Cuba
About Cuba
Currency | National peso and Convertible peso (CUP and CUC) |
Language | Spanish |
Capital | Havana |
The Republic of Cuba is a country located in the Caribbean, the largest island of the West Indies. Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico make up the Greater Antilles archipelago. The population is approximately 11 million people.
The Government of Cuba is a totalitarian communist state. The current government came to power in 1959 when the lawyer, Fidel Castro, led a socialist revolution against the oppressive dictatorial regime of Fulgencio Batista. Batista fled the country on January 1, 1959, and Castro became the leader. In 2008 Castro stepped down, and his brother, Raul Castro, assumed the presidency.
When relations with the United States soured, Cuba began to receive aid from the Soviet Union. With the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the economy greatly suffered from the loss of the significant financial support that Cuba had received from the USSR. In recent years, tourism has brought some economic relief.
Tourists to Cuba enjoy beautiful beaches, tour Old Havana, walk along the Malecon, visit museums, such as the Museum of the Revolution, and enjoy the music that is pervasive throughout the country.
Recommended Vaccinations For Cuba
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Cuba. However, Cuba requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.
Recommended Medications For Cuba
There are no recommendations for Cuba at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Cuba
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cuba through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in Cuba.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever outbreaks have occured from time to time in Cuba.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Cuba. However, Cuba requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cuba. The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Cuba
Personal Safety
Most visits to Cuba are trouble-free, however, always remain alert and aware of your personal surroundings.
Petty crime, such as theft, pick-pocketing, and purse-snatching, is increasingly common. Avoid showing any signs of affluence such as expensive clothing. Ensure personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept secure at all times. Reports indicate that theft from luggage at the airport and theft from hotel rooms and casa particulares does occur. Violent crime is rare but can occur.
Keep a copy of your passport ID with you at all times.
Exercise caution if driving in Cuba as road conditions may be poor, unlit at night, and unmarked. Animals on roadways and a lack of vehicle safety equipment may present additional risk. Avoid travelling after dark. Public transportation in Cuba is poor. Take only official, licensed taxis.
It is prohibited to take photos of military, governmental, labour, rail, and airport facilities or personnel.
Cuba is at risk for hurricanes (May-November) and earthquakes, although earthquakes are uncommon.
Items with GPS technology may be confiscated at the border. GPS capabilities must be disabled.
Same sex marriages are recognised by law. LGBTI travellers are unlikely to face prejudice, especially in tourist areas.
Political Unrest
In Cuba, there is a strong police presence and level of social control. There are restrictions on public gatherings and demonstrations, as well as freedom of speech. Avoid large public gatherings or protests since these gatherings may not be approved by the government and police may move to break up a crowd. It is illegal to participate in demonstrations.