Cuba facing ‘severe and worsening’ disruption, Foreign Office advises

Cuba is facing “severe and worsening” disruption to essential infrastructure, the Foreign Office warned in an updated travel advisory.

 

Advice against all but essential travel to the Caribbean nation remains in place two weeks after being introduced amid a deteriorating situation in the country.

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued a revised travel advisory yesterday (Wednesday) reiterating concerns over power outages and fuel shortages.

 

The notice said: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent power outages across the country and fuel shortages.

 

“These conditions are significantly affecting the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.

 

“Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations to conserve severely limited energy supplies. 

 

“Cuban authorities have announced that all of its international airports are without aviation fuel. 

 

“Some airlines, including all Canadian airlines and Latam, have suspended flights to and from Cuba, with others reviewing routes. This limits your options to leave the country.”

  

The FCDO added that the situation “has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning”. 

 

The advisory said: “Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. If you are considering leaving Cuba, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up to date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel. 

 

“If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption. 

 

“Continue to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.”

 

Specialist operator Cuban Adventures announced a temporary waiving of cancllation fees until March 30.

 

The Australian company, which has an UK office in London, said: “We understand that recent travel advisories may raise concerns about whether travel to Cuba remains possible.

 

“While we are closely monitoring the situation in Cuba, it is important to note that government travel advisories are often generic and do not always reflect the specific circumstances of our organised tours or the on-the-ground reality in the regions we visit.

“To help you feel more comfortable with your travel decisions, we are temporarily waiving our cancellation fees. 

 

"Thanks to our local network, we’re effectively obtaining the food, water and fuel needed to keep our tours safe and enjoyable. Our network of casas and restaurants is powered by solar energy and generators and continues to receive high guest ratings despite years of frequent blackouts in Cuba.

 

“We receive daily updates from our local office and tour leaders and communicate those updates to our travellers via our WhatsApp community.

 

“Flights from the US are not expected to be disrupted. Airlines operating these routes have sufficient fuel for the round-trip journey without needing to refuel in Cuba. 

“We encourage you to keep your travel plans if possible, as this is a historic time in Cuba and a unique opportunity to witness the island’s resilience and spirit firsthand. Our teams on the ground are ready to welcome you. However, if you prefer to travel at a later date, we completely understand.”