Cuba

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Opportunistic crime against foreigners is increasing — petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in crowded areas; theft from hotel rooms and rental cars is common; police response is slow due to infrastructure strain.

Prepare: Keep passport, cash and valuables in a hotel safe, not on your person; avoid crowded markets and keep electronic devices out of sight.

• Violent crime is rare but occurs during robbery or burglary — assaults linked to theft; sexual assault has been reported at beach resorts, particularly against women.

Prepare: Stay in hotels with security, keep windows and doors locked, avoid secluded areas on resort grounds and do not walk alone at night; if assaulted, report immediately to Canadian government office and file a formal complaint with Cuban police to enable investigation.

• Fraudsters target tourists, especially at Havana airport — fake tour guides, unlicensed taxi drivers, and street hustlers pose as friendly locals; some charge exorbitant prices or steal luggage.

Prepare: Use only officially marked taxis (not street hails), confirm prices before services, book tours through reputable operators only, avoid independent street vendors.

• Street vendors and hustlers specialize in tourist fraud, sometimes using threats or intimidation; sex workers (including minors) are persistent and aggressive refusals can lead to theft accusations.

Prepare: Be wary of strangers who seem overly friendly; do not engage with street hustlers or sex workers; keep a digital and hard copy of your identification separate from your originals.

• Illegal demonstrations occur — government prohibits unsanctioned gatherings; arrests happen frequently; even peaceful protests can turn violent without warning.

Prepare: Monitor local media daily; avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings; do not participate in any protest activity.

• Spiked food and drinks are a risk — items may be drugged to facilitate sexual assault or robbery.

Prepare: Never leave food or drinks unattended; do not accept snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances.

• Harassment of women, 2SLGBTQI+ persons and racialized groups occurs — verbal abuse and intimidation reported; LGBTQ+ persons may face discrimination.

Prepare: Travel with others when possible; report any harassment to police and the nearest Canadian government office immediately.

HEALTH

• No active disease outbreaks currently reported — standard precautions apply.

Prepare: Confirm current outbreak status with Public Health Agency of Canada before departure.

• Routine vaccinations recommended — typhoid, hepatitis A and B vaccines advised depending on your medical history; consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.

Prepare: Book a travel medicine appointment with a clinic certified for travel vaccines.

• Malaria and dengue fever are present in rural and coastal areas — no cases reported in central Havana; risk is higher during rainy season (May–October).

Prepare: Use insect repellent containing DEET; wear long sleeves and pants in evening hours; consider antimalarial medication if visiting rural regions (consult your doctor).

• Medical care is unreliable and supplies are critically short — hospitals lack medicines, equipment and fuel; serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Canada.

Prepare: Purchase comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers evacuation; bring a full supply of all prescription medications plus extras; carry a medical kit with antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication and bandages.

• Food and water safety is compromised — power outages spoil food even in restaurants and hotels; tap water quality is unpredictable.

Prepare: Drink only bottled water; avoid raw vegetables and unpasteurized dairy; eat only hot, freshly cooked food; bring water purification tablets as backup.

• Payment for medical bills is your responsibility — Cuba does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Canada; hospitals demand cash upfront before treatment.

Prepare: Carry sufficient cash in USD or have access to emergency funds; confirm your travel insurance covers medical costs in Cuba before departure.

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa required — valid for up to 90 days; typically included in package tours through travel agents or airlines.

Prepare: Verify with your tour operator or airline that your visa is arranged; apply at a Cuban consulate if booking independently.

• Passport validity — must be valid for your entire intended stay in Cuba.

Prepare: Renew your passport now if it expires within 6 months of your planned return date.

• "X" gender identifier on Canadian passport — Cuba may not recognize this designation; you may be asked to declare male or female at entry or when booking services.

Prepare: Be prepared to provide your sex/gender as either male or female; carry a physical copy of your passport alongside your digital copy.

• Canadian airlines suspended all service to Cuba — commercial flights available through international carriers only; availability may become limited on short notice.

Prepare: Book flights immediately if travelling; consider leaving while options exist; sign up for Government of Canada Registration of Canadians Abroad to receive updates.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• All government-critical speech and unsanctioned demonstrations are illegal — political activities, even online, may result in detention or arrest.

Prepare: Avoid any criticism of the Cuban government; do not photograph police or military; do not participate in online activism or discussions critical of the regime.

• Child sex tourism is a criminal offense in Canada — foreigners accused of sexual contact with minors face serious legal consequences in both Cuba and Canada, regardless of local age of consent.

Prepare: Understand this applies to all sexual contact with anyone under 18; any accusation will be reported to Canadian authorities.

• Drug possession carries severe penalties — Cuba imposes lengthy prison sentences for drug-related offenses; trafficking charges can result in life imprisonment or death penalty.

Prepare: Do not carry, possess or use any illegal drugs; be aware that some prescription medications (e.g., stimulants) may be restricted.

• Alcohol is widely available and culturally normalized — no special restrictions, but intoxication increases vulnerability to theft and assault.

Prepare: Limit alcohol consumption, especially when alone; do not accept drinks from strangers.

• Photography of government buildings, police, military and strategic infrastructure is prohibited — violations can result in arrest or confiscation of equipment.

Prepare: Do not photograph government buildings, uniformed personnel, airports, ports or military installations; ask permission before photographing people.

• LGBTQ+ persons and same-sex relationships — while not criminalized, discrimination and harassment occur; some conservative areas may be unwelcoming.

Prepare: Exercise caution in public displays of affection; seek out LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in larger cities.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP) — US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but do not rely on this; ATMs are scarce and unreliable; bring cash.

Prepare: Withdraw USD before departure; carry small bills for street transactions; do not rely on credit cards or ATMs.

• Power outages are daily and unpredictable — blackouts lasting 24+ hours are common; generator fuel is unreliable even at large resorts.

Prepare: Carry a portable phone charger, headlamp or flashlight, and spare batteries; keep critical documents and medications accessible at all times.

• Internet access is extremely limited and heavily monitored — speeds are slow; many websites are inaccessible or blocked; access may be restricted during civil unrest.

Prepare: Install and activate a VPN service before leaving Canada; download offline maps and critical information; do not rely on internet for emergencies.

• Cuban cell phones often do not work — even in major cities; telecommunications network is unreliable and fails during power outages.

Prepare: Do not rely solely on your cell phone; keep hard copies of emergency contacts and hotel information; consider a local SIM card if staying long-term (availability varies).

• Power outlets are 110V/60Hz — two flat blade outlets (US standard) are common; bring an adapter.

Prepare: Pack a North American power adapter and a universal charger; assume power will not be available.

• Taxis lack meters and charge variable rates — agree on fare before entering; old vehicles lack safety features and insurance for passengers.

Prepare: Use only officially marked taxis; never hail from the street or share with strangers; confirm fare verbally before departure.

• Public transportation is scarce, overcrowded and unreliable — buses are poorly maintained; rail network is slow; fuel shortages disrupt all services.

Prepare: Book private transportation through your hotel or tour operator; avoid public buses; do not use rideshare services or private taxis for long journeys.

• Rental cars carry fuel shortage risk — some travellers have been stranded with empty tanks; gas station lines are long and sometimes hostile.

Prepare: If renting a car, fill the tank immediately and keep it above half-full; avoid driving after dark; plan routes carefully and carry extra fuel containers if permitted.

• Restaurant and bar fraud is common — staff may overcharge, hold credit cards, or charge for drinks you did not order.

Prepare: Check your bill carefully before paying; pay in cash; never leave an open tab; do not give your credit card to staff.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Hurricane season is June–November — peak risk is August–October; infrastructure shortages mean emergency response will be severely limited if a hurricane strikes.

Prepare: Avoid travel May–November if possible; purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers hurricane evacuation; monitor forecasts daily during your stay.

• Rainy season is May–October — frequent downpours, flooding in low-lying areas and increased malaria/dengue risk.

Prepare: Pack waterproof gear; avoid coastal or low-lying areas during heavy rain; use insect repellent year-round but especially in rainy months.

• Best time to visit is December–April — dry season, cooler temperatures (20–28°C), lower disease risk and lower hurricane probability.

Prepare: Book travel for this window if possible; expect higher prices and larger crowds.

• Heat and humidity are intense May–September — temperatures 28–35°C; heat-related illness is a risk.

Prepare: Drink bottled water constantly; wear light, breathable clothing; limit outdoor activities during midday heat; carry electrolyte tablets.

TOP SIGHTS

• Havana Old Town (La Habana Vieja) — UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture, colourful streets and historic plazas; stay in well-populated areas and avoid walking alone at night.

• Viñales Valley — dramatic limestone cliffs, tobacco plantations and traditional village life; hire a guide through your hotel rather than accepting street offers.

• Trinidad — preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets and nearby beaches; visit during daylight hours and use reputable local guides.

• Bay of Pigs (Playa Girón) — beach and historical site from 1961 invasion; water safety and marine life hazards apply; check with tour operators for current conditions.

• Scuba diving and snorkeling — coral reefs and marine biodiversity; use only reputable dive operators with certified instructors; do not dive alone or in unfamiliar waters.

WHERE TO STAY

Havana

• Vedado — residential neighborhood with restaurants, galleries and cultural venues; relatively safer for tourists; tourist police presence visible; avoid isolated streets at night.

• Habana Vieja (Old Town) — historic heart with colonial architecture and major attractions within walking distance; crowded during day but exercise caution after dark; stay in established hotels with security.

• Miramar — upscale waterfront neighborhood with better-maintained infrastructure and diplomatic presence; quieter and safer than Old Town; restaurants and shops cater to tourists; distances are greater so plan transportation.

Santiago de Cuba

• Centro Histórico (Historic Center) — colonial architecture, museums and plazas; reasonable daytime safety if staying alert; avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night.

Varadero

• Hotel Zone — resort-focused area with established tourism infrastructure; better security and services than other cities; most visitors stay in all-inclusive resorts; limit exploration outside resort boundaries after dark.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Embassy of Canada in Havana: +53 (7) 204-2516 (main line); email: hvna-cs@canada.ca
• Canadian Emergency Watch and Response Centre: 1-800-387-3124 (call collect if outside Canada)
• Cuban emergency services (police, ambulance, fire): 106
• Police (non-emergency): 116

Critical: The Embassy's ability to provide consular assistance is becoming limited due to infrastructure shortages. Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure to receive emergency updates. Keep hard copies of embassy contact information and your passport; do not rely on internet or phone access in emergencies.