The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Cuba, advising against all but essential travel to the island. The warning, issued late on 11 February, effectively invalidates standard travel insurance for new trips to Cuba, leaving only those already on the island covered while they arrange to leave.
The advisory comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages and widespread power outages, exacerbated by tougher US sanctions. The island's aviation authorities have issued a Notice to Air Missions stating that Jet A1 fuel will not be available until at least 5 March. As a result, several airlines have suspended or reduced flights, including Air Canada, which cancelled its entire weekly programme of 32 flights between Canada and Cuba.
British travellers currently in Cuba are urged to “carefully consider if your presence is essential” and to prepare for significant disruption to transport, medical care, and basic services. The FCDO warns that flight schedules are being disrupted, and some airlines are temporarily cancelling services, risking visitors being unable to leave the country.
Air Canada has stated it will operate special “ferry flights” to bring passengers home, while other airlines are tankering extra fuel for outward journeys or making technical stops to refuel on return legs. For example, an Air France flight from Havana to Paris made a refuelling stop in Nassau, Bahamas, to ensure sufficient fuel.
The fuel crisis follows the US seizure of Venezuelan oil supplies in January and a subsequent executive order by President Donald Trump imposing punitive tariffs on any country providing oil to Cuba. Mexican suppliers had initially filled the gap but have since halted deliveries due to the threat of US sanctions.
