Traveling to Cuba in 2026: Entry Rules, Flights, Blackouts

You can still travel to Cuba in 2026, but it is a very different trip from a few years ago. A severe fuel shortage has cut flights, closed hotels and reduced transport, and blackouts happen every day. This guide pulls together what official sources and the press were saying in late October 2026, whether you're visiting family or going for the first time.

Things are changing fast. Check with your airline, your accommodation and official sources before you go.

Entry documents

Cuban citizens

Cuban citizens enter and leave Cuba on a valid Cuban passport, even if they hold another nationality. New Migration and Citizenship laws take effect around November 1, 2026. Our Cuban passport guide has the details.

Foreign visitors

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Electronic tourist visa (e-visa). You apply at evisacuba.cu. Cuba no longer uses the old paper tourist card. Spain's foreign ministry says the e-visa is good for one entry and up to 90 days, and you can extend it once. Children need one too.
• Canadians: the visa usually comes with packages and flights from Canada. No Canadian airline flies to Cuba right now, though, so if you fly in through another country you need the e-visa before you leave.
• Return or onward ticket.

Everyone

• D'Viajeros: this mandatory online form covers immigration, health and customs. When you submit it you get a QR code, which you show at check-in and again when you land. A December 2025 rule lets you fill it in up to 7 days ahead, but Canada's advice still says 72 hours. Doing it 2–3 days before you fly works under either rule.
• Travel medical insurance: it's mandatory. Your policy should cover emergencies, medical evacuation and repatriation. If you arrive without one, you may have to buy Cuban coverage at the airport.

U.S. travelers

If you're subject to U.S. jurisdiction, tourist travel to Cuba is still banned. Your trip has to fit one of OFAC's authorized categories, and those rules got stricter in 2026:

• May 1, 2026: Executive Order 14404 was signed, expanding sanctions. OFAC's rules putting it into effect started on September 30, 2026.
• Gone: the general license for professional meetings and conferences, and all people-to-people educational travel, whether individual or group. If you booked at least one flight or room for a trip before September 30, that trip still falls under the old rules.
• Still available, with limits: family visits, support for the Cuban people, religious activities and professional research.
• Restricted List: you now can't pay entities on the Cuba Restricted List directly or indirectly. The Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List still applies too. Check both lists on the State Department website before you book.

Keep your itinerary and receipts, because OFAC requires you to keep records for years.

Flights: who still flies

Cuba has been short of jet fuel since February 2026, and many airlines have suspended service. CiberCuba and EFE described the situation like this on October 5, 2026:

• Flying: American Airlines (from Miami), Southwest (from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale), Delta, Copa (via Panama), Aeroméxico and Viva (from Mexico City) and Wingo (Bogotá and Panama). Air Europa was still flying Madrid–Havana, with a refueling stop in Punta Cana.
• Suspended: Iberia (through June 30, 2027), Air Canada, WestJet/Sunwing, Air Transat, Air France and World2Fly.
• Turkish Airlines said it would return from October 25, via Istanbul. It isn't clear yet whether those flights are running regularly.

GOV.UK says only Terminal 3 is open at Havana airport. Check your flight again a day or two before you leave.

Blackouts and fuel

Power cuts happen daily. They are long and hard to predict, and the whole country has sometimes gone dark for more than 24 hours. For October 26, 2026, the national grid operator (UNE) forecast a shortfall of about 1,900 MW at peak, against demand of 2,900 MW. Water, transport and phone service go down with the power.

• Hotels: many hotels have closed temporarily, especially in Varadero and on the northern cays, and guests were moved to other properties. Spain says most hotels outside Havana are closed.
• Casas particulares: some have solar panels or batteries, but many don't. Ask before you book.

What to pack: a big power bank, a flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries, a rechargeable fan, water purification tablets or a filter, and some food that won't spoil.

Money

Bring cash for the whole trip plus a buffer, ideally U.S. dollars or euros. Since June 2026 Cuba hasn't accepted Visa or Mastercard cards from any country, and ATMs won't give you cash on them. For the informal exchange rate, check elTOQUE, and see our money guide.

Staying connected

ETECSA sells CubacelTur, a temporary SIM for visitors, at international airports. Mobile data and Wi-Fi drop out a lot during blackouts. Our internet and top-up guide covers your options.

Customs

If you arrive with more than US$5,000, declare it on D'Viajeros. See what to bring to Cuba.

Getting around

• Viazul: May 2026 reports said Viazul would keep running some routes as long as conditions allowed. Confirm your departure and have a backup plan.
• State buses and trains: since June, state buses between provinces run only one to three times a week.
• Taxis: use official taxis and agree on the fare before you get in. Private drivers charge a lot because fuel is so expensive.
• Rental cars: gas is scarce, it's sold in dollars, and only a few stations serve tourist vehicles. Before you leave Havana, make sure you can get back.

Health and medicines

Many medicines are hard to find, including basic painkillers and antibiotics. Pack everything you'll need, in the original containers, with copies of your prescriptions, in your carry-on. Spain reports outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, Oropouche and hepatitis A, so bring insect repellent and drink bottled water.

Safety and practical tips

• Petty crime has gone up: pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft on beaches and from rooms. Keep cash and jewelry out of sight.
• Hurricane season runs from June through November.

Pre-trip checklist

1. A valid passport (your Cuban passport, if you're a Cuban citizen).
2. An approved e-visa, if you're a foreign visitor.
3. For U.S. travelers, a confirmed OFAC category and your receipts saved.
4. Medical insurance that covers Cuba.
5. D'Viajeros submitted, with the QR code saved on your phone.
6. Your flight reconfirmed 48 hours before departure.
7. Your accommodation confirmed, after asking about power and water.
8. Cash in dollars or euros.
9. Medicines, power bank, flashlight and repellent.
10. A ride from the airport arranged.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now with the blackouts?

People still travel, but expect daily power cuts, fewer services and some hotels closed. Canada advises against non-essential travel. If you go, go prepared and leave room in your plans.

Which airlines fly to Cuba in 2026?

As of early October, American, Southwest, Delta, Copa, Aeroméxico, Viva, Wingo and Air Europa were flying. Iberia and all Canadian airlines had suspended service.

Can I use my Visa or Mastercard in Cuba?

No. Since June 2026 Cuba hasn't accepted them, no matter which country issued the card. Bring cash.

Do I still need a Cuban tourist card?

No. Cuba has replaced the tourist card with the e-visa from evisacuba.cu. Cuban citizens enter on their Cuban passport.

Can Americans travel to Cuba in 2026?

Yes, if the trip fits an authorized category such as family visits or support for the Cuban people. Since September 30, 2026, people-to-people travel is no longer allowed.

Last reviewed: October 2026.