Cuba

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:

• Kidnapping

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. 

Drink and food spiking

Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. 

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Women travellers

Women travelling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

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.

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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:

• Terrorism

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.

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
• 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:

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

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:

• US Geological Survey

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:

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

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Outbreaks of cholera are seasonal and common.

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.

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:

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

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:

• 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.

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 advice for Canada 

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 advice for the US

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.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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.

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:

• 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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you 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