Relations between Washington and Havana have become noticeably frostier in recent weeks. An indictment against Raúl Castro, fresh sanctions, and reports of Cuba’s military rapprochement with Russia and Iran have brought tensions between the US and Cuba back into the headlines. Anyone currently planning a trip to Cuba wants to know one thing above all: Is the island still a safe travel destination? To put it simply, nothing is changing for tourism at the moment. Nevertheless, a closer look at the underlying reasons is worthwhile.
Background to the current tensions between Cuba and the USA
In May 2026, the US Department of Justice initiated legal proceedings against Raúl Castro, the former president and leader of the Cuban Revolution. The charges relate to an incident in 1996 when the Cuban military shot down two planes belonging to the exile group “Brothers to the Rescue,” killing four people. The US maintains that Castro gave the order for the lethal attack. Havana denies this, calling the charges purely political.
In addition, there are reports from American media, citing intelligence sources. According to these reports, Cuba has received over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran in recent years. Because the island is only about 150 kilometers off the coast of Florida, such reports are closely followed in the USA.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, as expected, sees the situation quite differently. He insisted on his country’s right to defend itself and accused Washington of merely looking for a pretext to further increase the pressure. At the same time, he pointed to the difficult economic situation and the consequences of the US embargo.
Is a military conflict imminent?
However harsh the rhetoric may be on both sides, experts currently consider an open military conflict unlikely. While Cuba’s economy is in deep crisis, military intervention would be fraught with high risks and politically difficult to implement.
Added to this is the Cuban defense doctrine “Guerra de Todo el Pueblo,” or “War of the Whole People.” It stipulates that in a crisis, not only the armed forces but the entire population should be involved. Such a defense is difficult for an external aggressor to predict.
Certainly, public discontent is greater today than it was a few decades ago. Nevertheless, there are still established political groups that would support the existing system. This mix makes any attempt at outside influence unpredictable, and that is precisely one of the reasons why a rapid escalation remains rather unlikely.
Is it still possible to travel to Cuba right now?
Yes. There are currently no restrictions for tourists. Flights are operating as usual, the entry requirements remain unchanged, and the Cuban e-visa can be applied for normally. If you are planning a trip to Cuba in 2026, you can stick to your travel plans.
Keeping an eye on political developments is always a good idea. Growing tensions can have long-term effects on flight connections, fuel supplies, or the local economy. Choosing flexible fares and compiling your documents early ensures you’re well-prepared for any eventuality.
Conclusion: tense, but not a travel obstacle
Tensions between the US and Cuba have escalated again. The indictment of Raúl Castro and the discussion about possible drone deliveries show that political pressure on Havana has increased. Whether this will develop into a genuine crisis or simply the next round in the long-standing conflict between the two countries cannot be reliably predicted at this time. For now, this has no bearing on your travel plans.
If you’re traveling to Cuba soon, make sure you apply for your e-visa in good time. Entry is now entirely digital. You can conveniently order your visa online at cuba-visa.com and receive it by email.
