The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory list, placing Cuba at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) as of this Thursday. This classification comes just before the peak travel season in April, ranking global destinations based on the risks they pose to American travelers.
A map released by the State Department this Thursday highlights Cuba in this intermediate risk category amid a severe crisis marked by widespread blackouts, acute shortages, and mounting social unrest. These conditions have led the U.S. Embassy in Havana to issue several security alerts throughout 2026.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Level 4 (Do Not Travel) includes 20 countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.
Iran is at this highest level due to threats from terrorism, civil unrest, kidnappings, and arbitrary detention of American citizens, exacerbated by the recent Operation Epic Fury, a series of coordinated attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026.
The conflict involving Iran has reshaped risk assessments across the region. Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain were escalated from Level 2 to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) following the February attacks.
On March 22, the State Department issued a global security alert warning of threats from Iran-linked groups targeting U.S. interests outside the Middle East.
Iranian military spokesman, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, had ominously stated on state television two days prior, "Parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations anywhere in the world are no longer safe for you."
Precautionary Destinations
In Mexico, categorized at Level 2 nationwide, several states have been elevated due to violence following the death of CJNG leader, El Mencho, on February 22. Sinaloa and Colima have moved to Level 4, while Jalisco and Baja California rose to Level 3.
Conversely, Venezuela was downgraded from Level 4 to Level 3 on March 19, following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, although risks from crime, kidnappings, and terrorism persist.
The decline in tourism to Cuba contrasts sharply with the growth seen in other Caribbean destinations. Mexico and the Dominican Republic have attracted travelers diverted from the Island, while hotel occupancy in Cuba plummeted to 18.9% in 2025.
Among the safest destinations, classified as Level 1 (Normal Precautions), are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, Portugal, and Switzerland, among others.
The State Department advises all travelers to enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive security alerts from embassies and consulates abroad.
On March 20, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba cautioned about potential demonstrations in the capital over the weekend, including a protest on the Malecón.
Days later, on March 21, Cuba blocked the fuel supply to the embassy itself.
Tourism on the Island continues its downward trend. In January 2026, Cuba received 240,578 visitors, a 9.2% decline compared to the same month the previous year.
Arrivals from the U.S. were halved, dropping from 14,027 in January 2025 to only 6,997 in January 2026.
Understanding Cuba's Travel Advisory Status
What does Level 2 mean for travelers to Cuba?
Level 2 indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution due to possible risks such as social unrest and shortages.
Why is Iran listed as a Level 4 country?
Iran is classified as Level 4 due to threats from terrorism, unrest, kidnappings, and the risk of arbitrary detention of American citizens.
How can travelers stay informed about safety abroad?
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates.