Cuba travel advice

FCDO notice

Protests in Cuba

Cuba is experiencing a worsening economic situation with shortages of fuel, electricity, water and basic necessities. This is affecting tourism services and disrupting travel within the country.

The situation has led to frequent protests. To date most of these have remained peaceful but be aware that protests can escalate. You should stay away from large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The situation is also leading to an increase in opportunistic crime, but levels remain lower than in the UK. See ‘Crime’ on the Safety and security page.

Power outages and fuel and water shortages

The Cuban National Electric grid has collapsed a number of times over the last few months. Given current circumstances, further grid collapses are likely. Low fuel reserves are leading to severe and sustained disruption to essential infrastructure and basic services, including transport, medical care, communications, water supply and street lighting. Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations to conserve severely limited energy supplies. Access to safe drinking water and wastewater management can be problematic.

Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption.

Travel disruption 

Cuban authorities have announced that all of its international airports are without aviation fuel. Only Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport is currently in operation. Some airlines, including all Canadian airlines, Air France, Iberia, World2Fly and LATAM, have suspended flights to and from Cuba. Other airlines are keeping their routes under review. Options for leaving the country could reduce further if the situation worsens.

If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. If you are considering leaving Cuba, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel.

Continue to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Subscribe to FCDO email alerts and read our guidance on how to deal with a crisis overseas. 

International card transactions

The Cuban Central Bank has announced that international cards such as Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted in Cuba. Available payment methods include cash and Cuban prepaid cards. You will not be able to withdraw cash through ATMs with an international card.

If you need to visit Cuba, you should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the entire length of your stay and in case of an emergency (such as medical treatment or delayed departure). US dollars and euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged in Cuba. See ‘Money’ on the Safety and security page.

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

To enter Cuba, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.