Canada updates Cuba travel advisory, warns of shortages and power outages
The Government of Canada warns of food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel shortages in Cuba. Travellers should prepare for service disruptions and health risks.
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By Torontoer Staff
The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Cuba, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to shortages of essentials and widespread power outages. The advisory warns these issues can affect hotels, resorts and transport across the island.
The risk level for Cuba remains at yellow, level two, in part because of Oropouche virus transmission. The update highlights daily scheduled power cuts, unexpected nationwide outages that have lasted more than 24 hours, and shortages of fuel and hard currency that are disrupting services.
What the advisory says
Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of necessities, including food, water, medicine, electricity, and fuel, which can also affect resorts.
Government of Canada
Canada’s statement notes that power cuts are being scheduled to ease pressure on the electrical network, but that unplanned, nationwide outages have occurred. The advisory also flags political and regional risks that could worsen the supply situation.
U.S. policy moves have been cited in media reports as a factor. A recent post by U.S. President Donald Trump warned of cuts to oil and financial support to Cuba, saying, "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA, ZERO!"
How services and travel can be affected
Large hotels and resorts typically run generators during outages, but generators can be affected by fuel shortages. That can limit lighting, refrigeration, running water and hot water, and it can reduce food service options.
Food shortages or food spoilage, as a result of power outages and fuel shortages, can occur even in restaurants and hotels.
Government of Canada
Fuel shortages are disrupting public transit, taxis and intercity travel. Long lines at gas stations have led to altercations in some places, and some travellers have reported being temporarily stranded with rental cars. Tap water shortages have been reported in several municipalities, including Havana.
Health risks and precautions
The advisory lists Oropouche virus as a current health concern at level two. The virus is transmitted by midges and some mosquitoes and can cause fever, headache, muscle pain and joint pain. Severe outcomes are uncommon, but the illness can require medical attention.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
- Wear long sleeves and pants during peak biting times
- Use mosquito nets or screens where available
- Seek medical care if you develop high fever, severe headache or persistent symptoms
What to pack and how to prepare
Plan for limited services and slower movement around the island. Bring supplies and documentation that reduce dependence on local resources.
- Bottled water and water purification tablets
- Non-perishable snacks and replacement foods for dietary needs
- Prescription medications, copies of prescriptions and a basic first-aid kit
- Flashlight, extra batteries, portable power bank and a small solar charger if possible
- Small denominations of cash in local and hard currency
- Digital and paper copies of travel documents and emergency contacts
- Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip disruption
Practical travel steps
Check with your airline, tour operator or resort for contingency plans and updated arrival or transfer information. Keep your vehicle fuelled if you are driving, and allow extra time for transfers and excursions.
- Register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service
- Confirm how your accommodation handles outages and medical needs
- Monitor local news and official sources while you are in country
- Have contacts for your embassy or consulate, and for local health care providers
If you rely on specific medical supplies, confirm availability before you travel. Consider postponing travel if the possibility of long outages or supply disruptions would cause significant risk to your health or plans.
Final takeaway
The updated advisory asks travellers to be prepared for shortages of food, water, medicine, electricity and fuel, and to take steps to reduce risk. Check the Government of Canada’s travel advice pages before you go, register your trip, and make contingency plans with your travel provider.
Cubatravel advisorytravelsafetypower outagesOropoucheGovernment of Canada
