The U.S. Embassy in Havana has issued a statement warning Americans traveling to Cuba to expect significant disruptions due to the country's ongoing blackout crisis.
According to officials, Cuba is experiencing a total power failure, caused by the collapse of its electrical grid.
All U.S. citizens in Cuba or planning to travel to the island should be aware of the situation and make necessary arrangements, the embassy cautioned.
This marks the sixth nationwide grid failure of 2026, with three incidents occurring in July alone.
As a result, residents are facing intense heat and limited access to air conditioning, with many resorting to sleeping outdoors near water to escape the sweltering temperatures.
The heat index has been particularly oppressive, with Sunday's temperature reaching 93 degrees Fahrenheit and feeling like 106 degrees with the Caribbean's high humidity levels.
Americans traveling to Cuba must be aware of the country's limited infrastructure and potential for disruptions.
While some travel is permitted under specific categories, such as family visits, journalism, education, or humanitarian projects, Americans are still subject to U.S. laws prohibiting tourism in Cuba.
Previous travel advisories issued by the State Department have cautioned Americans to be mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions, including bringing portable power sources and nonperishable food and water.
The cause of the latest blackout remains unclear, with Cuban officials blaming U.S. sanctions for exacerbating the country's energy crisis.
