Fire and rescue services
Call 105.
Medical emergencies
Call 104.
Police
Call 106.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to the threat of violent crime.
Call 105.
Call 104.
Call 106.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to the threat of violent crime.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Foreigners may experience violent crimes, such as assault, sexual assault and robbery.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime is common, especially on public transport and intercity buses.
It also happens at major tourist areas such as:
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
More information:
Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Be careful when using debit or credit cards:
Some establishments, particularly taxis and classic car rentals, may attempt to impose excessive fees, potentially leading to disputes and violence.
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
Solo travellers
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.
Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
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.
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. Be aware that participating in demonstrations in Cuba might be illegal.
To protect yourself during periods of civil unrest:
More information:
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.
Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards. Choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.
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:
If a natural disaster happens:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Do not wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cuba. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Many medications are in short supply or unavailable in Cuba.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
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:
Get medical help if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
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.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.
More information:
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:
Get local legal advice before preaching religion or importing religious material. Doing so may be illegal.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You need a visa to enter Cuba.
If your visit is for tourism, you can get a 'tourist card' through:
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.
If you're travelling via Canada, ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.
More information:
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:
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
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.
You must show proof of comprehensive travel insurance to enter.
You need to purchase extra insurance from Asistur, the Cuban insurance provider if you:
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.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Cuba's official currency is:
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:
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. If you run out of money in Cuba, you can try to have funds transferred via Asistur. Services don't run on weekends and can take several days. To contact Asistur, call +53 7866 4499.
ATMs are limited outside Havana. Make sure you have a variety of ways of accessing your money, including:
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.
To drive in Cuba, you'll need both:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
To hire a motor vehicle, you must be at least 21 years old.
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:
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:
Cuba has strict alcohol laws. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.
More information:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
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:
Avoid public transport. Many vehicles are poorly maintained.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Cuba's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 105.
Call 104.
Call 106.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government can and can't do to help Australians overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Cuba. The Embassy of Canada in Havana provides consular help to Australians in Cuba. They can also issue Australian provisional travel documents.
You can also get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.
Calle 30 No.518 (esq. 7ma)
Miramar (Playa)
Ciudad de la Habana, 11300, Cuba
Telephone: +53 7 204 2516
Email: havan@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/cuba
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.