Health Precautions for Cuba Travel
Ask Your Doctor
Before traveling to Cuba, it is important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic.
The World Health Organisation website (WHO) contains excellent background information related to travel health issues specific to Cuba. Nevertheless this is no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Other recommendations
- Check with your airline and travel insurance provider regarding any potential changes in services.
- Follow the advice provided by WHO on how to stay healthy.
- Read the advice provided for your destination before you go from official government advisories (see country specific lists above and below).
- Check the latest COVID-19 figures from the Ministry of Health (MINSAP)
- Check the website Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Travel Advisories on Cuba
Most Governments maintain websites dedicated to providing their citizens with the most up-to-date travel information. The websites below publish online travel reports containing the most recent news as well as background information on every country including Cuba with health and safety guidelines,
- UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Travel Advice)
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau
- The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs
Common Health Concerns in Cuba
Covid-19
Cuba has had relative success dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Like in all countries where there are international travelers, there remain risks of coronavirus infection in Cuba
The sanitary requirements for entry to Cuba, and the laws and restrictions in place in country, are being updated frequently by the Cuban authorities. See the latest Covid-19 regulations for Cuba here.
Cholera
Outbreaks of Cholera do occur occasionally in Cuba. Risks to travellers are relatively low, however it is important to drink only bottled water, and to follow the tour guide's recommendations about the consumption of any street food.
Dengue Fever and Chikungunya
Can be carried by mosquitos throughout the Caribbean, Central America, & South America, and Cuba is no exception. There are no vaccines for these diseases so make sure you carry, and use insect repellant, and take other precautions.
Zika
Is another mosquito borne disease with no vaccine and no medication to treat infection. It can also be sexually trasmitted and has limited transmission in Cuba. Infection in a pregnant woman can pose significant risks to the unborn baby. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional at least 6 weeks before travelling to discuss the potential risks of Zika virus.