Cautions have been raised by Australians about traveling to the island nation of Cuba after the government issued a travel warning regarding growing problems with fuel shortages, nationwide electricity outages and dwindling supplies of necessities.
Smartraveller, the government’s foreign travel advisory, advises travelers to reconsider their trip plans to Cuba, with an orange level assessment issued and still valid today due to the serious fuel shortage.
Which is causing difficulties with transportation and basic needs, constant power outages, cancellations of flights by airlines and the lack of food, medicine and drinking water.
According to a recent update, Smartraveller advises tourists currently in Cuba to leave while it is still possible to do so safely via commercial flights.
There is also concern for safety during demonstrations against the government, some of which have become violent.
What is driving the crisis
The fuel crisis in Cuba has been brewing for months.
Venezuela, the island’s main oil supplier for years, has reduced deliveries and Mexico recently halted its own shipments, one of the island’s few remaining reliable fuel lifelines.
US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on any country shipping petroleum to Cuba in a January executive order, further squeezing supply.
The result is rolling blackouts that can last for more than a day, crippled transport and overstretched hospitals, airports and communications.
Only 44 of 106 garbage trucks on the streets in Havana are said to still be in use.
The international airlines have been swift. Russia, which represents one of the major tourist markets in Cuba, has already arranged evacuation flights that will carry some 4,000 Russian citizens back home, using airlines like Rossiya that are flying one way flights back to Havana and Varadero.
The Canadian airlines of Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing had previously stopped their operations earlier this year, carrying back 3,000 people back home in their empty flights.
How other governments have responded
“Travel should be postponed until further notice due to severe disruptions,” warns the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Canadian government also upgraded the rating to “avoid non essential travel.”
In addition, Sweden, Ireland and Poland are making similar recommendations.
Intrepid Travel, an Australian travel company, has canceled all trips to Cuba until 30 June 2026, stating that the situation is not likely to change before then.
Industry reports indicate that Canadian and European tour operators are reconsidering their plans for Cuba tours this year, including consolidations at the resorts.
Australia’s Smart Traveller, for those still contemplating visits to Cuba, recommends travelers purchase travel insurance, carry cash and register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before traveling.
