Russia, Sweden, Canada Advise Citizens to Avoid Travel to Cuba

Russia, Sweden and Canada have urged their citizens to refrain from travelling to Cuba, citing the island’s worsening economic and fuel crisis amid mounting international tensions.

The travel advisories come as Cuba grapples with acute fuel shortages, energy disruptions and logistical challenges that have begun affecting tourism, transport and essential services.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow is advising citizens planning to visit Cuba to carefully consider the current circumstances.

She urged Russian nationals experiencing delays in returning home to remain calm, and called on prospective travelers to take into account official recommendations issued by Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development regarding the situation on the island.

The advisory reflects growing concerns about infrastructure disruptions and operational difficulties affecting international visitors.

In Canada, Foreign Minister Anita Anand issued a formal recommendation urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba due to the ongoing fuel crisis.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Anand advised Canadian citizens currently in Cuba to depart while commercial flights remain available. She added that the Canadian government is working closely with airlines to facilitate the return of its nationals.

Canada is one of Cuba’s largest tourism markets, sending hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, particularly during the winter season.

The travel warnings follow an executive order signed on January 29 by US President Donald Trump authorizing tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba. The US also declared a national emergency, citing what it described as a threat to American national security from the Cuban government.

Washington’s measures have intensified pressure on Havana’s already fragile energy sector, compounding fuel shortages that have led to transport cuts, reduced public services and disruptions across key economic sectors, including tourism.

Cuba’s tourism industry, a vital source of foreign currency, has been hit hard by the fuel crisis and wider economic challenges. Several resorts have reportedly faced operational disruptions due to shortages affecting staff transportation and supply chains.

With multiple countries now advising against travel, analysts warn that the island could face further economic strain if international visitor numbers decline significantly in the coming months.

The coordinated advisories from Russia, Sweden and Canada signal rising global concern over Cuba’s stability, as the country navigates one of its most severe economic challenges in recent years.