The Costa Rican government has advised its citizens currently in Cuba to leave the country while commercial flights are still available, citing the worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and essential goods on the island.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship highlighted severe limitations on access to food, water, and medications, prompting a recommendation to halt all non-essential travel to Cuba until further notice.
The statement cautions that evacuation options for Costa Rican nationals, whether residents or tourists, are extremely restricted.
Additionally, it emphasizes the lack of financial and material resources necessary for executing evacuation operations in the event of a major emergency.
The Ministry urged nationals remaining in Cuba to consider leaving while commercial flights continue to operate, given the deteriorating internal conditions caused by the energy crisis and the shortage of supplies.
For consular assistance, the government specified that Costa Ricans in Cuba can contact the General Consulate of Costa Rica in Havana via email at concr-cu@rree.go.cr or by phone at (0053) 7204-6937 and (0053) 7204-6938.
This warning arises amid prolonged blackouts, fuel scarcity, and escalating difficulties in obtaining essential goods in the Caribbean nation, a situation that has led other governments to closely monitor the crisis's progression.
On Sunday, LATAM Airlines Peru joined the list of airlines suspending flights to Cuba due to fuel shortages at Havana's José Martí International Airport, amid the island's severe energy crisis.
According to the specialized portal Aviacionline, the airline ceased its regular operations between Lima and Havana starting February 14, 2026, following a complete halt in fuel supply at the Cuban terminal, which prevents normal aircraft refueling.
FAQs on Costa Rica's Travel Advisory for Cuba
Why is Costa Rica advising its citizens to leave Cuba?
The Costa Rican government is advising its citizens to leave Cuba due to the worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and essential goods, as well as severe limitations on access to food, water, and medications.
How can Costa Ricans in Cuba get consular assistance?
Costa Ricans in Cuba can contact the General Consulate of Costa Rica in Havana via email at concr-cu@rree.go.cr or by calling (0053) 7204-6937 and (0053) 7204-6938 for consular assistance.
Which airlines have suspended flights to Cuba?
LATAM Airlines Peru has suspended its flights to Cuba due to fuel shortages at Havana's José Martí International Airport, joining other airlines in their decision to halt operations.