Germany’s Foreign Office has strongly advised against travel to Cuba, citing a deteriorating security environment and a deepening energy crisis that is disrupting essential services across the island.
The updated advisory, issued on 18 March 2026, warns that power shortages, limited healthcare capacity and growing infrastructure failures are increasing risks for travellers. The guidance marks a significant escalation from previous advice and reflects mounting concerns over conditions affecting both residents and visitors.
The warning comes as Cuba faces repeated nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages and ongoing economic strain, all of which are affecting transport, accommodation and access to basic services. German authorities highlight that these factors may lead to sudden travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and reduced hotel operations, as well as limited access to medical care. The advisory underscores the potential for rapid deterioration in conditions and limited consular support options.
Energy crisis disrupts services nationwide
Cuba’s energy system has come under increasing pressure in recent months, with multiple large-scale power outages affecting millions of residents. The most recent blackout, reported within days of the advisory, left large parts of the country without electricity for extended periods. Authorities attribute the outages to aging infrastructure, fuel shortages and limited maintenance capacity.
The impact of these disruptions extends beyond electricity supply. Hospitals have been operating under constrained conditions, relying on backup generators that are not always sufficient to maintain full services. Food supply chains have also been affected, with refrigeration failures leading to spoilage and shortages in some areas.
Transport networks have been disrupted by fuel scarcity, limiting both domestic mobility and international connectivity. Airlines and tourism operators have reduced or adjusted services in response to operational challenges, increasing the risk of delays and cancellations for travellers.
Travel and security risks intensify
German officials warn that the broader economic and infrastructure crisis is contributing to a more fragile security environment. While the advisory does not cite a specific surge in violent crime, it notes that reduced public services and economic hardship can heighten risks such as theft and opportunistic crime. The situation may also affect the reliability of emergency response services.
