In light of widespread power cuts and fuel shortages impacting Cuba, the Foreign Office has issued a crucial advisory, urging UK travellers to avoid non-essential trips to the Caribbean island.
Renowned for its tropical climate and sandy beaches, Cuba has long been a favored destination for British tourists seeking a sunny escape, especially during the winter season. However, the ongoing fuel crisis has led to severe disruptions in flights, numerous cancellations, and a struggle to maintain reliable transportation services on the island, effectively restricting travel from the UK.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, in a statement released on Wednesday, 11 February, highlighted the severe disruption to essential infrastructure in Cuba, including persistent power outages and fuel shortages. These conditions have significantly impeded access to dependable transport, medical facilities, communication services, and basic necessities for visitors.
Authorities in Cuba have implemented fuel rationing, reduced public services, and made temporary adjustments to healthcare, education, transportation, and tourism operations to conserve limited energy supplies. The shortage of aviation fuel has further disrupted flight schedules, prompting airlines to reconsider routes or temporarily halt services, potentially stranding visitors in the country.
For individuals currently in Cuba, the FCDO advises carefully evaluating the necessity of their presence and taking precautions by conserving fuel, water, food, and mobile phone charge. Travelers are urged to prepare for significant disruptions, contact their airline and tour operator, and be vigilant in managing their resources given the challenging circumstances.
As a consequence of the travel restrictions, Air Canada, along with other Canadian airlines like Air Transat and Westjet, has suspended flights to Cuba to facilitate the evacuation of holidaymakers from the island. While direct flights between the UK and Cuba are unavailable, several specialist tour operators, including Trailfinders, Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus, and Intrepid Travel, are affected as they offer the destination via routes through third countries.
The disruption in travel to Cuba stems from the US administration’s seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, a significant supplier of fuel to Cuba. This action, which occurred in December, has resulted in a shortage of fuel in Cuba, exacerbating the existing challenges faced by the island nation.
According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM), commercial availability of aviation fuel at Cuban airports is not expected before March 11, 2026. The Caribbean island continues to grapple with power outages due to the scarcity of fuel and electricity, further complicating the travel situation.
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