Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cuba
Cuba is an exotic travel destination that is slowly opening up for more tourists.
Strong influences from Spanish and African roots make it culturally diverse. Exotic rhythms like salsa and rumba can be found everywhere in Cuba, as many dances and music originated there.
Cuba has remained relatively untouched by outside influence, making it a unique destination.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cuba?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cuba
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
What Is the Climate Like in Cuba?
How Safe Is Cuba?
Visiting the Varadero
What Should I Pack for Cuba?
Canadian Embassy in Cuba
Do I Need Vaccines for Cuba?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cuba. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cuba: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travellers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travellers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travellers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
Dengue is one of the few mosquito-borne diseases present in Cuba. Unlike many other Caribbean nations, Cuba was able to avoid a major Zika outbreak. Mosquito repellents and netting are recommended for Cuba.
Rabies is present in the country as well. Consider vaccination, especially if going to rural areas or staying for more than two weeks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cuba
Prevent Bug Bites in Cuba
In case of bug bites, cleanse the area, use anti-itch treatments, and resist scratching to prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe reactions or if symptoms of vector-borne diseases emerge post-bite.
Food and Water Safety in Cuba
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Cuba
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
A visa is required for entry. Tourist cards are generally provided by tour operators or airlines. If you plan to visit Cuba on your own, a government office of Cuba in Canada may be able to provide one.
Cuba Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cuba? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Cuba and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Cuba?
The climate in Cuba is sub-tropical. The average year-round temperature is approximately 25 and there’s plenty of sunshine.
The hottest time of the year is summer, from June to August. Summer is also the most festive time of the year with carnivals and event held in many cities throughout the country.
Cuba has a rainy season from May to October. Occasional bursts of rainfall can be expected in the afternoons. Cuba remains a popular summer destination, as the rainfalls bring relief in the heat.
December, January, and February are the coolest months of the year. During the winter months, occasional cold fronts can decrease the temperatures to aroudn 10 for short periods of time.
How Safe Is Cuba?
Cuba is a relatively safe country for travellers. The roads are good condition, but driving at night should be avoided, as there are no streetlights. Crimes are very uncommon in there. There are virtually no firearms or illicit drugs.
But, still practice common sense, since pick-pocketing and opportunistic theft are popular as in every tourist resort.
Strong military and police presence can be expected. The biggest threat to traveller’s safety is attending demonstrations and gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational without warning.
Visiting the Varadero
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Varadero is a popular place in Cuba for people to go on vacation because it has beautiful beaches and many fun things to do.
There are over 20 kilometers of white sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and play in the water. You can also try different water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Varadero has many natural areas to explore, like the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve which has hiking trails and caves to explore. If you like to play golf, Varadero has some golf courses with amazing views.
You can also learn about the local culture by visiting places like the Bellamar Caves, the Tropicana Cabaret, and the Josone Park. If you enjoy trying different foods, there are many restaurants in Varadero that serve Cuban and international dishes.
At night, there are bars and nightclubs where you can dance and have fun.
What Should I Pack for Cuba?
While more developed than many other Caribbean nations, it is still important to bring key items with you to Cuba.
- Cash – Most credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba. Most transactions are carried out in cash.
- Swimsuit – Get ready for a warm weather and hot sun! Bring your own swimsuit, to make sure you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
- Sunscreen – The endless hours by the pool might start to sting if you don’t protect your skin. Bring your own sunscreen, as outside of Havana and Varaderoas it might be hard to find.
- First-aid kit – Cuba’s pharmacies can only offer a small selection of medications. Pack your own medicine kit equipped with bandages, pain killers, digestion medicine and any prescriptions.
- Insect repellent – Tropical insects can carry various diseases. To avoid any health threats caused by the insects, it is important to protect yourself from them. It is best to bring your own repellent, as the Cuban stores and pharmacies may have a limited selection.
Canadian Embassy in Cuba
Once in Cuba, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Cuba
Calle 30 No. 518 (esq. 7ma)
Miramar (Playa)
Ciudad de la Habana
Cuba
Tel.: (53-7) 204-2516/7
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cuba
“My husband and two children went to the clinic to prepare for our fast approaching trip to Cuba. We received very knowledgeable service about what vaccinations we should receive, time frame to receive them, and costs upfront. There was no pressure and the decisions were ours to make comfortably for what we felt was best for our family. We feel the clinic prepared us with lots of knowledge and the proper vaccination to allow us to have a safe tropical vacation.”
“Yesterday morning I had an appointment at Passport to discuss the travel vaccinations that I would need for travelling to Cuba this fall. The nurse was amazing! So informative and so kind. She answered every question that I had capably. I am always a little bit nervous about getting needles but she was great. She made me very comfortable. I will be returning in six months for the remainder of my shots. Great experience!”
“My wife and I contacted Passport Health Oakville to be sure we were protected for our Cuba vacation. We received amazing service from the nurse there. She educated us on what was required and ensured all vaccinations where completed. We have recommended Passport Health to a group of 20 friends we are travelling with next winter.”
“As a person that hates needles. I went from just getting my Hep A shot to leaving with 2 extra shots, as the nurse explained what i could contract from visiting Cuba. Very informative, nice, funny. Will go back to finish up my shots”
“Thank you for being so helpful with information on precautions to take for my family while in Cuba. Thank you for booking us in last minute and being open on Saturdays! You were very helpful when 3 other clinics were not. Thank you.”
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