Cuba travel: tourism open, Canada warns risks, economy woes rise

Cuba remains one of the Caribbean’s most iconic vacation destinations. Its sun‑washed beaches, classic cars, vibrant music, and deep cultural heritage have long attracted sun seekers from around the world, especially from Canada. Yet by early 2026, the narrative around travel to Cuba has become more complex — tourism is still open, but visitors encounter a destination grappling with economic hardship, infrastructure fragility, and new warnings from the Canadian government about risks that go beyond the usual sunscreen and passport checks.

Cuba Welcomes Tourists — Tourism Still Operating.

Despite economic struggles and media attention on travel advisory updates, Cuba remains open for tourism. Flights continue, resorts operate, independent accommodations, including private guesthouses and casas particulares, are hosting visitors, and cultural experiences — from salsa dancing in Havana to diving in Jardines del Rey — are available to travelers. According to travel professionals and local tour operators, daily tourism activities continue largely “business as usual,” even with challenges on the ground.

Travel agents still sell packages, flights operate from North America and Europe, and many visitors report normal holiday experiences within resorts and major tourist zones. Some accounts from people currently in Cuba describe occasional short blackouts, modest hotel conditions, and ongoing services such as food and drinks at resorts without significant disruption.

The Cuban Ministry of Tourism continues to emphasize that tourism infrastructure remains operational and that the island is ready to welcome travelers. This message is part of broader efforts to stabilize visitor confidence and sustain one of Cuba’s key economic sectors.

Canada’s Elevated Travel Advisory: What’s Behind the Warnings

While Cuba is open, the Government of Canada has consistently updated travel advice urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when considering travel to the island. The advisory highlights a range of conditions that could impact visitors, from shortages of basic goods to health and safety risks.

According to official travel guidance, travelers should be aware of:

• Shortages of essential goods, including food, bottled water, medication, and fuel. These shortages can affect services island-wide, including transport and tourist facilities.

• Electricity interruptions and power outages, which have been common and sometimes prolonged outside of major resort areas — occasionally lasting more than 24 hours.

• Petty crime and scams targeting tourists, such as pickpocketing, ATM fraud, and unofficial tour guides or taxi drivers.

• Healthcare limitations, including limited supplies and equipment in medical facilities.

• Harassment and safety concerns, particularly in urban areas outside official tourist zones.

This elevated caution level reflects not just abstract warnings but tangible conditions that Canadians — Cuba’s largest foreign tourist market — might encounter. It does not mean travel is banned, but visitors are strongly advised to prepare thoroughly and consider the potential for service interruptions.

Health Considerations: Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Medical Services

Health risks are another element of travel advisories. Recent updates have pointed to mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue and chikungunya, which have historically been issues in Cuba’s tropical climate. Cuba has reported a decline in such cases through intensified health measures, especially in tourist zones, which Cuban authorities emphasize to reassure visitors.

Nevertheless, travelers should follow standard tropical health precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito hours, and staying informed of local health conditions. While resort areas may offer enhanced sanitation and on-site medical services, healthcare infrastructure outside these zones may be limited.

Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Tourism

Cuba’s economic challenges have become more acute in recent years, and these issues are now affecting tourism directly. Key contributing factors include:

• Fuel shortages and power grid fragility, causing disruptions to daily life and hotel operations.

• Chronic scarcity of food and other goods, sometimes leading to long lines, service delays, or reduced quality in public amenities.

• Foreign currency shortages and economic policy pressures, affecting everything from transportation costs to hotel maintenance budgets.

Official statistics and independent reporting show that the decline in tourism is significant. International arrivals reportedly dropped by more than 20% in the first ten months of 2025 compared with the previous year.

This slump is felt most acutely with Canada and Russia, long among Cuba’s top visitor markets. Canadian visitor numbers alone fell sharply in early 2025, leading to cancellations and rebookings to alternative Caribbean destinations.

The contraction in tourism has profound ripple effects across the Cuban economy. Tourism is one of the island’s few major sources of foreign exchange and employment, supporting jobs from resort managers to taxi drivers and small business owners selling crafts and food. A sustained downturn threatens livelihoods and local service quality, making economic recovery more challenging.

Visitor Experience: Balancing Expectations With Reality

Travelers’ impressions of Cuba in 2026 vary widely based on their priorities, expectations, and specific experiences. Some visitors report a generally pleasurable experience in well-prepared resorts, with food, drinks, and basic services available despite occasional electrical interruptions. Others recount frustrations with infrastructure, service levels, and the gap between expectations and reality.

Accommodation and Service Levels

• In established resorts, guests often find backup power systems, adequate food options, and functioning amenities.

• Outside resorts, service quality can be uneven. Infrastructure challenges are more visible and may affect water availability, electrical reliability, and transportation.

Safety and Crime Awareness

Petty crime is relatively common in Cuba, especially in tourist hotspots. Pickpocketing, theft from vehicles or rooms, and scams by self-styled guides have been reported. Careful personal vigilance, secure storage of valuables, and use of official taxis or tour operators are recommended.

Cultural Interactions

Many travelers still find Cuba’s culture, history, and people to be the highlights of their visit. Urban neighborhoods, colonial architecture, local music, and food scenes offer rich, memorable experiences — often precisely because they contrast with typical resort-centric tourism.

Connectivity and Practicalities

Internet access and mobile connectivity may be weaker or more expensive compared to many North American or European destinations. Cuba’s travel infrastructure is adapting but still developing, particularly in rural areas.

Travel Planning: What Tourists Should Know Before Booking

For those considering a trip to Cuba in 2026, preparation and informed planning are essential:

1. Understand Advisory Levels

Check the most recent travel advisories from your home country. Canada’s guidance emphasizes caution but does not prohibit travel if appropriate precautions are taken; other governments also advise increased vigilance due to crime and infrastructure issues.

2. Prepare for Service Variability

Expect that some services may not be as reliable as in previous years. Bring essential supplies where possible (medication, toiletries, insect repellent) and verify arrangements with hotels or tour providers regarding contingency plans for power outages or shortages.

3. Choose Accommodations Strategically

Resorts and well-established hotels often have independent power systems and better logistics support than smaller, private lodgings — though private stays can offer richer cultural immersion.

4. Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Given limited healthcare supplies and potential disruptions, comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, interruption, and emergency assistance is advisable.

5. Respect Local Conditions and Culture

Cuba’s challenges are deeply connected to broader economic and political factors. Travelers who engage respectfully with local culture, support small businesses, and stay informed about local conditions often enjoy more meaningful experiences.

Future Outlook: Can Tourism Rebound?

The trajectory of Cuba’s tourism sector depends on several interlinked factors:

• Stabilizing essential services, especially reliable power and basic goods supply.

• Improving infrastructure and maintenance of hotels, transport, and public amenities.

• Rebuilding confidence among major markets, particularly Canada and Europe.

• Balancing domestic needs with tourist expectations, ensuring residents and visitors alike can access fundamental services.

Government efforts to reassure travelers — including guarantees to tourism partners about fuel supplies for resorts and enhanced health measures — indicate ongoing attempts to soften the impact of economic stress and maintain tourism as a pillar of the economy.

However, the near-term outlook remains cautious. Industry analysts note that unless structural challenges are addressed, Cuba risks losing further market share to destinations that are actively investing in service quality, connectivity, and traveler experience.

Conclusion: Cuba in 2026 — A Destination of Contrasts

Cuba in 2026 is a destination defined by contrasts — classic Caribbean charm coexisting with modern challenges. Beaches, music, and culture continue to draw visitors, and tourism operations are broadly ongoing. But economic realities have reshaped the travel landscape: infrastructure limitations, health concerns, and government advisories elevate the importance of careful planning.

Travelers who approach Cuba with realistic expectations, thorough preparation, and respect for its complex context can still enjoy a memorable and rewarding trip. At the same time, awareness of risks, vigilant safety practices, and adaptability to local conditions are key to a successful and safe visit.

The story of Cuba travel in 2026 is not one of closure, but of adaptation — a historic destination navigating global and domestic pressures while continuing to welcome the world under new circumstances.