Foreign Office Imposes Travel Ban on Cuba for Brits Amid Fuel Crisis
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced a major travel warning, effectively banning all UK travellers from visiting the popular Caribbean island of Cuba. This advisory comes as widespread power cuts and fuel shortages severely disrupt flights and essential services on the island.
Severe Disruptions Prompt Travel Advisory
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, the Foreign Office highlighted that Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, including persistent nationwide power outages and fuel shortages. These conditions significantly impact visitors' access to reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.
Authorities in Cuba have implemented fuel rationing and scaled back public services, with temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport, and tourism operations to conserve limited energy supplies. The Foreign Office warned that flight schedules are being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services, risking visitors being unable to leave the country.
Impact on Flights and Tour Operators
Although no direct flights operate between the UK and Cuba, the travel ban affects numerous specialist tour operators offering the destination through airlines that route via third countries. UK travel company Trailfinders, along with operators such as Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus, and Intrepid Travel, are among those impacted.
On Monday, Air Canada confirmed that all flights to Cuba were suspended as it worked to evacuate around 3,000 holidaymakers from the island. Other Canadian airlines, including Air Transat and Westjet, also suspended their flights to Cuba. According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM), aviation fuel will not be commercially available at Cuban airports until at least March 11, 2026.
Advice for Travellers and Background on the Crisis
For anyone currently in Cuba, the Foreign Office advised carefully considering if their presence is essential and taking precautions by conserving fuel, water, food, and mobile phone charge. Travellers were also urged to be prepared for significant disruption and to contact their airline and tour operator.
The fuel crisis in Cuba stems from the confiscation of Venezuelan oil tankers by the administration of former US President Donald Trump. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for much of its fuel and has faced shortages since December when supplies were blocked by the US. This has led to power cuts as the island struggles with a lack of fuel and electricity, exacerbating the travel disruptions.
Cuba, with its tropical heat and sandy beaches, has long been a desirable destination for Brits seeking a sun-soaked getaway, especially during winter months. However, the ongoing crisis has essentially banned all travel from the UK, highlighting the broader challenges facing Caribbean tourism amid geopolitical and economic pressures.
