VisitCuba.info

What the FCDO currently says

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba. Its advice, last updated on 25 September 2026, describes a worsening economic situation with shortages of fuel, electricity, water and basic necessities, which it says is affecting tourism services and disrupting travel within the country.

The FCDO adds that the situation has led to frequent protests. To date most have remained peaceful, but it warns they can escalate and advises staying away from large gatherings, monitoring the media and following local authorities. It also reports an increase in opportunistic crime, although levels remain lower than in the UK.

Power, fuel and flights

According to the FCDO, the national electricity grid has collapsed a number of times in recent months and further collapses are likely. Low fuel reserves are causing sustained disruption to transport, medical care, communications, water supply and street lighting, and fuel rationing has been introduced.

The FCDO also says Cuban authorities have announced that all international airports are without aviation fuel, and that only Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport is operating. It lists Air France, Iberia, World2Fly, LATAM and all Canadian airlines among carriers that have suspended flights, and says options for leaving the country could reduce further. Airline and tour operator messaging is the place to check routes.

Payments and money

The FCDO says the Cuban Central Bank has announced that international cards such as Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted in Cuba, and that you cannot withdraw cash from ATMs with an international card. Available methods include cash and Cuban prepaid cards.

Anyone who still needs to travel is advised to bring enough cash for the entire stay and for emergencies such as medical treatment or a delayed departure. The FCDO says US dollars and euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged in Cuba.

Entry requirements

For those who travel, the FCDO says your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after you arrive and three months after your planned departure. Tourists need a tourist visa, also called a tourist card, before travelling, and must show proof of onward or return travel. An electronic visa is available, and you must complete the D'Viajeros online arrival form within 72 hours before entering. Airlines check it at check-in.

The FCDO also says you cannot take a drone into Cuba, and that some electrical items and GPS devices face import requirements. Visitors from the USA should read the FCDO's notes on US rules, and the FCDO's USA advice says you cannot apply for ESTA if you were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.

Insurance and what it means for the industry

The FCDO advises anyone who travels to research the destination and hold appropriate insurance that covers Cuba. Its general warning is that insurance can be invalidated when travel goes against FCDO advice, so travellers should read their policy carefully. Operators, airlines and agents should treat the FCDO page as the controlling source and avoid marketing that implies normal conditions.

For businesses planning ahead, neighbouring islands such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have different advice, and the Bahamas sit close to the north. The wider Caribbean overview explains the region, and our airline partner page and OTA partner page describe how verified information is published.

How we handle sensitive destinations

VisitCuba.info sits in a portfolio that includes destinations with changing official advice. Our rule is that the FCDO text leads, and we review the page when the FCDO updates. Browse more destination guides or see our AI platform for how live information is kept current.

Questions travellers ask about Cuba