Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cuba

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cuba. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cuba: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.

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.

Visas are required for all trips to Cuba. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay, at a minimum. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Cuba Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Cuba?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Cuba and GOV.UK

The climate in Cuba is sub-tropical. The average year-round temperature is approximately 25°C 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 the teens for short periods of time.

Cuba is a relatively safe country for travellers. The roads are good condition, but motoring 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.

While more developed than many other Caribbean nations, it is still important to bring key items with you to Cuba.

• Cash – Most transactions are carried out in cash. Currency can be changed in most national exchange offices. Ensure to bring enough cash to last during your holiday.
• Swimsuit – Get ready for a warm weather and hot sun! Bring your own swimsuit, to ensure you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
• Sun Cream – The endless hours by the pool might start to sting if you don’t protect your skin. Bring your own sun cream, 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 shops and chemists may have a limited selection.

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.

If you are in Cuba and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Havana
Calle 34 no. 702 esq 7ma
Miramar
Playa
Havana
La Habana
11300
Cuba
Telephone: +53 7214 2200
Emergency Phone: +537 214 2200
Fax: +53 7214-2218 “Not to be used for visa documents”
Email: UkinCuba@fco.gov.uk

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