Shortages of food, electricity and fuel have made travel “extremely challenging,” warning states
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The federal government recently upgraded its advisory for Canadians travelling to Cuba, urging them to exercise a high degree of caution.
The news comes as the Caribbean nation is struggling in the face of worsening shortages, including electricity and fuel, as well as basic necessities such as food, water and medicine.
Ottawa also advises that the situation is “unpredictable and could deteriorate,” which may disrupt flight availability on short notice.
When it comes to Cuban resorts and other accommodations, the advisory notes that the effects the shortages are having can vary and are difficult to predict.
In an effort to reduce pressure on the nation’s electrical network, Cuba has been scheduling extended daily power cuts. However, unexpected nationwide power outages have been reported, which can last longer than 24 hours. While most larger resorts and hotels have generators, fuel shortages can impact their use, impacting the services the accommodations are able to provide.
Fuel shortages are also having an impact on the island nation’s public transportation services, which, according to the advisory, can make travel “extremely challenging.”
Cuba’s current economic crisis, reportedly the worst in decades, is due in large part to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on any nation that supplies the country with oil.
For Canadians who are travelling to Cuba, Ottawa advises: signing up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates; making sure all travel documents are up to date and secure at all times; being prepared to change travel plans on short notice; and getting travel insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption.
In addition, Ottawa encourages Canadians travelling to Cuba to know how to get in touch with the Embassy of Canada to Cuba, which is located in Havana. Canadians can also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
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