must follow a special notification process with the Government of Cuba to travel outside of Havana. This process can impact the embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in Cuba during emergencies. If a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction travels to Cuba consistent with 1 of the 12 travel cate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba Protests in Cuba The ongoing situation in Cuba has led to a series of recent protests. To date most of these have remained peaceful but be aware that protests can escalate. You should avoid large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities. Power outages and fuel shortages On 13 May, the Cuban government announced that the country had exhausted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil. This may lead to severe and sustained disruption to essential infrastructure and basic services, including transport, medical care and communications. 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. If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. 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. Terminal 2 at José Martí International Airport, which services flights to the USA and some charter flights, has been closed with flights diverted to Terminal 3. Some airlines, including all Canadian airlines, Air France and LATAM, have suspended flights to and from Cuba. Iberia and Air Europa are reducing the number of weekly flights between Havana and Madrid and other airlines are keeping their routes under review. Options for leaving the country could reduce further if the situation worsens. 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 trav