Cuba

Violent crime

Foreigners may experience violent crimes, such as assault, sexual assault and robbery.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime is common, especially on public transport and intercity buses.

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.

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.

On flights, keep your valuables on you or place them in your carry-on baggage. Don't check-in:

• jewellery
• cameras
• electronics

Criminals posing as tour agents or taxi drivers operate at the airport and in Havana.

Road-based crime

Road-based crime is increasing. Thieves may slash car tyres and then 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.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Cuba experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• hurricanes
• severe storms
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• closely monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local emergency officials
• keep in contact with friends and family 
• get local advice before entering 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:

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is 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 not be able to leave the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights could fill quickly
• you may not be able to access ports
• roads could be blocked

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:

• US Geological Survey

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 1000s 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

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Cuba
• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya are common. Risks are higher during the wet season from April to November.

Zika virus is a risk, but it's not widespread.

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:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• leptospirosis
• viral meningitis
• conjunctivitis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Outbreaks of cholera are seasonal and common.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

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.

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.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

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 a religion or importing religious material. Doing so may be illegal.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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.

Australian-Cuban dual nationals must enter Cuba on a valid Cuban passport. However, you need to show your Australian passport when you leave Cuba.

Dual nationals may need to get permission to enter Cuba. If you're a dual national, check your obligations with an embassy or consulate of Cuba before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

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.

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.

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

The list of duty-free items that you can take into Cuba is limited. If customs authorities consider any item is not 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.

More information:

• General Customs of the Republic of Cuba

If you’re travelling through the US, see our US travel advice for entry conditions.

You must meet all US entry or transit requirements.

If you're travelling through Canada, you'll need an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for Canada.

See our Canada travel advice for entry conditions.

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.

Cuba has 2 official currencies:

• the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
• the National Peso (moneda nacional or CUP)

Foreigners will always use CUC. The CUP is worth substantially less than the CUC. It's illegal to remove CUC bills from Cuba.

Australian dollars can't be exchanged in Cuba. The US Dollar attracts a large commission fee if you change it.

Australian travellers often experience problems with access to funds due to unique banking arrangements in Cuba.

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 and 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. If you're caught without money in Cuba, you can try to have funds transferred via Asistur SA. Services don't run on weekends and can take several days.

ATMs are limited outside Havana. 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.

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

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:

• Driving or riding

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:

• Air travel

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government can and can't do to help Australians overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy 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 help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

Canadian Embassy, Havana

Calle 30 No.518 (esq. 7ma) 
Miramar (Playa) 
Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba
Telephone: (+53 7) 204 2516 
Fax: (+53 7) 204 7097 
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 
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201 
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au 
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au

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