Canada, UK, Australia Issue Cuba Travel Warnings Over Critical Fuel Shortage
Several nations are now warning citizens against travel to Cuba. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have all updated their travel advisories. The reason is a critical and worsening fuel shortage across the Caribbean nation.
Canadian airlines have already suspended regular service to Cuba. They will only operate flights to bring Canadian citizens already on the island back home. Foreign Minister Anita Anand issued a direct statement.
“We are now advising Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel to Cuba,” she said. “Canadians are urged to leave while commercial flights remain available.”
The UK advisory is equally firm. It asks people to cancel non-essential travel immediately. For those already in Cuba, the message is clear: carefully consider if your presence is essential.
Travelers are instructed to conserve fuel, water, food, and mobile phone charge. They must also prepare for significant and ongoing disruption to services.
Australia has issued a Level 3 alert. This advises citizens to “reconsider your need to travel.” The government warns that airlines are reducing or cancelling flights. Shortages of food, medicine, and drinking water are also widespread.
What Is Happening in Cuba?
The fuel crisis has reached a critical tipping point. The Cuban government announced that international flights can no longer refuel there. Aviation fuel is simply unavailable.
This follows a threat from former US President Donald Trump. He pledged to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba. The US has maintained pressure on the island since January.
Russia is now actively discussing what help it can provide. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the discussions. However, he acknowledged that current trade levels between Russia and Cuba are not high.
The US itself has not yet issued a formal travel advisory. However, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has been vocal on social media. She posted a stark warning days ago.
“Do NOT travel to Cuba,” she wrote. “There is no electricity, no food, and no medicine, only blackouts, hunger, and repression. If you go, you may not be able to return for weeks, or longer.”
She described the Cuban regime as being in its “final hours” and therefore unpredictable and dangerous.
What Travelers Need to Know
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Fuel availability has decreased sharply and is now difficult to predict. Ground transportation is already disrupted across the country.
Even resorts are affected. The shortages extend to basic necessities, including food, water, and medicine. These conditions can and do impact tourist areas.
For any traveler currently in Cuba, the advice is consistent. Conserve all supplies. Monitor airline announcements closely. Be prepared for extended stays or sudden schedule changes.
The window for commercial departure may close quickly. The official advisories urge action now, not later.
