Discover Cuba, the vibrant Caribbean island where colonial architecture meets revolutionary history and pristine beaches. Experience colorful Havana's classic cars, salsa rhythms, and world-class cigars in this unique destination frozen in time.
Cuba is one of the safer countries in the Caribbean for tourists, with low rates of violent crime and a strong tourism protection culture. The main risks are petty theft and tourist-targeted scams rather than physical danger. US citizens face additional legal restrictions under OFAC regulations governing travel and spending.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. US citizens must comply with OFAC travel category regulations and maintain all receipts for authorized spending. The UK and other governments advise awareness of petty crime in tourist areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2
Exercise increased caution. US citizens must travel under authorized OFAC categories and maintain documentation of all expenses.
Normal precautions
Take normal precautions. Be aware of petty crime in tourist areas and use official taxis at night.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Don't carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry
Keep travel documents secure and make digital copies
Avoid demonstrations which can turn confrontational
Don't physically resist robbery attempts
Be prepared for power outages and fuel shortages
Avoid driving at night due to poor street lighting
Use official taxis and agree on fares beforehand
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival — US citizens must comply with OFAC travel categories and keep all receipts
Internet is limited and expensive; buy ETECSA SIM cards or Wi-Fi cards at Etecsa offices, not from street vendors who sell expired cards
Carry cash (euros or Canadian dollars are best — US dollars incur a 10% exchange penalty); ATMs are unreliable so bring all funds you need
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Jinetero distraction scam
Friendly Cubans who approach offering to show you around, find you cigars, or take you to relatives' restaurants — eventually leading to overpriced goods or services
How to avoid: Politely decline unsolicited approaches; book restaurants and guides through your casa particular host
Fake official LCDH cigars
Street vendors sell cheap cigars in fake Cohiba or Montecristo packaging claiming they fell off a factory truck — almost always poor quality counterfeits
How to avoid: Buy cigars only from official Casa del Habano shops with receipts — factory stolen cigars are a myth
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial private cars approach tourists outside airports and tourist areas quoting then inflating fares, or refusing to use meters claiming they're broken
How to avoid: Use official yellow Panataxi/Taxi OK meters or agree on fare in writing before entering any vehicle
Peso vs CUC confusion
Historically vendors charged tourist prices in USD or inflated local currency — less common now but price clarity remains important
How to avoid: Always confirm prices before ordering or purchasing; ask 'cuánto cuesta' and clarify currency
WiFi card scammers
Street vendors sell expired or used ETECSA internet WiFi cards that don't work
How to avoid: Buy internet cards only from official ETECSA offices and hotel receptions — never from street vendors
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.)
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, sealed drinks, or water purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks unless at high-end establishments.
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea - bring anti-diarrheal medication
- Mosquito-borne diseases (chikungunya, dengue) - use repellent and cover up
- Sun exposure - bring strong sunscreen and hat
- Food poisoning - eat at busy restaurants with fresh food
- Dehydration - drink plenty of bottled water in heat
- Facilities
- Pharmacies available in cities but often have limited stock. Bring all prescription medications from home with prescriptions.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Cuba is very safe for solo travelers including solo women. Low violent crime rates and a culture of genuine hospitality make it excellent for independent travel. Main precautions: use official taxis at night, be aware of jineteros (hustlers) in tourist areas, and keep valuables secure in casas particulares.
Female travellers
Cuba is generally safe for female solo travelers with low rates of violent crime. Catcalling and persistent attention from men (piropos) can be annoying but rarely threatening. Stick to well-lit areas of Old Havana and Vedado after midnight. Having your casa particular host's number is reassuring if you need a trusted local contact.
Families
Cuba is very family-friendly with welcoming locals who adore children, safe streets, and excellent beach resorts. Bring all medical supplies and medications from home as pharmacy stock is limited. Bottled water only for children. Casas particulares with family rooms often provide better child-friendly service than hotels.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Cuba has progressive LGBTQ+ legal status — same-sex relationships are legal and a new Family Code (2022) legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. Havana has an emerging LGBTQ+ scene with bars and annual events. Public displays of affection are generally tolerated in Havana and tourist areas. More conservative attitudes persist in rural areas and eastern Cuba.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 106
- Medical
- 104
- Embassy
- Tourist Police