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Introduction

If you are searching Google for "is it safe to travel to Cuba in 2026", you have probably read concerning news: blackouts, fuel shortages, an increase in petty crime. And you are wondering if your dream of traveling to Cuba is still worth it.

The short answer is:
yes, Cuba is still an extraordinary destination — but you need to be prepared and, if possible, have someone you trust by your side.

And we are here to give you an honest answer:

Not the one from a tour operator who looks at Cuba from a catalog printed in London, but from those who have lived in Havana for over thirty years, know 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 part of daily life, the economy is under pressure, and tourist flows have fallen compared to pre-pandemic years. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) reports an increase in petty crime episodes, especially in large cities.

That said, it's important to keep things in perspective.

They say there is no food: false, you can find everything you want in private restaurants or hotels.

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

The big difference compared to years ago is that today you need to arrive prepared. Those who travel with a reliable operator, verified accommodations 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 several hours a day. In higher‑category hotels — the ones we select — generators ensure continuity. In unauthorized "casa particulares" or low‑category facilities, the inconvenience can be significant. However, for the private houses we offer, we have chosen only those with generators or solar panels, so don't worry: you are in good hands.

Our advice: choose accommodations we know directly and that manage power disruptions well. That is one reason our selection includes over 250 hotels and lodgings verified on the ground.

The payment issue

European credit cards work in many facilities, but not always reliably. US cards do not work because of the US embargo. Bringing cash in euros remains the safest and most practical choice.

Our advice: plan your cash budget before you leave. We will give you precise recommendations on the amounts to bring based on your itinerary.

Petty crime

The rate of small thefts has increased, especially in Havana and major tourist cities. The areas to be most careful about after dark are some streets in Centro Habana and poorly lit outskirts.

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

Health situation

There has been an increase in mosquito‑borne diseases, especially during the humid summer months. It is essential to use a good tropical‑strength repellent, drink only bottled water, and bring a personal medical kit. Travel health insurance is mandatory to enter Cuba. Bring medicines to leave for the local population, who in this difficult time have no way to obtain 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 that 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 all its complexity, is more authentic and touching than ever. It is an island that makes you think, that stays with you.

And there is a practical point not to be overlooked: with fewer tourists, there are fewer crowds. Fewer lines, more attention, better prices at many facilities. For those who have always dreamed of a no‑compromise Cuba, this may be the most interesting time in recent years to visit.

How to travel safely to Cuba in 2026: the checklist

• Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months, Tourist Card (tourist visa) obtained before departure
• Insurance: mandatory health coverage for the entire stay — checked upon arrival
• Cash: euros in cash for the whole trip (cards are not always reliable)
• Health: high‑protection mosquito repellent, only bottled water, personal medicine kit
• Accommodation: choose verified hotels or lodgings with power generators
• Transport: authorized taxis, avoid walking at night in peripheral areas
• Behavior: discretion with jewelry and valuables, keep copies of documents at the hotel
• Updates: check your country's travel advice website in the days before departure

The advantage of traveling with Travelnetcuba

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

• We know in real time which accommodations 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 abroad, 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 have 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 is not the destination for those who want to arrive 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 will answer you with information updated on the same day.

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Updated: March 2026 | Travelnetcuba.com — Operators resident in Havana since 2003