Cuba

Recommended Vaccinations For Cuba

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Cuba. However, Cuba requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For Cuba

There are no recommendations for Cuba at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Cuba

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occured from time to time in Cuba.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cuba through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in Cuba.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Cuba. However, Cuba requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cuba. The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Cuba

Personal Safety

Opportunistic crime in Cuba has been rising since 2024 due to economic hardship. Petty crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and bag slashing targets tourists, especially in crowded areas and tourist zones. Muggings occur, particularly at night, and violent crime including armed robbery and homicide is increasing. Criminals pose as tour operators or taxi drivers, particularly at airports and in Old Havana. Thefts from luggage during airport handling and from accommodations are common, with private guest houses presenting higher risks. The economic crisis means tourists are seen as financial targets. Power outages lasting up to 12 hours daily in Havana and longer elsewhere create additional theft opportunities. Scams include overcharging, fake cigars, and shortchanging. Express kidnappings have been reported. Mobile phones and laptops are particularly attractive to thieves. Never physically resist during a robbery. Crime rates increased by more than 50% in 2024 compared to 2023, with robberies up 232% and assaults up 97%. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, be cautious with large amounts of cash required due to limited credit card acceptance, and watch your belongings closely during power outages.

Extreme Violence

Cuba has relatively low violent crime rates compared to other Latin American countries, with a homicide rate of around 4.2 to 5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Historically, gun crime is virtually nonexistent, drug trafficking has been largely curtailed, and organized gang culture is rare. However, violent crime including armed robbery and homicide has been increasing since 2021, particularly following the economic crisis. In 2024, there were 167 murders reported, though this represents media-reported crimes only and likely underestimates actual figures. Santiago de Cuba and Havana have seen the highest murder counts. The government acknowledged in January 2024 that criminal gangs in Santiago de Cuba were implementing terror among the population. Muggings have risen since the pandemic, with some Cubans reportedly willing to use violence for motorcycles, phones, or other valuables. Sexual assault against foreigners is rare but has occurred, including at beach resorts. Tourists benefit from severe criminal penalties that deter crimes against visitors, but desperation from economic collapse has increased risk. Most violent crime stems from interpersonal disputes or domestic violence rather than targeting tourists. The visible police presence in tourist areas provides deterrence, though response to minor crimes may be limited. Tourist safety remains relatively high compared to regional standards, but increased vigilance is warranted given recent economic-driven crime trends.

Political Unrest

Peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights in Cuba. Protests occurred in March 2024 in Santiago de Cuba and other cities due to food shortages, power outages, and economic crisis, with the government responding by throttling internet access and deploying police to suppress demonstrations. The government does not tolerate unauthorized political demonstrations and breaks them up using force. In July 2021, Cuba experienced the largest protests since the 1959 revolution, leading to mass arrests with over 700 people still detained as of 2023, many facing disproportionate prison terms up to 25 years. Demonstrations can turn violent at any time, and foreigners near protests risk detention by Cuban authorities. Power outages since October 2024 have triggered protests, with the government cutting internet access and deploying police formations to clear protesters. Authorities control telecommunications and may block social media and internet access before or during demonstrations. In October 2024 protests erupted in Havana with makeshift barricades following nationwide blackouts. The government blames economic hardship on US sanctions and characterizes protesters as influenced by external forces. Anyone speaking out against the government faces risk of arbitrary detention, prosecution without due process, and imprisonment. Human rights defenders documenting abuses are harassed, assaulted, and imprisoned. Avoid all demonstrations, protests, and large gatherings. Do not speak out against the Cuban government as a foreigner. Monitor local news for civil unrest, though official media is state-controlled and may not report protests accurately.

Areas To Avoid

No specific dangerous areas for tourists are prominently identified in Cuba, though certain precautions apply to different regions. In Havana, avoid the poorest neighborhoods and be cautious in dilapidated areas despite lower crime than comparable Latin American cities. Old Havana and Vedado are relatively secure during daytime and early evening but require increased vigilance at night. Avoid walking alone after 11pm in any area. Santiago de Cuba has seen protests and government acknowledgment of criminal gangs, making it an area requiring heightened awareness. The provinces of Villa Clara, Granma, Artemisa, Ciego de Avila, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba have seen the highest increases in traffic accidents. Rural and secondary roads are in poor condition, sometimes impassable, with unfenced livestock, pedestrians, and farm equipment posing hazards. Avoid all military zones and restricted areas, as photographing these can result in espionage charges and prison sentences. Do not photograph military or police sites, harbors, rail facilities, or airports without permission. Beaches lack consistent lifeguard services and warning flags, with powerful currents and riptides common. Certain fish from Cuba’s southern coast can be poisonous. During power outages, which occur daily for up to 12 hours or longer outside Havana, theft opportunities increase. Remote areas present fuel shortage challenges, potentially leaving travelers stranded. The tourism industry is poorly regulated with inadequate safety inspections at facilities and activities.