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In May 2026, Havana has witnessed significant unrest due to widespread protests ignited by severe energy shortages. The ongoing power outages, the worst the city has faced in decades, have severely impacted residents’ livelihoods and have led to growing demonstrations throughout the capital. Protesters are expressing their frustrations over prolonged blackouts, blocking roads and demanding the restoration of electricity as living conditions continue to deteriorate.
The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines has confirmed that the country has run out of diesel and fuel oil, resulting in an energy grid in critical condition. Many areas of Havana, particularly central neighborhoods, are enduring blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily. The energy crisis, which has intensified since 2024, is affecting everyday life and, more crucially, the tourism sector, where uninterrupted electricity is vital for accommodations and services.
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As these protests and energy shortages persist, travel advisories from several Western nations, including the UK and Canada, have escalated in urgency. The UK Foreign Travel Advice is urging travelers to steer clear of large gatherings and protests that might quickly escalate, advising visitors to remain vigilant and informed of local developments.
Likewise, the Canadian government has recommended postponing non-essential travel to Cuba amid the crisis, highlighting the collapse of critical services such as electricity, water distribution, and transport. Travelers are encouraged to plan meticulously, bearing in mind the unpredictable nature of available services and ongoing safety concerns. These advisories reflect the serious risks associated with visiting Havana at this time.
The city’s transportation system is feeling the strain from the ongoing blackouts, further compounded by fuel shortages. Key roadways have been blocked by protesters, limiting movement for both locals and tourists alike and hampering access to big tourist attractions.
Public transportation options are dwindling, with numerous bus routes and taxi services either delayed or canceled due to the crisis. Tourists frequently find themselves struggling to secure reliable transportation, especially during busy midday and evening periods when services are most limited.
Furthermore, the Havana international airport is grappling with a shortage of aviation fuel, potentially disrupting international flights, thus complicating travel arrangements for arriving and departing visitors.
The escalating power crisis and uncertainty surrounding safety have produced a marked decline in tourism to Cuba. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), early 2026 saw a 48% drop in tourist arrivals compared to the same timeframe in 2025. As a result, Havana, as the island’s major tourist hub, is experiencing a sharp decline in visitors.
Sights such as Habana Vieja, Parque Central, and Capitolio, typically vibrant with tourists, now appear desolate, with many travelers opting to cancel their plans over safety concerns.
Hotel occupancy rates, particularly in mid-range and luxury establishments, have plummeted. While smaller hotels and private rentals may shoulder the brunt of the downturn, major chains are not immune to the decline in bookings. Restaurants and businesses reliant on tourism, including cultural experiences like classic car tours and walking tours, are similarly feeling the negative impact of reduced visitor numbers.
In addition to transportation and accommodation disruptions, public health and sanitation conditions in Havana have worsened. Fluctuating electricity access has affected clean water supplies and refrigeration for food, impacting both residents and tourists alike as conditions become increasingly uncomfortable amid rising temperatures and sanitation challenges.
The city’s waste management services have also been hindered due to the fuel shortages, leading to littered streets and growing health concerns, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
Though protests have remained generally peaceful, they have fueled a more unstable atmosphere in Havana. Visitors are advised to avoid large gatherings, as the unpredictable nature of these events may lead to sudden disruptions.
The drop in tourism has profound implications for Cuba’s broader economy, which heavily relies on foreign visitors as a key source of revenue. The ongoing energy and fuel crisis is contributing to a rapid decline in income from tourism, affecting hospitality workers, small business owners, and those who depend on tourism dollars.
International tour operators, including Intrepid Travel, have suspended operations to Cuba through the spring and summer months, compounding the pressures on the tourism sector.
As fewer tourists visit, there has been a significant decrease in demand for crucial services such as guided tours, transportation, and local crafts, impacting both formal and informal economic channels linked to tourism.
For travelers contemplating a trip to Havana, it is vital to plan ahead and consider the following:
Considering these factors will help travelers better navigate the ongoing challenges in Havana, as disruptions look set to persist in the coming months.
Source: The post Havana on the Brink: How Protests and Power Outages Are Shaking Up Cuba's Tourism Industry in May 2026 first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
