Cuba Travel Status

DISRUPTION

Travel to Cuba is currently affected by severe fuel shortages, unreliable electricity, airline suspensions and disruption to essential services. International travel remains possible, but travellers should expect significantly reduced flight options and possible disruption to transport, communications, accommodation and other services.

Aviation fuel shortage

Cuba is experiencing a severe shortage of Jet A-1 aviation fuel. International airports are unable to provide normal aviation refuelling, forcing airlines to make alternative arrangements, reduce services or suspend flights.

Reduced international flights

Several international airlines have suspended services to Cuba because of the fuel crisis. Travellers with existing bookings should check directly with their airline before departure and again shortly before travelling to the airport.

Electricity shortages

Cuba’s electricity system remains highly unstable. The national grid suffered another complete collapse on 18 September 2026, following several previous nationwide failures. Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts remain common.

Fuel shortages

Petrol and diesel are also severely limited. Fuel shortages can affect taxis, buses, rental cars and other forms of transport, particularly for long-distance journeys.

Visa requirements

International tourists generally require a tourist visa or eVisa before travelling to Cuba. The electronic visa is linked to the traveller’s passport and is used together with Cuba’s D’Viajeros system.

D’Viajeros form

Travellers must complete Cuba’s online D’Viajeros traveller information form within 72 hours before entering the country. The completed form generates a QR code that should be downloaded or printed before departure.

Passport requirements

Passport requirements vary according to nationality. Travellers should check the rules applying to their passport and make sure their travel document meets Cuba’s validity requirements before departure.

Proof of onward travel

Travellers may be required to provide proof of onward or return travel when entering Cuba.

International cards

International Visa and Mastercard cards are currently not accepted in Cuba. Travellers should bring sufficient cash for their trip and emergencies and check payment arrangements with hotels and other providers before travelling.

Essential services

Fuel and electricity shortages are affecting transport, healthcare, communications and other services. Even hotels and businesses with generators can be affected because generator fuel may be difficult to obtain.

Hurricane season

Cuba’s hurricane season runs from June through November. Severe weather can cause additional flight disruption, flooding, power outages and damage to roads and communications.

Nationwide blackout in September

Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed again on 18 September 2026, leaving millions of people without electricity. Although electricity restoration followed, the grid remains unstable and prolonged power cuts continue.

International airports without aviation fuel

Cuban authorities have advised that the country’s international airports are unable to supply normal aviation fuel. Current aviation notices indicate that the Jet A-1 shortage affecting major international airports is expected to continue at least until the beginning of October.

Airlines suspend Cuba flights

Several airlines have suspended or reduced flights to Cuba because of the aviation fuel shortage. Remaining airlines may change schedules at short notice.

Havana airport terminal change

Terminal 2 at José Martí International Airport, which handles flights to the United States and some charter services, is currently closed, with affected flights diverted to Terminal 3.

Fuel rationing and service reductions

Severe shortages have led to fuel rationing and reductions or changes to transport, healthcare, education, tourism and other public services.

International card payments suspended

Cuba’s Central Bank announced that international cards including Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted. Travellers should plan how they will pay for accommodation, transport, food and emergencies before arrival.

Check directly with your airline before travelling. Cuba’s aviation fuel shortage has already resulted in airline suspensions and schedule changes, and flight availability could change quickly.

Bring sufficient cash to cover your stay and an emergency because international Visa and Mastercard cards are currently not accepted and withdrawing money using an international card may not be possible.

Download or print your D’Viajeros QR code before departure rather than relying on internet access after arrival.

Be prepared for prolonged electricity cuts, limited fuel, reduced transport services and disruption to communications and other essential services.

If travelling during hurricane season, monitor weather forecasts and check your airline before travelling to the airport.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.