Cuba Travel Warning: Irish Citizens Advised to Avoid Non-Essential Travel

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Ireland has issued a travel warning for Cuba, advising Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel due to a worsening economic and humanitarian situation. This guidance, updated on February 11, 2026, reflects the increasingly serious risks present in the country. Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

Security Status: Avoid Non-Essential Travel

The DFA has designated Cuba as a country to “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” its second-highest level of warning. This indicates the presence of “serious and potentially life-threatening risks.” The Department as well notes that its ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in Cuba is “extremely limited.” Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

Energy Crisis and Infrastructure Challenges

Cuba is currently experiencing a significant energy crisis, leading to widespread disruptions. Challenges in importing fuel are exacerbating existing problems with the national power grid, resulting in prolonged power outages that can last over 24 hours. These outages impact essential services, including water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communications. Source: The Irish Times, Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

Access to fuel is severely restricted, with long queues forming at petrol stations, and purchases limited to a maximum of 20 litres. Businesses relying on backup generators are also facing difficulties. In response to fuel shortages, some tourists have been moved from their originally booked resorts to other hotels to optimize power usage. Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

Impact on Travel and Healthcare

Cuban authorities have stated that airlines are currently unable to refuel on the island, leading to flight cancellations and the introduction of refueling stops in other Caribbean locations. Some short-haul routes are operating with sufficient fuel for a return journey. Hospitals and clinics are also affected by the energy crisis, potentially limiting the availability of medical care. Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

US-Venezuela Relations and Oil Supply

Cuba’s energy woes are linked to the disruption of oil shipments from Venezuela following the ousting of its president Nicolás Maduro by US forces in early January. Subsequent threats from US President Donald Trump of tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba have further compounded the issue. Source: Extra.ie, Source: The Irish Times

Advice for Travelers

The DFA advises those currently in Cuba to conserve water and food, and to keep mobile phones charged. Travelers should monitor local media for updates on power cut schedules and stay in contact with their airline or travel agent. Source: Department of Foreign Affairs – Ireland

Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, recommends that anyone considering travel to Cuba check the DFA’s advice and consult with their travel agent before making any bookings, noting that travel insurance may not be valid for travel to Cuba under the current warning. Source: Extra.ie

The Irish Travel Agents Association also notes that connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is limited, and travellers to Cuba are ineligible to apply for a US ESTA, requiring a visa application to the US Embassy instead. Source: Extra.ie