Canadians Experience Uncertainty While Traveling to Cuba Amid Energy Crisis

Canadians traveling to Cuba are facing a complex situation as the island grapples with severe energy shortages. The Canadian government has issued a warning, urging travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to ongoing shortages of electricity, fuel, and essential goods, including food, water, and medicine. These shortages not only affect local communities but also impact tourist resorts, leading to concerns about unpredictable conditions that could disrupt flight availability.

Travelers, such as Steve Chapman and his wife Lisan, are feeling the pressure as they prepare for their upcoming trip to Varadero. Scheduled to fly from Ottawa this Saturday, they sought reassurance from their airline, WestJet. “When we saw the travel advisory, the enhanced advisory created extra concern,” said Chapman. He noted that WestJet informed them it does not typically act on Canadian government advisories unless it issues its own. A spokesperson for WestJet stated, “WestJet is closely monitoring the situation in Cuba and will continue to follow the direction of the Canadian government.”

The energy crisis in Cuba has been exacerbated by external factors, including a commitment by the United States to halt fuel shipments to the island. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of potential tariffs on any nation supplying oil to Cuba. In response to the energy demands, daily power cuts are being implemented, with reports indicating that some outages could last over 24 hours.

According to the Canadian government’s annual consular data report, approximately 700,000 Canadians visited Cuba between April 2023 and March 2024, making it the fifth most popular destination for Canadian travelers. Despite the advisory, some tourists currently in Cuba, like Canadian visitor Emma Ghannai, report a relatively stable experience. “As of here in Varadero, right now, it’s very good actually,” she shared, emphasizing a lack of visible shortages.

Conversely, travelers who have ventured beyond resort areas have observed troubling signs. Humayra Kabir-Faisal, who recently returned to Ottawa from Cuba, described witnessing long lines at gas stations and empty shelves in local grocery stores. “Sometimes the only light in the area is the billboard from the resorts across the street,” she remarked. Locals have reported experiencing power cuts that can extend from 24 to 36 hours, creating significant hardships for families. “They get electricity at odd hours, sometimes at three in the morning, leaving them to wonder how to manage their daily lives,” Kabir-Faisal added.

Travel experts are advising travelers to prepare for ongoing challenges. Wayne W. Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, suggests that travelers carry a paper photocopy of their passport, as power outages could render mobile devices inoperable. “If you run out of power, your phone may not work to show the picture of it,” he cautioned. Additionally, he recommended having extra cash on hand due to potential ATM outages.

The Canadian government also encourages travelers to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Keeping the contact information for the Canadian Embassy in Havana readily available is also advisable for those traveling to the island.

As Canadians navigate their travel plans in light of these warnings, the situation in Cuba remains fluid, with ongoing challenges for both residents and visitors alike.