Canada now advises travellers avoid non-essential trips to Cuba; updates other beach destinations

As the situation worsens in Cuba, Canada is advising travellers avoid the country.

This week, major Canadian airlines suspended commercial flights to Cuba due to aviation fuel shortages at airports on the island.

Many Canadian travellers vacationing in the popular tourist country had their holidays cut short this week. 

The Trump administration is cutting Cuba off from using traditional fuel sources in an effort to put pressure on the Caribbean nation, which has long been under strict economic sanctions imposed by Washington.

On Wednesday, Canada updated its travel advisory to Cuba from “high degree of caution” to “avoid non-essential travel” due to worsening fuel shortages.

The advisory suggests travellers in Cuba confirm return flight details and avoid extending their stay in Cuba.

“If you do not have a return ticket, seek a commercial option to leave the country,” the advisory states. “Commercial flights remain available through international airlines; however, they may become limited on short notice.”

In addition to fuel, Cuba is experiencing electricity, food, water and medicine shortages.

Most other popular Caribbean countries remain relatively safe for travel with some advisories to take precautions.

Here are four beach destinations with updated travel advisories (all remain relatively safe for travellers):

The Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, may occur in tourist areas.

Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.

The Bahamas has a high murder rate, but incidents mostly occur in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark. High incidences of violent crime occur in neighbourhoods outside of high tourist areas.

Sexual assaults have occurred, including against foreign women. In some cases, the victim was drugged before being assaulted.

Jamaica

Risks: High level of violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas.

Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, has decreased in recent years but is still an issue in large cities, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.

Police are present in locations popular with tourists, including resorts. Although violent crime rates are lower in these areas, incidents of assault and robbery occur.

Infrastructure in the western parishes of Jamaica (St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, St. James and Hanover) was severely damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Travellers may not be able to access essential services such as electricity or running water.

There is a risk of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases due to standing water. Health care services may be limited in some areas. Exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to the affected parishes.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Crime occurs throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, but is most prevalent on Providenciales, the most populous island.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, muggings, and theft from homes, vehicles, and on beaches, occurs.

Avoid using unmarked, illegal taxis called “jitneys,” as drivers have committed sexual assaults.

Gang-related gun violence occurs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, violent crime still occurs in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts. Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has taken place in hotels, nightclubs and restaurants.

Remain vigilant, since innocent bystanders have been injured or killed, the advisory states. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

For a complete list of advisories and additional information, see the federal website here.

With files from the Canadian Press

Lead photo of Varadero, Cuba: Nina Ondkova

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