Canada updates travel advisory for Cuba and other popular beach destinations

As winter school breaks approach, many people may be thinking of a trip to a popular beach spot such as Cuba.

Travellers may want to take a look at recent updates to advisories for Cuba and other beach destinations before booking a trip.

Cuba’s travel advisory on Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page was updated this week. Canada is advising travellers to exercise a “high degree of caution” in the popular tourist country.

Cuba is experiencing “worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine,” the advisory states.

The shortages may also affect resorts.

“The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate, disrupting flight availability on short notice,” the advisory states.

Cuba has typically imported oil from Venezuela and Mexico, but after the United States invaded Venezuela and threatened tariffs on any country that provides oil to Havana, the Caribbean island could quickly face a crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a humanitarian collapse in Cuba.

Fuel shortages affect a wide range of services, the advisory notes. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.

Canada’s advisory suggests travellers to Cuba sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates, make sure travel documents are up to date and secure, be prepared to change travel plans on short notice, and get insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption.

Here are four other warm-weather destinations with travel advisories:

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: 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.

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

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Criminals on motorcycles often rob other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.

Honduras

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Although the overall situation has slightly improved since 2022, violent crime remains a concern throughout Honduras. The country retains one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and street gang activity are prevalent in certain neighbourhoods. Violent incidents are frequent.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thefts commonly occur in popular tourist areas, bus terminals and airports, shopping malls, hotel lobbies and restaurants, including patios.

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.

Certain urban areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, St. Catherine, and the town of May Pen have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime.

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. In some communities, visitors 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.

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

Lead photo of Cayo Blanco, Cuba: Danilo Sandoval

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