Cuba

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Opportunistic crime against foreigners has increased — petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching), theft from rooms and vehicles, and robbery are common; economic collapse and police resource constraints enable faster crime.

Prepare: Leave valuables, electronics, and documents in a secure hotel safe; carry only what you need for the day; avoid displaying cash, jewelry, or expensive items.

• Robbery and assault during burglary or theft are the main violent crimes — assaults typically occur during property crimes, not random street violence.

Prepare: Stay in accommodations with verifiable security (locks, guards); keep windows and doors locked; if robbed, do not resist.

• Taxi and transportation fraud is endemic — unlicensed taxis have no insurance, unmetered fares are negotiable before departure, some drivers deliberately overcharge or are complicit in theft; luggage theft from taxi trunks has occurred.

Prepare: Use only officially marked taxis; call or book through your hotel; agree on fare before entering; never share a taxi with strangers; avoid hailing from the street.

• Sexual assault against women (including at resorts) and spiked food/drinks are documented threats — assailants may be hotel staff or acquaintances; victims have faced false allegations.

Prepare: Avoid secluded beach or resort areas alone; never accept food, drinks, or cigarettes from new acquaintances; always watch your beverage; if assaulted, report immediately to nearest Canadian office and file a formal police report ("comprobante de denuncia") before departing Cuba—without it, no investigation is possible.

• Scammers pose as friendly guides, tour operators, or facilitators — common targets are cigar sales, fake tours, and airport luggage theft; many speak English or French.

Prepare: Book only with reputable, registered tour operators; avoid street vendors and unsolicited guides; ignore strangers offering "help."

• Demonstrations occur; all anti-government gatherings are illegal and may be forcibly dispersed — even peaceful crowds can turn violent; participants risk arrest.

Prepare: Avoid areas with gatherings; do not participate; monitor local media; comply with police orders.

• Harassment of women, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and racialized groups is documented — verbal abuse and targeting occur.

Prepare: Travel with others when possible, especially at night; report incidents to police and the nearest Canadian office immediately.

HEALTH

• No endemic malaria risk in Cuba; dengue fever is present but not at outbreak levels.

Prepare: Use insect repellent (20–30% DEET) during dawn and dusk in forested areas; wear long sleeves and trousers in regions with recent dengue activity.

• Routine vaccines (MMR, polio, tetanus-diphtheria) are strongly recommended; Hepatitis A and Typhoid are advised for most travelers.

Prepare: Consult your travel health clinic ≥6 weeks before departure; bring proof of vaccination.

• Medical care is limited; serious injury or illness may require evacuation to Canada or the US.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergency evacuation and repatriation; keep a list of private clinics in Havana that serve foreigners.

• Food and water shortages; food spoilage is common due to power outages even in restaurants and hotels.

Prepare: Bring a supply of bottled water, shelf-stable meals, electrolyte packets, and any personal medications (bring 2× the amount you expect to use); drink only bottled or boiled water.

• Sanitation and water quality are unreliable; tap water is not potable for visitors.

Prepare: Brush teeth with bottled water; avoid ice unless you know its source.

VISA & ENTRY

• Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for Cuba; your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Prepare: Verify your passport expiration date covers your full trip; renew if necessary before departure.

• You may need a Tourist Card (entry permit) issued by the airline or Cuban authorities at the port of entry; confirm with your airline before booking.

Prepare: Check your airline's requirements; some may issue the card upon check-in, others require advance purchase (typically USD $25–30).

• Gender marker "X" on your Canadian passport may not be recognized by Cuba's entry systems; you may be asked to state your sex as male or female.

Prepare: Carry a printed copy of the gender diversity section of your passport or a supporting document if you travel with an "X" marker; be prepared to answer sex-classification questions at immigration.

• Commercial flight availability is shrinking; all Canadian airlines are suspended; book return flights immediately and monitor for schedule cancellations.

Prepare: Purchase refundable or flexible tickets where possible; confirm your return flight 3–5 days before departure; have a backup exit plan (US flights from Cuba, if available).

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

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• All political criticism and anti-government demonstrations are illegal; participation or proximity to unsanctioned gatherings risks arrest.

Prepare: Do not engage in political discussions with locals; avoid crowds; comply with police orders.

• Sexual contact with minors is a crime; sex workers, including children, may solicit tourists; false accusations against foreigners for child sexual abuse have occurred.

Prepare: Decline all solicitation immediately and clearly; avoid isolated socializing with new acquaintances; keep witnesses to your movements and activities.

• Illegal drugs are serious: cannabis is illegal; cocaine and heroin carry severe penalties including long prison sentences.

Prepare: Do not accept, carry, or use any illegal substances; be aware that some social situations may involve drug offers.

• Blasphemy and religious disrespect (including criticism of the government's religious policies) can provoke harassment.

Prepare: Show respect for local religious practices and avoid public criticism of religion or the state.

• Photography: Do not photograph government buildings, military sites, airports, police, or uniformed personnel without explicit permission; doing so may result in arrest or equipment seizure.

Prepare: Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or sensitive areas; delete photos if asked by authorities.

• Dress modestly in religious areas; swimwear should be confined to beaches and pools.

Prepare: Bring long pants and covered tops for cultural sites and town visits.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Cuba uses the Cuban peso (CUP) domestically and USD is widely accepted in tourist areas; credit cards are of limited use; ATMs are scarce and frequently non-functional.

Prepare: Bring USD cash (small bills preferred for exact change); pack extra USD 200–500 minimum as backup; do not rely on credit card withdrawals; avoid flashing large sums in public.

• Electrical outlets are 110V, 60Hz; plugs are standard North American flat-blade (Type A); some older buildings use other outlet types.

Prepare: Bring a multi-adapter and surge protector; have backup portable battery packs for phone and critical devices.

• Cell networks are unreliable; roaming data is extremely expensive; most Canadians report Canadian phones do not work, even in Havana; internet is blocked, restricted, or unavailable in many areas.

Prepare: Install a VPN before departure; purchase a local SIM card only if your phone is compatible (check beforehand); expect zero connectivity outside major cities; keep physical copies of emergency contacts, accommodation addresses, and key documents; do not rely on your phone for emergencies, especially outside cities.

• Telecommunications infrastructure collapses during power outages; backup communication may be impossible.

Prepare: Establish a check-in protocol with family/embassy (e.g., email once daily at a specific time if possible); register with the Canada Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

• Taxis do not have meters; fares must be negotiated in advance; some establishments add 10–15% service charges, but tipping is not customary.

Prepare: Agree on taxi fare before departure; ask locals or your hotel for typical fares to common destinations; check your restaurant bill before paying.

• Public buses are unreliable, overcrowded, and poorly maintained; rental cars may leave you stranded if fuel runs out; ride-sharing apps are not available.

Prepare: Use only private tour company buses or hotel shuttle services; book ground transport through your accommodation in advance; never assume fuel availability for a rental car; drive only during daylight; avoid roads other than the Central Highway (east-west) if renting.

• Road conditions are poor except on the Central Highway; many vehicles lack safety features; livestock, carts, and pedestrians are common hazards; drunk driving is common.

Prepare: Drive defensively during daylight only; never pick up hitchhikers; ensure your rental car has working lights and brakes; do not drive after dark.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Hurricane season is June to November (peak August–October); the government has warned shortages may worsen during this period.

Prepare: Avoid travel June–November if possible; if you must travel, book comprehensive travel insurance covering weather-related evacuation; monitor weather forecasts daily; be prepared to shelter in place if utilities fail during a storm.

• Dry season is December to April; best weather is January–March; temperatures are warm (25–30°C / 77–86°F) with low rainfall.

Prepare: Plan travel for December–April for the most stable infrastructure conditions.

• Summer (May–September) is hot (30–35°C / 86–95°F), humid, and rainy; afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.

Prepare: Pack light, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen; allow extra time for travel delays due to flooding.

TOP SIGHTS

• Old Havana (Habana Vieja) — UNESCO-listed colonial architecture, plazas, and museums; most walkable neighborhood for visitors, though pickpocketing and street hustlers are common.

Prepare: Keep belongings secure; travel in pairs or groups; use officially marked taxis to/from the area after dark.

• Varadero Beach — white-sand resort area with snorkeling and water sports; main tourist hub outside Havana with more reliable resort services than the rest of the island.

• Trinidad — well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO site; less touristy than Havana but requires advance ground transport booking (fuel scarcity).

Prepare: Book a tour or private transport from your accommodation in advance; do not plan on rental car fuel availability.

• Viñales Valley — tobacco farming region with karst limestone cliffs; day-trip from Havana with hiking and local homestay experiences.

Prepare: Use reputable tour operators; wear sturdy footwear; bring water and sun protection; verify accommodations and transport in advance.

• Bay of Pigs (Playa Girón) — historical beach and museum; snorkeling and diving site; less crowded than Varadero.

Prepare: Use reputable dive operators that meet safety standards; check that your travel insurance covers diving; bring your own equipment or verify operator equipment safety.

WHERE TO STAY

Havana

• Vedado — upscale neighborhood with international hotels, restaurants, and embassies; generally safer and quieter than Old Havana; reliable security and restaurant service, though power outages affect all areas equally.

• Playa (Miramar) — diplomatic and wealthy residential zone; furthest from petty crime; home to most upscale hotels and private accommodations; quieter and more spacious than central Havana.

• Old Havana (Habana Vieja) — UNESCO site with colonial charm and museums; most walkable for tourists but higher foot traffic, more street hustlers, and pickpocketing risk; avoid this area after dark unless with a group.

Varadero

• Hotel Zone (Centro de Varadero) — beachfront all-inclusive resorts with self-contained security; safest option for all-inclusive guests but limited access to authentic local experience; verify that your chosen resort has backup generators and food supply plans.

• Downtown Varadero (Calle 64) — local commerce and smaller guesthouses; more authenticity but less security infrastructure; stay in established hotels rather than private rooms ("casas particulares").

Trinidad

• Historic Center (Centro Histórico) — colonial architecture and museums; compact, walkable, and police presence; only practical neighborhood for day-trippers; book accommodations with a tour operator in advance.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Embassy of Canada in Cuba — Havana. Phone: +53 (7) 204-2516 (limited availability due to operational constraints). Email: havana@international.gc.ca. Services are becoming strained; expect delays.

• Cuba Emergency Services — Police: 106 | Ambulance: 104 | Fire: 105 (response times unpredictable due to fuel and infrastructure shortages).

• Government of Canada Emergency Watch and Response Centre — +1-613-944-6788 (collect calls accepted) or 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free from Canada). Available 24/7 for Canadians abroad in crisis.

• Register with Canada's Canadians Abroad service — Before you travel, register at travel.gc.ca/registration so the government can contact you in a crisis or evacuation.

• Local tourist police (MININT) — Havana: +53 (7) 866-4444. Report theft and crime; request written proof of complaint ("comprobante de denuncia") if applicable.