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A new alert from the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Cuba due to crime and electrical outages. U.S. travelers are only allowed to go to Cuba in specific situations, but those who do travel should remain alert and prepare for events like power blackouts.
While a visit to the Caribbean can promise sunshine, beaches, and plenty of fun, travelers to Cuba need to exercise caution, according to a new alert.
The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the island due to crime and unreliable electrical power. The advisory, which was published on May 7, says that petty crime, violent crime, armed robbery, and homicide are on the rise in Cuba.
The Level 2 alert encourages travelers to “exercise increased caution,” and is below the maximum Level 4 of “do not travel.”
In addition to the crime and homicide risk, the agency also mentions the potential of frequent electrical disruptions.
“Since October 2024, there have been several prolonged nationwide power outages,” the advisory states. “Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts lasting up to 12 hours occur daily in Havana, and even longer outside the capital.”
The advisory also reminds travelers that United States citizens are prohibited from traveling to, from, or within Cuba for tourist or leisure activities, however the government has an approval process for travelers to visit for a variety of reasons including educational purposes, religious activities, athletic competitions, or for humanitarian reasons.
Travelers who are still planning on visiting Cuba should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid displaying signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry, according to the alert, which also notes that travelers should not physically resist an attempted robbery. It’s also a good idea to stock up on nonperishable food and water, have flashlights and batteries easily accessible, and keep mobile phones and power banks charged in case of a power outage, the alert advises.
U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba can monitor the Department of State, as well as the U.S. Embassy for Cuba, for additional information and travel alerts.
For any United States citizen traveling internationally, the agency encourages them to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP. The free program shares contact information with regional embassies so that American citizens can be notified in the event of an emergency or other critical situation.
