Advice levels
What does this mean?Overview
Safety
- Violent crime, such as robbery and assault, occurs. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Petty crime, such as theft, is common on public transport, in tourist areas and at the airport. Only use established tour operators and registered taxis. Don't put valuables in your checked luggage.
- The hurricane season is from June to November. Hurricanes can cause flooding and disrupt services. Know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan. Find your nearest shelter.
- Cuba is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis can also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Many medications are in short supply or unavailable. Ensure you bring enough for your entire trip.
- Insect-borne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya, are common. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
- Zika virus is a risk but isn't widespread. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
- Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are common. These include typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
- Public medical facilities in Havana are basic. Private clinics are well-equipped, but only one in Havana treats foreigners. All clinics require an upfront payment. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences.
- Always carry a photo ID. Officials can detain you if you don't have it.
- It's illegal to photograph military or police sites, harbours, and rail and airport facilities. Check with officials before taking photos.
- Get local legal advice before preaching religion or importing religious material. It may be illegal.
- Cuba doesn't recognise dual nationality. Contact a Cuban embassy, consulate or local authorities for details before travelling.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cuba for the latest details.
- You need a visa to enter Cuba. If your visit is for tourism, you can get a 'tourist card' through your travel agent, airline or the embassy or consulate of Cuba. The tourist card includes a tourist visa. You'll also need to fill in an online declaration form.
- If you've travelled to Cuba since January 2021, you won't be eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos and euros can be exchanged at currency exchange stores. There's a large commission fee if you want to change US currency. Australian currency can't be exchanged in Cuba. Other currencies may be difficult to exchange.
- Cuba's banking arrangements can make it hard to access money through US banking systems. This may include your Australian bank cards. Carry cash, cards and traveller's cheques from non-US banks. Take an emergency supply of cash, including enough to leave Cuba if your bank cards don't work.
- There's currently a severe shortage of fuel in Cuba. This is disrupting transport and other services.
- There's a severe shortages of food and bottled water. Keep a supply with you.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Cuba. The Embassy of Canada in Havana provides consular help to Australians in Cuba. They can also issue Australian provisional travel documents.
- You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy's social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Crime
Foreigners may experience violent crimes, such as assault, sexual assault and robbery.
Petty crime is common, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You're at risk.
Take extra care of your valuables in:
- Airports
- Bus terminals
- Public transport
- Tourist areas
It also happens at major tourist areas such as:
- Old Havana
- El Centro
- Vedado
- the Malecon
- the beaches of Playa del Este, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba
Power outages are common and can last from minutes to several hours. The opportunity for theft increases during these outages.
Thefts from hotels and guesthouses occur. Keep the doors and windows at your accommodation locked.
To prevent petty crime:
- Be alert after dark
- Avoid being on the streets alone
- Pay attention in crowded areas
Airport-based crime
People have reported thefts from checked baggage at Cuban airports.
When travelling through airports, keep a close eye on your valuables, including during security screening. Keep your valuables on you or place them in your carry-on baggage on flights. Don't check in jewellery, cameras or electronic devices.
Criminals posing as tour agents or taxi drivers operate at the airport and in Havana.
Road-based crime
Thieves may slash car tyres and help with repairs while an accomplice steals from the vehicle. Thieves who pose as hitchhikers are also common.
To protect yourself from road-based crime:
- only use established tour operators and registered taxis
- keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
- don't pick up hitchhikers
- be wary of people who offer to help if your car is damaged
If you're a victim of crime or theft, get a written police report (Comprobante de Denuncia) from the Cuban police (Policia Nacional) before you leave Cuba. Be aware that you can't get a police report once you leave Cuba.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas, they are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM to force them to make a cash withdrawal. If threatened, do not resist.
More information:
Scams and Fraud
Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.
Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards:
Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Cuba. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.
Some individuals specialise in deceiving tourists, often presenting as friendly English speakers. They may offer tour guide services or assistance purchasing items and resorting to violence to achieve their objectives. Only use reputable tour operators and registered taxis.
Overcharging
Some establishments, particularly taxis and classic car rentals, may attempt to impose excessive fees, potentially leading to disputes and violence.
- Confirm prices before using a service or consuming goods
- Avoid running tabs
- Refrain from leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff
- Check your bill to ensure accuracy.
Sexual assault
If you're a victim of sexual assault, promptly report the incident to the nearest Australian Embassy or Canadian Embassy in Havana and seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, reporting the incident to Cuban authorities is essential, ensuring that local police provide you with a 'Comprobante de Denuncia' confirming the report filing.
A criminal investigation may not be possible if a formal complaint is not made to Cuban authorities before departing the country.
Food and drink spiking
Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information:
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Women travellers
Women traveling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.
More information:
Telecommunications
The telecommunications network in Cuba may be unreliable and intermittent.
Some international cell phones may not work, especially in rural areas. Internet access is limited across the island. Local authorities control telecommunications and may block access during civil unrest or before demonstrations.
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country. Local authorities may break up demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government. They may also block access to the Internet, including social media, without notice.
It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations in Cuba.
To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:
- avoid protests, demonstrations and public gatherings
- Check the media for reports of unrest
- Follow advice from local authorities
If you see a protest, leave as soon as it’s safe.
More information:
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
- places of worship or religious holidays
- hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
- markets and shopping malls
- outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
- public transport, airports and railway hubs
To stay safe:
- report suspicious activities or items to the police
- check the media for new threats
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the instructions of local authorities
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
Tours and adventure activities
Swimming safety
Rescue services may not consistently meet international standards and unpredictable tidal changes can result in powerful currents and rips. Lifeguards and warning flags may not be present on all beaches to signal hazardous conditions. Avoid swimming alone or after hours.
Diving
Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards. Choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.
Recreational Boating
If planning a boating excursion, familiarise yourself with navigation rules and carry a VHF marine radio that can relay your position in case of an emergency.
Climate and natural disasters
Cuba experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If a natural disaster happens:
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
- monitor local media and other sources
- follow the advice of local authorities
- keep in contact with your friends and family
- contact your tour operator or airline
- get local advice before visiting natural disaster-affected areas
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
If you're travelling to Cuba during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports. Contact your tour operator or airline to check if the severe weather has affected your travel plans.
More information:
Hurricanes and severe weather
The hurricane season is from June to November. Landslides, mudslides and flooding also occur. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
- you may get stuck in the area
- flights could be delayed or suspended
- available flights may fill quickly
- adequate shelter may not be available
- essential services may be disrupted
Natural disasters can disrupt essential services. This includes power, communication systems, emergency and medical care, food, fuel and water supplies.
In some areas, adequate shelter from a hurricane may not be available if you stay.
If a hurricane is approaching:
- know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plans
- identify your local shelter
- closely monitor alerts and advice from the US National Hurricane Center and local authorities
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Cuba is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis can also happen.
Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.
To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:
- feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
- feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
- see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
- hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
Do not wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
More information:
Health
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medication
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cuba. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Many medications are in short supply or unavailable in Cuba.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
More information:
Health risks
Insect-borne diseases
Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya are common. Risks are higher during the wet season, from April to November.
Zika and oropouche are a risk. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you discuss travel plans with your doctor. Consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.
To protect yourself from disease:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Get medical help if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Outbreaks of cholera are seasonal and common.
Medical care
Public medical facilities in Havana are basic.
Standards are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
Private medical facilities are well-equipped. However, the only private hospital for travellers in Havana is the Cira Garcia Hospital.
State-run Servimed clinics can provide emergency medical care in major tourist areas.
Doctors and hospitals require cash payment before treating you.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Local laws
Local law
Local law
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Drugs
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.
Authorities will arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:
- carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
- with someone who's using them
- If you're found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, authorities will arrest you.
- Border officials may screen you for drugs, including on departure.
More information:
Other laws
You must always carry photo ID. Authorities can detain you if you're found without it.
Contact the Embassy of Canada in Havana if you lose your Australian passport or other identification documents.
Serious crimes, such as espionage and mass murder, can attract the death penalty.
Under Cuban law, charges aren't laid until the investigation is complete.
If you're accused, you can be jailed during the investigation.
In Cuba, it's illegal to:
- drink-drive
- engage in black-market activities
- take photos of military or police sites, harbours, rail or airport facilities
Get local legal advice before preaching religion or importing religious material. Doing so may be illegal.
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual citizenship
Cuba doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
More information:
Travel
Visas and border measures
Visitor visas
You need a visa to enter Cuba.
If your visit is for tourism, you can get a 'tourist card' through:
- your travel agent or airline
- an embassy or consulate of Cuba
The tourist card includes a tourist visa.
In other situations, you need to apply for a visa.
You're required to fill in an online declaration form.
Entry and exit conditions change can at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Cuba for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Travel via Canada
If you're travelling via Canada, ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.
More information:
Travel via the United States
If you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, even if you are transiting through Hawaii.
More information:
Travel via Chile
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
Impact on US ESTA by travelling to Cuba
If you've travelled to Cuba since January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You can’t enter or transit the US on an ESTA, including for medical evacuations. You’ll need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy. Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for details.
Other formalities
You must show proof of comprehensive travel insurance to enter.
You need to purchase extra insurance from Asistur, the Cuban insurance provider if you:
- plan to do a high-risk sport or compete in a sport
- are aged 70 years or older
To contact Asistur, call +53 7866 4499.
The list of duty-free items that you can take into Cuba is limited. If customs authorities consider any item isn't for personal use, they can seize it. Equipment that draws heavily on electricity or uses satellite technology can also be confiscated.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cuba for details about official requirements for minors travelling without their parents.
A departure tax is included in the cost of your airline ticket.
Passport
Validity
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Money
Cuba's official currency is:
- the National Peso (moneda nacional or CUP)
Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos and Euros can be exchanged at currency exchange stores. There's a large commission fee to exchange US currency. Australian currency can't be exchanged in Cuba. Other currencies may be difficult to exchange.
Due to the banking arrangements in Cuba, you may have difficulty accessing funds.
Credit cards, debit cards and traveller's cheques aren't accepted in Cuba if they're issued by US banks or Australian banks affiliated with US banks. This includes:
- all American Express cards
- all Westpac Bank cards
- some Visa and MasterCard cards, depending on the issuing bank
Before you travel, check with your bank if your cards will work in Cuba.
International money transfer agencies aren't available to Australians in Cuba.
Authorities have detained and deported travellers without access to funds.
ATMs are limited outside Havana. Make sure you have a variety of ways of accessing your money, including:
- cash, debit or credit cards from various non-US banks
- traveller's cheques issued by non-US banks
Take an emergency supply of cash, including enough to leave Cuba if your bank cards don't work.
Local travel
Due to severe shortages, Cuban authorities are rationing food and medication. This can affect travellers. Plan ahead and keep a supply of drinking water, food and medication with you.
Driving permit
To drive in Cuba, you'll need both:
- your valid Australian driver's licence
- a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
To hire a motor vehicle, you must be at least 21 years old.
Road travel
Cuba is facing a chronic shortage of fuel, which is impacting transport and other government services throughout the country. You can expect disruptions to your visit.
Driving in Cuba is dangerous, particularly at night.
Hazards include:
- poor street signs and lighting
- poorly maintained roads and vehicles
- pedestrians, farm animals, bicycles and unlit carts on roads
If you're involved in an accident, you're likely to be detained, regardless of who's at fault.
You may not be allowed to leave Cuba until the case is resolved.
If you drive in Cuba:
- check you have adequate insurance cover
- learn local traffic laws and practices
- be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
Cuba has strict alcohol laws. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.
More information:
Motorcycles
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Criminals posing as drivers operate at the airport and in Havana.
Mopeds and 3-wheeled 'Coco-taxis' are particularly dangerous.
To protect yourself from crime:
- only use registered taxis
- avoid unlicensed private taxis
- avoid mopeds or 3-wheeled 'Coco-taxis'
Public transport
Avoid public transport. Many vehicles are poorly maintained.
Air travel
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Cuba's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue services
Call 105.
Medical emergencies
Call 104.
Police
Call 106.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government can and can't do to assist Australians overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Cuba. The Embassy of Canada in Havana provides consular assistance to Australians in Cuba. They can also issue Australian provisional travel documents.
You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.
Canadian Embassy, Havana
Calle 30 No.518 (esq. 7ma)
Miramar (Playa)
Ciudad de la Habana, 11300, Cuba
Telephone: +53 7 204 2516/7
Email: havan@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/cuba
Australian Embassy, Mexico City
Ruben Dario 55, Polanco
Colonia Bosques de Chapultepec, CP
11580 CDMX Mexico
Telephone: +52 55 1101 2200
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia