Foreign Office advises against ‘all but essential travel’ to Cuba

Cuba has effectively been ruled out of bounds for UK travellers.

 

The Foreign Office last night (Wedneday) issued an advisory against all but essential travel to the Caribbean island nation amid a growing fuel crisis.

 

While there are no direct flights between the UK and Cuba, the decision will impact a handful of specialist operators that feature the destination using airlines flying via third countries.

 

Intrepid Travel issued an update yesterday to say its trips in Cuba “are continuing to operate as normal, and on‑the‑ground services remain unaffected”.

 

It added: “Most airlines are still operating flights to Cuba, typically by carrying extra fuel or making refuelling stops in nearby Caribbean destinations.” 

 

However, the operator added: “We strongly recommend that all customers check directly with their airline for the most up‑to‑date information on any schedule adjustments or operational changes.

 

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.”

 

Other operators featuring the island include Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus and Trailfinders.    

 

Air Canada announced on Monday that flights to Cuba were being suspended as it moved to evacuate 3,000 holidaymakers.

 

Air Transat followed suit with the suspension of services from Canada until April 30 following a warning of aviation fuel shortages.

 

WestJet also confirmed that flights to Cuba were being wound down.  

 

An initial advisory from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has now been strengthened amid power outages and fuel shortages.

 

The FCDO now says: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages and fuel shortages.

 

“These conditions significantly affect 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 in order to conserve severely limited energy supplies. 

 

“Flight schedules are also being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services which risk visitors being unable to leave the country.”

 

British travellers in Cuba are being advised to “carefully consider if your presence is essential”.

 

They should “take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge and be prepared for significant disruption” and also “check for messaging from your airline or tour operator”.