Why travel to Cuba matters now more than ever
Campaign News | Thursday, 26 February 2026
Cuba Solidarity Campaign travel update 26/02/26*
Cuba has stood with the world. Now the world must stand with Cuba.
Why travel to Cuba matters now more than ever.
At a time when Cuba is facing intensified US economic warfare, and attempts to isolate the island and scare away tourists, travelling to Cuba is an act of solidarity. Every visit brings desperately needed hard currency and supports the economy and the Cuban people.
The latest US measures aimed at cutting off oil supplies threaten to deepen shortages of fuel, food and medicines and risk pushing Cuba into a humanitarian crisis. The stated aim of decades of blockade has been to make life so difficult for the Cuban people that they lose hope and are starved into revolt. In moments like this, international presence matters.
Travel to Cuba sustains public services and livelihoods → Travel to Cuba plays a vital role in supporting the country’s ability to provide universal public services, including free healthcare, education and social welfare. The US blockade restricts access to international credit, foreign investment and trade in US dollars, so the Cuban government has limited access to the hard currency (such as euros, pounds or dollars) needed to import essential goods. Tourism is one of the main sources of this hard currency. When visitors pay for hotels, meals, transport and cultural activities, that income helps Cuba purchase medicines, medical equipment, fuel, food and spare parts on the international market – items that cannot be produced domestically at sufficient scale. In a country that guarantees healthcare and education as universal rights, hard currency earnings from tourism are a crucial mechanism through which the state sustains vital public services for the population.
Tourism also generates employment across a wide range of sectors, such as translators, transport workers, guides, musicians, artists and hospitality workers. Spending money in local cafes and restaurants, for example, complements the state sector by sustaining both public services and grassroots economic activity and livelihoods.
But the importance of travel goes beyond economics.
For more than 60 years, the US has sought to isolate Cuba politically and culturally. By visiting, learning and building relationships, solidarity delegations strengthen people-to-people links, trade union partnerships, academic exchanges and cultural cooperation. Delegations see the realities of the blockade with their own eyes and are able to return as informed advocates to challenge misinformation and help build a stronger solidarity movement.
Current challenges → We do not pretend that travel to Cuba is without challenges. There are fuel shortages and supply difficulties. But these are created by the external pressures of the blockade. The answer to those difficulties is not disengagement – it is deeper solidarity.
Travel to Cuba is a vital way to support the Cuban people. You may see posts on social media discouraging people from visiting – these serve the US strategy to isolate the country. The Cuban Tourist Office confirmed in February that accommodation and services across the island remain fully operational and that “tourism makes a vital contribution to the lives of the people and their communities.”
Are flights still operating? → Yes. International flights to Cuba continue to operate. Only three Canadian airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Cuba. Flights from Europe have not been affected, and airlines have said they can change their schedules to refuel in nearby destinations if necessary. Travel links remain open, and Cuba continues to welcome visitors. Dave John, Equity and CSC executive member recently returned from Cuba reports: “Air Europa rerouted our flight home via Santa Domingo to fill up with fuel which simply meant the flight left an hour earlier from Havana so that we could arrive in good time at Madrid for the connection. It was all very smooth.”
The FCDO advises travel to Cuba only when essential. Should I cancel my trip? → No. The UK is one of only 5 countries (Iceland, Canada, Ireland, and Australia) that have changed their Cuba travel advice to “essential travel only.” This does not mean you cannot travel to Cuba. And CSC would argue that at this critical time, travelling in solidarity to Cuba is essential.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cites the potential impact of fuel and electricity shortages on travellers. This advice reflects practical difficulties, not instability, violence or insecurity.
Travel insurance can still be purchased for Cuba. Specialist policies are available that provide appropriate cover, including medical insurance (which is required for entry). CSC can provide details.
Is it safe? → Yes. Cuba remains one of the safest countries in the region for visitors, with lower levels of violent crime than many destinations that do not carry similar travel advice. As always, travellers should follow standard travel guidance, but there is no reason to avoid travel on safety grounds.
What is Cuba doing to overcome the US oil sanctions? → Cuba has put many measures in place to save fuel and energy and protect public services. Emergency rationing measures prioritise fuel for healthcare, water, food production, education and public transport. Fuel sales to private car owners have been limited. Street lights have been dimmed. The installation of solar and renewable energy sources is being prioritised for polyclinics and other essential services, community centres and key workers. Some workplaces and higher education have been adjusted to be remote or hybrid. Public transport routes have been reorganised. The tourism sector and key export industries like cigar production continue to secure foreign currency, but with reduced energy consumption: for example, hotel room bookings are being consolidated into fewer hotels. New incentives have been introduced for renewable sources so that people who generate electricity can sell it directly to third parties.
Will blackouts and shortages affect my trip? → Regular visitors to Cuba will know that power shortages and blackouts have been on the increase for the last few years, especially when sanctions were first placed on Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba under the first Trump presidency. This can mean temporary power cuts in some areas. Many hotels and tourism centres already have their own generators and solar panels to deal with this.
Visitors and tour companies operating in Cuba in February reported that life was continuing as usual for most people. The cost of taxis and private transport had increased, and power cuts were more common in Havana than before, but for most people, especially international visitors, there was little difference. Events took place as planned, transportation worked, and places were open.
What should I pack? → Although many hotels and tourism centres have backup generators and solar panels, it is worth taking precautions to deal with prolonged power cuts. We suggest that you take a torch, batteries, power banks, solar chargers, water purification tablets, enough supplies of any prescription medication that you need, plus others that you might require such as antihistamines, paracetamol, ibroprufen etc. Most of this is what we have been advising for the past few years, as energy supplies have been impacted by increased US sanctions for some time. CSC provides a detailed packing list, including what material aid should be taken by delegations and brigades.
Does travelling to Cuba take resources away from Cubans? → No. Tourism is one of Cuba’s most important sources of income, as foreign currency is essential for importing food, fuel and medicines. When you stay in hotels or family-run accommodation (casas particulares), eat in local restaurants (paladares) and use local services, you are directly supporting public services and Cuban families.
Visitors do not “take” rationed goods away from Cubans. Much of the tourism sector operates through separate supply chains, and the income generated helps sustain jobs and local livelihoods. Yes, you are in a privileged position and will have more money and more access to food and other services than most Cubans, but that has always been the case for visitors to Cuba, just as it is when you visit any country with less resources and income than the UK. Without tourism there will be less money at state and community level to purchase daily essentials and support people who rely on tourism to make a living.
You can also take material aid with you which can directly help the Cuban people. CSC provides participants on delegations, brigades and tours with lists of material aid which can be packed and taken as luggage.
But isn’t Cuba experiencing a humanitarian crisis? → Obviously the impact of a sustained and long-term blockade on all oil imports could be catastrophic, and the most vulnerable and poorest in the country will be the first to suffer. The numerous humanitarian aid appeals launched around the world – including CSC’s own Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal, which is now also sending emergency food aid – are attempting to prevent a humanitarian crisis from escalating. Mexico and other countries are sending larger shipments of aid, and there is still hope that an oil-producing country might defy Trump’s threats and send oil.
The US wants to portray Cuba as a failed state and is circulating misinformation that the country is on the verge of collapse. This is not the case. Yes, things are difficult and shortages are increasing, but measures are being put in place to stabilise the situation after the initial shock of Trump’s executive order on 29 January. It is important that we don’t add to the US propaganda. We are in contact with partner organisations in Cuba and it is them, not the US government or the FDCO, who are best placed to advise us on travel to Cuba.
Report from recent trade union visit to Cuba
Dave John who returned from Cuba in late February and reports: “I had no issues at all with travel or food shortages. I took a tourist coach from Havana and back to the airport a few days later and I saw many other tourist coaches on the road.
Within Havana there were fewer taxis in service and the prices are rising due to the fuel blockade but I didn’t use taxis. There are many bici taxis around either using pedal power or electric.
I had a meeting with our sister Trade Union in Havana and they were extremely pleased to receive a solidarity visit particularly at this difficult time. International solidarity really means a lot to them and in my opinion there’s never been a more important time to go to Cuba.”
In my 12 days in Havana I didn’t suffer a single power cut in either Hotel Inglaterra or the flat I rented in Old Havana. Cuba is clearly doing everything possible to ensure tourist services are maintained. There were no food shortages in the hotels, the live music continues with the usual energy, and the staff at the hotels are as welcoming and warm as ever and delighted that people are still visiting Cuba. That is what keeps them employed.” You can read Dave’s full report of his recent trip here.
The Cuban people need all the support we can give. Visiting Cuba defies the US strategy of isolation and shows the Cuban people that they are not alone.
*This note was last updated on 26 February 2026. This opinion is general and all information should be checked. As the situation on the ground is fluid we will try to update details as they change and on the advice of partners in Cuba. Contact us if you would like a copy of our latest briefing, details on our forthcoming tours, delegations and brigades, or have any other questions about our work.
