Latest Cuba News & Travel Alerts

March 31, 2026

For the first time in three months, the US has permitted an oil tanker to reach Cuba. Docking at the port of Matanzas, the Russian tanker is set to deliver 730,000 barrels of oil, which, when refined, is enough to meet Cuba's demand for around 10 days. 

June 4, 2026

Foreign companies have reacted to Trump's May 1st executive order, which puts them at risk of sanctions for doing business with GAESA and certain Cuban government sections. Businesses that have reduced or ceased operations in Cuba, include hoteliers such as Melia, Iberostar, Aston, NH, and Blue Diamond. The foreign bank that processed Visa and Mastercard transactions for state establishments will no longer process transactions, so most tourist credit and debit cards will no longer work in Cuba. As of June 4, the following airlines have cancelled routes to Cuba:

• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Sunwing
• Air Transat
• LATAM Perú
• Magnicharters
• Air France
• Iberia 
• Rossiya
• Nordwind
• Turkish Airlines
• World2Fly 
• Plus Ultra 
• Cubana de Aviación (international flights)

March 3, 2026

With the temporary suspension of Canadian flights to Cuba, Canadians wishing to visit Cuba will need to travel via a third country and purchase their e-visa in advance. The e-visa is not included with the flights, unlike with Canadian Airlines. Departure points to Cuba include Miami, Tampa, Mexico City, Cancun, and Panama, as well as other Caribbean islands. Canadians can purchase their e-visa from Cuban Adventures for US$55, delivered to their inbox within 3 business days. 

February 11, 2026

All Canadian airlines have cancelled flights to Cuba until May.
LANTAM Peru has cancelled their flights
All US airlines have confirmed they plan to continue scheduled services.
Iberia and Air Europa have confirmed they will make a refuelling stop in the Dominican Republic

February 9, 2026

Cuba announced that it will be unable to provide aviation fuel to international airlines from February 10 to March 11, meaning that the planes must refuel elsewhere. When this has occurred in the past, airlines adapted by making refuelling stops in the Caribbean or Latin America.
Airlines that have responded so far: 
Air Europe- will make a refuelling stop in Santo Domingo DR
Air Canada- halting outbound flights but continuing return flights with enough fuel to make the round-trip flight
WestJet/Sunwing- Monitoring situation, no changes announced
The rest of the airlines have not responded for comment however, flights from Florida are so close that it is likely they have enough fuel for round-trip flights. As of this morning, Copa Airlines from Panama and American Airlines flights do not appear to have changed schedule. 

The government also announced emergency measures to reduce energy consumption, prioritising available fuel for essential services (including agriculture, education, and healthcare) and indispensable economic activity (including tourism). Measures affecting the public include reducing public transportation, a 4-day workweek, shifting some educational programs to online, and keeping cultural activities within the communities to eliminate. In the tourism sector, underutilised hotels and some tourism facilities will be closed. We have received assurance from the government tourism department that we will receive the fuel necessary to run our tours. 

January 30, 2026

On January 29, 2026, the U.S. government issued a new Executive Order that claims that Cuba is a threat to US national security and thus establishes a system to impose tariffs on goods from any country that provides oil to Cuba. This is designed to pressure the Cuban government by targeting its energy supply chain. There have not been any changes to existing Cuba travel regulations. We will provide further updates if any changes directly affect our tours.

January 20, 2026

The US Embassy in Cuba issued a memo on January 20, 2025, warning US travellers that they have "received reports that in the past couple of weeks Cuban authorities have denied entry to U.S. citizens upon arrival in Cuba, and/or have ordered them to depart immediately under threat of detention." The embassy did not provide any further details, and did not specify that tourists were denied entry. However, reasons for countries denying entry to travelers often include insufficient documentation, smuggling prohibited items, or suspicious behavior. We have not received any reports of tourists being refused entry into Cuba, nor have we heard of tourists being impacted by recent US-Cuba tensions. Cuba remains welcoming to visitors from all countries, including the US.

January 5, 2026

On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces launched an operation in Venezuela, targeting multiple military sites with air strikes and capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores, to face trial in New York on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. President Trump expressed a desire to "run the country," explicitly mentioning oversight of Venezuela's oil resources. The Cuban government criticised the US actions and publicly supported Venezuela through demonstrations, yet tourism continues unaffected, and the US has made no indication of plans to invade Cuba. Read more about the impact of US' Venezuela attack on Cuba's tourism industry 

November 3, 2025

Hurricane Melissa tore through Eastern Cuba the night of October 28th, causing destruction of homes and farms in provinces Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Damage assessment and recovery efforts are ongoing. Fortunately, our tour groups on the ground during the storm were safely redirected away from the affected area. However, due to damaged roads and communication networks, visits to Bayamo, Santiago, and Baracoa are temporarily suspended. Our 15-day Original tour now features an alternative itinerary until these regions are accessible again. All other schedules remain unchanged. We invite visitors to bring donations such as clothing, shoes, medicine, electrolyte/hydration solutions, gelatin (e.g., Jello), toys, and school supplies to support local families rebuilding.  Please consider donating to our fundraiser to help those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

October 4, 2025

Cuba has reported an outbreak of the Chikungunya virus, mainly in Matanzas province. The virus is similar to dengue and lasts about a week. There is a vaccine available, so contact your doctor to see if it's suitable for you. All travellers should use DEET insect repellant to protect against vector-borne illnesses. Read more about health precautions in Cuba.

July 15, 2025

The U.S. Department of State maintains a "Cuba Restricted List" of entities and subentities with which individuals under U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from transacting. The Trump administration has updated this list with new entities as of July 14, 2025, view the restricted entities list here. The US Department of State also maintains a list of accommodations it has designated as off-limits to US travellers, new entries to this list include: 

• Grand Aston La Habana Effective July 14, 2024
• Iberostar Selection La Habana Effective July 14, 2024
• also “Torre K” Effective July 14, 2024
• INNSiDE Habana Catedral Effective July 14, 2024
• Varadero Sol Caribe Effective July 14, 2024
• also Gran Muthu Cayo Santa María Effective July 14, 2024
• also Roc Casa del Mar Effective July 14, 2024
• Sol Turquesa Beach Effective July 14, 2024

View additional prohibited accommodations
For more information about travelling to Cuba legally 

June 30, 2025

The Trump Administration issued a memorandum on June 30, 2025, an update to its June 16, 2017 memorandum titled "Strengthening the Policy of the United States toward Cuba". The memo reaffirms the limitations on legal travel to Cuba and requires OFAC to take enforcement actions, but it does not alter the rules governing legal travel to Cuba. US travellers to Cuba should ensure they document and maintain for 10 years their compliance with the general license rules of Cuba travel. Read more here.

June 5, 2025

The Trump Administration has announced new restrictions on certain nationalities entering the US, including Cubans. However, travel from the US to Cuba remains legal. Unless you hold a Cuban passport or a passport from one of the 19 other countries affected by the new US travel restrictions, you should not anticipate any changes to your travel experience to Cuba due to the travel ban.

May 20, 2025

Travellers planning a trip to Cuba should be cautious of services claiming to assist with the D'Viajeros form for a fee. While these companies present themselves as a helpful resource, the D'Viajeros form is designed to be simple and straightforward, requiring no paid assistance to complete. The companies are not affiliated with the government. Protect your money and personal information by filling out the form yourself. It's always advisable to rely on official sources and seek assistance from reputable travel agencies rather than paid services that may not be necessary. For instructions for filling out Cuba's entry forms, see our D'Viajeros tutorial.

April, 2025

Due to changes in official travel advisories for the U.S. from the countries of Canada, France, Portugal, New Zealand, the UK, Finland, Germany, Denmark,
and reports of issues faced by travelers while attempting to enter the USA, we strongly advise non-US travellers to opt for alternative routes to Cuba whenever possible.

For travellers departing from Australia or New Zealand, consider flying via Chile with connections to Panama through Copa Airlines or Peru through LATAM Airlines, followed by a direct flight to Havana.

Additionally, there are direct flights to Havana from London, Madrid, Paris, and Canada and these other options. 

March 15, 2025

March 15: At the weekend a failure at the Diezmero substation caused a significant loss of power generation in western Cuba. As a result, the National Electrical System (SEN) experienced a complete shutdown. 

By March 16 the systems were up and running in most provinces.

By March 17, the Cuban state electricity company, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), announced that the entire country had been reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN)

Despite the restoration, the government has warned that the power supply remains unstable due to ongoing electricity generation shortages, which means planned outages will continue in some areas. Our tours have the water, food, and fuel to ensure safety and enjoyment, and travellers who bring a few essential comfort items will further mitigate the effects of electrical instability. You can find customer feedback regarding their experiences in Cuba during the blackouts our reviews page.

February 22, 2025

This week AirBNB notified Cuban hosts that they would no longer be sending payments to Cuba, ostensibly as a result of the US sanctions on Orbit, a Cuban payment processor. For now, only AirBNB hosts with foreign bank accounts will be able to continue operating. Cuban Adventures' local team works directly with casas, so this will not affect our operations. If you were planning to book your own Cuba accommodations, we recommend using homestay.com, locally run sites, google search, or word-of-mouth recommendations to book directly with hosts.

January 20, 2025

On his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders that overturned Biden's executive orders as they pertain to Cuba. Cuba has returned to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and sanctions remain in place.  

January 14, 2025

In US President Biden's final week in office, he removed Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, eliminated the Trump Administration's prohibited entities list, and also suspended Title III of the Helm's Burton Act which allowed for lawsuits against persons doing business in Cuba. The largest impact on tourism is that foreign travellers visiting the US after visiting Cuba will no longer be required to obtain a visa instead of using the ESTA visa waiver. The Cuban government has pledged to release over 550 political prisoners by January 20. 

November 10, 2024

On November 10, an earthquake magnitude 6.8 struck the southeast of Cuba, in the Granma province, and strongly felt in Santiago de Cuba. Landslides and damage to homes and power lines have been reported in Granma. There is no predicted chance of a tsunami. There are no reports of damage to areas visited by our groups. 

Power has been restored to many areas of Havana after the damage from Hurricane Rafael, and crews are working quickly to clear debris and repair structures. Artemisa was severely damaged, homes and crops were destroyed.  Baracoa is still recovering from damage from Hurricane Milton and for the next few weeks, tours are being diverted from the area. If you are on a tour that departs before December 15th, please contact your reservations agent if you have any questions about any changes to your itinerary. 

November 7, 2024

Hurricane Rafael struck Cuba on Wednesday as a category 3, knocking out the national power grid, and damaging homes, power lines, and agriculture in the western side of Cuba. Some affected areas in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Havana and the Isla de Juventud are in the ‘recuperation phase’ for the next 24-48 hours, while most regions of Cuba are back to normality in the provinces of Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus and Ciego de Ávila.  

The majority of our tour services, will not be affected even if in the areas still in recuperation.
Services have been re-established to Vinales in Pinar del Rio, groups have travelled there today with no issues; all accommodations and restaurants are operating as normal. Power has been restored to Cuba's main power plant and is now returning to areas of Havana. 

November 5, 2024

We are closely monitoring hurricane warnings in the Caribbean and awaiting further updates from local authorities. Havana airport is closed until Nov 7th. We will promptly notify affected travellers if we make any changes to their tour.

October 28, 2024

On October 23rd, Cuba's national grid was restored, and there was power to most provinces, except some areas of Guantanamo which were severely damaged by Hurricane Oscar. Most areas of Havana have had stable electricity as of October 21st. Aside from Havana, Cuba's provinces have long been experiencing blackouts from a few hours to most of the day; these are usually planned in advance and have not seriously impacted the enjoyment of our travellers. Our tours have the water, food, and fuel to ensure safety and enjoyment, and travellers who bring a few essential comfort items will further mitigate the effects of electrical instability. You can find customer feedback regarding their experiences in Cuba during the blackouts our reviews page.

October 21, 2024

On Friday, October 18, Cuba experienced a complete blackout after one of one of the major power plants failed. The government called for all non-essential services to shut down, including schools, nightclubs, and cultural attractions. We are hopeful this situation will be resolved in the coming days and weeks, and will not have significant impact on our services. If you are travelling to Cuba in the near future, please read our statement on the power outage. 

September 19, 2024

Cuba has now begun issuing electronic visas via email. The eVisa is optional for now, travellers can still use the paper visas until 2025. Visit our US citizen's Cuba visa guide, and non-US citizens Cuba visa guide for more information.

July 2024

Travellers should take extra precautions to avoid mosquitos and other bug bites in Cuba. The CDC also advises that pregnant people reconsider travel to Cuba and if visiting, strictly prevent bites from midges and mosquitos. In June 2024, Cuba diagnosed its first local case of Oropouche virus, a disease spread by midges (small flies) and mosquitos and since then many locals have been afflicted. This disease has similar symptoms to dengue: fever, chills, headache, light sensitivity, and muscle and joint aches. Symptoms typically last less than a week but can reoccur days or weeks later. You should not take aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, naproxen) until dengue is ruled out. We recommend insect repellent that includes DEET. Visit our Health Precautions site for additional information. 

Mar 26, 2024

On March 17, demonstrators filled the streets of four eastern Cuba cities in rare protests, calling for food and electricity provisions amid widespread shortages throughout the country.

These protests are non-violent and have not impacted travellers, we continue to monitor the situation and give our support to the people in expressing their needs. Read more about the current situation in Cuba.
 

Mar 12, 2024

Cuba is currently experiencing a severe fuel shortage, resulting in longer-than-usual blackouts and difficulties obtaining petrol. Our tour leaders and drivers have successfully minimised the impact of these fuel shortages by scheduling group activities during blackout hours, using restaurants that can maintain refrigeration, and strategically planning refuelling stops. While experiencing some impact of the current situation is unavoidable, we are working diligently to provide a safe and enjoyable experience in Cuba. Traveller feedback has continued to reflect the success of these efforts. Here are measures you can take to be prepared in case of prolonged blackouts:

1. Bring a portable charger
2. Bring a battery-operated fan
3. Bring a torch/flashlight
4. Bring DEET mosquito repellant
5. Bring earplugs in case of generator noise
6. Avoid walking alone at night

If you're on a tour with us, please let us know if you require electricity for medical needs. Read more about the shortages in Cuba.

Jan 18, 2024

The Cuban government has announced an over 500% increase in petrol prices from 25 to 132 pesos per litre, which equates to an increase from $.21 to $1.10 per litre in USD. This increase is in response to the fuel and economic crisis and it is part of several other measures to reduce subsidies and revive the economy. At this time we do not foresee increased tour prices due to the rise in fuel costs.

July 22, 2023

Starting from August 1, 2023, we are eliminating the Local Payment on all tours, making it more convenient for you. Although there will be a slight increase in join-in tour prices, this adjustment aims to help you better plan and budget for your Cuban adventure. Additionally, we are adjusting our prices for private tours due to rising costs in the industry and global inflation. These changes are necessary to maintain the high quality of service and unforgettable experiences we provide. Secure the current private tour pricing by booking and paying your deposit before Aug 1.

Apr 30, 2023

In view of the fuel crisis Cuban authorities announced a group of measures across the country this week, such as: 
Prioritizing vital sectors, restricting the sale of both gasoline and diesel to private vehicles and to non-prioritized state services, mandating for State-owned cars to pick up people at bus stops or face prosecution. (Even the Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla is not exempt to the surprise of one of his passengers).
The queues for most Cubans to refuel at the few gas stations in Havana can last several days, in some provinces the sale of gasoline and diesel has been rationed. Some universities have returned to online classes, as students and professors are finding it increasingly difficult to attend classes.
Tour buses are considered as part of the prioritized sector and our tours are not severely affected by the shortages at this stage. (You may experience delays but no cancellations).

Apr 25, 2023

The Cuban Government has just announced the suspension of the massive May 1st parade in the capital’s Revolution Square. The mass meeting at the Plaza de la Revolución will be replaced by small marches in the municipalities to be attended on foot, due to the critical situation of fuel shortages. From the triumph of the revolution this is the first time since 1994 that this symbolic celebration has been cancelled outside of 2020 & 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apr 10, 2023

Cuban financial and banking institutions are once again accepting cash deposits of US dollars in bank accounts. This move eliminates remaining barriers for locals to use USD and is likely to further increase its acceptance in Cuba. USD and EUR continue to be the most popular foreign currencies in Cuba, for more information read our Money and Currency in Cuba guide. 

Feb 17, 2023

Banks are now accepting USD for exchange, whereas previously this was limited to the Cadeca exchange houses. Read more about money and currency in Cuba here.

Nov 7, 2022

As of Nov 1, 2022 the tourist card, also known as the tourist visa, is valid for a stay of 90 days and can be renewed for an additional 90 day stay. There are no changes to the price. 

Oct 12, 2022

Damage from Hurricane Ian has been sufficiently repaired to allow travel to proceed as normal throughout the island. Although Viñales, in the hardest hit Pinar del Rio province, sustained damage to its trees and crops, the guesthouses and restaurants are up and running. Travellers who have visited post-hurricane have enjoyed their stay.

Sep 29, 2022

The National Electricity System (SEN) has been able to restore services to 12 provinces around the country.

Electricity has been restored to some zones of Havana: Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Habana del Este y Cotorro.

Power has also been restored to the provinces of Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba y Guantánamo.

For the moment due to the severe damage suffered in Western Cuba, this province remains without electricity.

Sep 28, 2022

On Tuesday Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province. Officials set up 55 shelters and evacuated 50,000 people, steps were taken to protect tobacco crops. Ian made landfall as a Category 3 storm on the island’s western end, devastating Pinar del Río province.

Hurricane Ian also knocked out electricity to the entire island when it hit the island’s western tip as a major storm.

The Energy and Mines Ministry announced it had restored energy to three regions by activating two large power plants and brigades from around the country  are working in other regions.

Aug 4, 2022

Cuban Banks and Exchange houses have begun purchasing major foreign currencies (including USD) at 120CUP:1USD, five times the previous official rate. ATM and credit card transactions are still at the 25CUP:1USD rate. Eventually the Cuban government will begin to sell foreign currency, but no date has been announced. Read more

June 10, 2022

The Biden Administration announced the elimination of restrictions on commercial and charter flights to Cuba and has facilitated more categories of legal travel for US travellers, including reinstating group people to people travel. Read more here.

May 31, 2022

As of May 31, 2022 Cuba is no longer requiring masks to be worn in public places except for medical facilities. Persons experiencing symptoms of Covid or other illnesses are still required to wear masks. Masks are encouraged for large gatherings where social distancing cannot be maintained. You will still need to bring masks in case rules change during your visit.

Apr 4, 2022

Cuba has removed the COVID test and vaccine certificate requirements for entry, effective immediately. They will continue with random testing in the airport (no cost). In order to keep our guides, casa staff, and other tour participants safe, Cuban Adventures maintains the requirement for certification of vaccination and a negative rapid test prior to joining the tour. See full details of Cuba’s Covid-19 entry requirements here.

Jan 4, 2022

Cuba has reinstated the mandatory PCR prior to arrival. Starting January 5th, all travellers 13 and older must show negative PCR result taken no more than 72 hours in advance of arrival in addition to proof of vaccination (or certified medical exemption). A PCR test at arrival will be given to anyone displaying symptoms and also for random checks. See full details of Cuba’s Covid-19 entry requirements here.

Dec 4, 2021

In response to the Omicron variant, from December 4, Cuba has increased the sanitary precautions for travellers arriving from South Africa and its surrounding countries.

See the full details on our Covid-19 protocols for Cuba page

Nov 15, 2021

As of today Cuba is open to tourism. International flights have resumed and domestic travel is taking place once again.

To enter Cuba, travellers aged 12 and older must show proof of vaccination. If they do not show proof of vaccination, they are required to show a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, except for U.S. travellers. US travellers will not be allowed to enter Cuba without full vaccination.

See the full updated Covid entry requirements here.

Oct 20, 2021

As the vaccinated population rises, and the number of Covid cases and deaths begin to fall, Cuba is loosening many of its restrictions:

• Starting November 7, the quarantine requirement will be eliminated
• Vaccinated travelers able to show their certificate will not be required to take a PCR prior to arrival. All international vaccines will be recognized.
• Non-vaccinated travelers must show negative results of a PCR taken no more than 72 hours in advance.
• Children under 12 years old will not be required to show vaccination certificate or have a negative PCR test.
• PCR tests will be performed only on travelers displaying symptoms and there will also be random PCR testing at the airport. Travelers showing symptoms will be taken to a health institution and tested.
• Masks will be required in the airport and throughout the country, as will social distancing, temperature checks and other hygienic measures.
• Owners of casa particulares will be required to report symptoms to health authorities.
• To board a plane in Cuba, travelers must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR taken less than 72 hours in advance.
• Restaurants, nightclubs, museums, cultural venues, beaches, pools, and other recreation locations have all opened at limited capacity and curfews have been removed.
• Ground transportation will resume but domestic flights do not yet have a plan to resume service.

Oct 20, 2021

The government has prohibited the use of US dollars in Cuba, all other currencies are permitted for exchange to the Cuban Peso (CUP or MN) such as Canadian dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Mexican Pesos, etc.

Tourists can obtain MLC cards in Cadecas (exchange houses) at airports, ports, and touristic areas. MLC (Money Libremente Convertible) means foreign currency. EUR and GBP are the most popular currencies to convert. These prepaid cards can be used to pay for goods and services throughout Cuba and remaining funds can be returned to the travelers when they leave the country. The cards expire two years from when they were issued.

Expect food and drink prices to be somewhat increased (30-50%) from what they were prior to the pandemic and unification of the dual currency system.

Sep 13, 2021

The government of Cuba has announced that the reopening of borders internationally and domestically will begin on November 15, 2021 based on the presumption that they will have fully vaccinated 90% of the population by then.

• PCR testing on arrival will be random instead of required, and based on the presence of symptoms
• Vaccinated travellers able to show their certificate will not be required to take a PCR prior to arrival. Non-vaccinated travellers must show negative results of a PCR taken no more than 72 hours in advance. PCR tests will be performed only on travellers displaying symptoms and there may also be random PCR testing at the airport.
• Temperature checks will still be required
• Quarantine requirements will be lifted
• Luggage restrictions will be lifted in all ports of arrival, check with your airline about luggage requirements
• Restrictions limiting interprovincial travel will resume as well

Sep 13, 2021

As of June 21, 2021 Cuban financial and banking institutions stopped accepting U.S. dollars until further notice. This means that travellers should plan to bring other currencies, such as GBP, EUR, CAD to exchange for CUP. In 2020 Cuba took measures to reunite its dual currencies, eliminating the CUC and keeping the CUP whose value was set at 24CUP:1USD. The actual value of the CUP is much lower (currently around 60CUP:1USD) due to current inflation but the currency situation could change drastically once tourism resumes and there is an influx of foreign capital. You can read more about money in Cuba here .

January 1, 2021

Cuba’s dual currency system is being eliminated, which may lead to price fluctuations. The CUC will be eliminated and the Cuban peso (CUP) will be fixed to the US dollar at 24:1. Read more about money in Cuba here.

October 25, 2019

Further changes were made by the Trump administration to eliminate commercial flights, but only to the provinces, e.g. Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey. Commercial flights to Havana are still available on all major airlines.Read more about flights between the US and Cuba here.

June 5, 2019

Further changes were made by the Trump administration to travel laws regarding visits to Cuba. Cruise ship visits were banned and the category of legal travel called "People-to-People" was eliminated. Legal travel to Cuba for US citizens is still quite simple however. Read a full explanation.

Nov 9, 2017

The much awaited changes to the OFAC regulations for legal travel to Cuba by US citizens was finally implemented today, with the new rules being immediately applicable. Here are some useful links that provide details and an analysis of the implications:

• The new rules explained
• 6 ways to travel to Cuba that are currently legal
• US Cuba travel expert interviewed about the new travel rules