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The Government of Canada has updated its official travel advisory regarding Cuba and recommended avoiding non-essential travel due to the deterioration of the internal situation, characterized by fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of basic goods.
In their most recent update, Canadian authorities raised the risk level and warned that the country is experiencing a worsening situation regarding the availability of fuel, electricity, food, water, and medicine, which also affects tourist destinations.
The new notice, which comes less than a week after the Canadian government recommended avoiding travel to the island, indicates that the reduction in fuel supply is difficult to foresee and is impacting land transportation throughout the country.
As a result, all Canadian airlines have suspended their upcoming flights to Cuba, although they will assist in the return of travelers who are already in the country.
The government urged its citizens to confirm their return flights and avoid extending their stay.
Canada also warned that daily blackouts could exceed 24 hours in some cases and that, although large hotels usually operate with generators, fuel shortages can also limit their operation and affect services like running water, lighting, and food.
The report warns of chronic shortages of essential products, including food, bottled water, medicine, fuel, and foreign currency. It also points out that public transportation is unreliable and that some tourists have been stranded due to the lack of gasoline.
In terms of health, the Canadian government indicated that medical services are limited and that there are significant shortages of medications, including antibiotics and common painkillers.
He recommended traveling with adequate health insurance and sufficient personal supplies.
Authorities also highlighted the risks associated with interruptions in telecommunications, difficulties in using bank cards, an increase in petty crimes, and the possibility of arrests for participating in demonstrations, which are prohibited on the island.
"The traveler is responsible for their own safety," the official notice reminds, urging citizens to plan ahead, carry basic supplies, and stay informed through official channels.
The Canadian warning comes amid a deep energy and supply crisis that continues to affect Cuba, resulting in direct impacts on transportation, tourism, and essential services.
The Government of the United Kingdom due to prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and disruptions to essential services, according to an official update released this Monday.
On its travel recommendations portal, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warned that Cuba is facing "serious problems" with its national electric grid and fuel supply, with power outages lasting over 24 hours in some cases, impacting water, lighting, refrigeration, and communications.
Similarly, the overall deterioration of the situation in Cuba has led the Government of Switzerland to issue a strong travel warning to its citizens.
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