Nationwide power failure hits Caribbean island as American citizens warned to prepare

Americans who are legally traveling to Cuba should expect major disruptions because of the country’s blackout crisis, according to officials.

In a statement obtained by Fox News, the U.S. Embassy in Havana said the country is currently experiencing a total power failure due to its electrical grid collapsing.

“All U.S. citizens in Cuba or planning to travel to Cuba should be aware and plan accordingly,” the embassy said.

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The latest outage marks Cuba’s sixth nationwide grid failure of 2026, officials said, with three occurring in July alone.

Residents are currently suffering from intense heat and a lack of air conditioning, with many sleeping outside near the water to escape the sweltering temperatures, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Sunday’s highest temperature was 93 degrees Fahrenheit, though it felt like 106 degrees with the Caribbean’s 80% humidity levels, per AP.

Though Cuba is by no means a tourism hot spot, it still attracts visitors from around the world, including Americans.

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U.S. law forbids any Americans to travel to Cuba for tourism purposes, though some visits are permitted under a dozen categories.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) says Americans may travel to Cuba for purposes including family visits, journalism, education, religious activities, humanitarian projects and “support for the Cuban people.”

In a previous travel advisory issued in May 2025, the State Department urged Americans traveling to Cuba to “stay aware of your surroundings.”

“Do not physically resist any robbery attempt,” the advisory states.

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“Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.”

The advisory also referenced “prolonged power outages,” and suggested Americans bring portable battery banks, as well as spare batteries and nonperishable food and water.

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Cuba has struggled with an aging electrical grid for years, with recurring fuel shortages contributing to repeated nationwide outages.

Cuban officials have also blamed U.S. sanctions for exacerbating the country’s energy crisis, though it’s unclear what caused the latest blackout.

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“According to Cuban regime media, the reason for the collapse and the timeline to restore power is unknown,” the U.S. Embassy in Havana said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.