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Introduction

If you're searching Google for "is it safe to go to Cuba in 2026", you've probably read worrying news: blackouts, fuel shortages, an increase in petty crime. And you're wondering whether your dream of traveling to Cuba is still worth it.

The short answer is:
yes, Cuba is still an extraordinary destination — but it must be approached with preparation and, if possible, with someone you trust by your side.

And we are here to give you an honest answer:

Not the one from a tour operator looking at Cuba from a catalog printed in Milan, but from someone who has lived in Havana for over thirty years, knows every neighborhood, every accommodation facility, and every change in real time.

The real situation in Cuba in 2026

There's no point hiding it: Cuba is going through a difficult period. The energy crisis has made blackouts a part of daily life, the economy is under pressure, and tourist flows have declined compared to pre-pandemic years. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) reports an increase in petty crime incidents, especially in major cities.

That said, it's important to put everything into perspective.

They say there's nothing to eat: false, there's everything you want in private restaurants or hotels.

Cuba is not dangerous in the way other Latin American destinations are. Petty crime is predominantly opportunistic — pickpocketing, bag snatching, scams targeting distracted tourists — not systematic violence. As the Farnesina itself writes, Cuba "does not present particular danger conditions for travelers," while still recommending normal precautions.

The big difference compared to years past is that today you need to arrive prepared. Those who travel with a reliable operator, with verified facilities and local support, have a completely different experience from those who arrive unprepared.

What you really find in Cuba in 2026

Blackouts

Power outages are real and can last a few hours a day. In higher-category hotel facilities — the ones we select — generators ensure continuity. In unauthorized casas particulares or low-category facilities, the inconvenience can be significant. In our private homes, however, should you choose this option, we have selected only those with power generators or solar panels, so no worries: you're in good hands!!

Our advice: choose facilities that we know directly and that we know handle energy disruptions well. It's one of the reasons why our selection includes over 250 hotels and accommodations verified on the ground.

The payment issue

European credit cards work in many facilities, but not always reliably. American cards don't work due to the US embargo. Bringing cash in euros remains the safest and most practical choice.

Our advice: plan your cash budget before leaving. We will provide you with precise guidance on recommended amounts based on your itinerary.

Petty crime

The rate of small thefts has increased, especially in Havana and the main tourist cities. The areas to treat with more caution after sunset are some streets of Centro Habana and poorly lit outskirts.

Our advice: avoid displaying valuables, prefer authorized taxis over walking at night, use hotel safes. These are the same precautions you would take in any major city in the world.

The health situation

There are reports of a spread of certain mosquito-borne diseases, especially in the summer and humid months. It is essential to use adequate repellent for tropical climates, drink only bottled water, and bring a personal pharmaceutical kit. Travel health insurance is mandatory to enter Cuba. Bring medicines to leave with the population, who in this difficult time have no way of finding them.

Why Cuba is still worth visiting

Despite the difficulties, Cuba remains a unique destination in the world. Colonial Havana, the beaches of Varadero and the Cayos, the streets of Trinidad, the landscapes of Viñales: none of this has changed. The Cuban soul — the music, the people, the culture — is more alive than ever.

Many of our clients tell us that Cuba experienced today, with its complexity, is more authentic and moving than ever. It's an island that makes you think, that stays with you.

And there's a practical element not to be overlooked: with fewer tourists, there are fewer crowds. Fewer lines, more attention, better prices in many facilities. For those who have always dreamed of Cuba without compromise, this is perhaps the most interesting time in recent years to visit it.

How to travel to Cuba in 2026 safely: the checklist

• Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months, Tarjeta Turística (tourist visa) obtained before departure
• Insurance: mandatory health coverage for the entire stay — verified upon arrival
• Cash: euros in cash for the entire duration of the trip (cards are not always reliable)
• Health: high-protection mosquito repellent, bottled water only, personal medication kit
• Facilities: choose verified hotels or accommodations with power generators
• Transportation: authorized taxis, avoid walking at night in peripheral areas
• Behavior: discretion with jewelry and valuables, copies of documents in the hotel
• Updates: check viaggiaresicuri.it from the Farnesina in the days before departure

The advantage of traveling with Travelnetcuba

We have been residents in Havana for over 20 years. This means that when you book with us:

• We know in real time which facilities work well even during blackouts
• We have direct contacts with reliable hotels, transport providers, and local guides
• We are reachable before, during, and after your trip — not from a call center in Italy, but from the island itself
• We know the neighborhoods, the streets, the real risks, and the authentic opportunities. Visit our websites: www.travelnetcuba.com or www.hotelcuba.com or www.cubatours.it

We won the World Travel Award as the best operator in Cuba in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — not by chance, but because our clients come home with an experience that no generic package can offer.

Conclusion

Cuba in 2026 requires preparation. It's not the destination for those who want to arrive unprepared with a backpack and zero planning. But for those who want to live an authentic, well-organized experience, with a reliable local point of reference — Cuba is still one of the most extraordinary trips you can take.

If you have questions about the current situation, documents, payments, or logistics,
write to us: we are physically there and we will respond with same-day updated information.

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Updated: March 2026 | Travelnetcuba.com — Resident operators in Havana since 2003