Travel Safety & Security in Cuba – Is it safe for Tourists?
It is human nature to worry about the potential dangers we may face when planning to visit a place with which we are unfamiliar and Cuba is no different in this respect.
What will the food be like, can I drink the local water, is crime an issue, what about the threat of hurricanes, will I get kidnapped, what about any political arrest in Cuba, what about road safety and so on. I am sure you have some of the same questions and concerns?!
Cuba in terms of travel safety is an interesting topic because the negative news, which the country sometimes attracts, might give you the wrong impression about crime rates here.
Cuba statistically is actually considered to be the safest country in the Caribbean and is safer than many Western countries.
The fact that Cuba is a police state and with a large number of police and security officials, seems to have the effect of negating the crime levels that can affect other holiday destinations in other countries.
Not only is Cuba a safe place, but the inhabitants are in the main friendly and accommodating.
Despite these positive qualities, there are certain things that you can do to ensure your safety when travelling in Cuba.
There are some dangers and not are all from crime. Let me just say, before going any further though, that overall Cuba is a quite safe place to visit.
So let us look at some safety issues below in relation to Cuba.
Types of Crime
Most crimes in Cuba, because of its police state nature, are what can be termed ‘non-confrontational’ crimes.
By this it means that most crimes committed do not involve direct aggression.
Some pick-pocketing, petit theft or some forms of fraud can exist (although to highlight this once more, even these crimes tend to be lower than one would find in other holiday destinations).
Electronic items which are otherwise hard to get in Cuba, such as laptops and mobile phones are prone to theft including from hotel rooms and private residence stays.
Lock anything important or valuable in the safe if there is one. Have a photocopy also of your passport just in case.
Forms of crime such as terrorism, which we hear so much about in the US, UK and around Europe, is non-existent at this time.
Drugs crimes can exist but, if you use common sense and avoid drug use and coming into contact with dealers, this should not be a form of crime with which you have any problem in Cuba.
Driving and the Roads
As a foreigner visiting Cuba, with badly maintained and ill-equipped roads, and roads which can often have animals (such as mules pulling carts) and all a number of forms of transport which you will not be used to, driving is quite an experience and perhaps an experience to leave to the locals.
- Do note that driving a hired car can potentially make you a target of mugging, particularly in isolated areas of the island.
- Ensure that the car insurance you have for driving in Cuba includes 3rd party cover. This is very important, because injuring others whilst driving is taken very seriously. Even if you are innocent of blame, you might find that you are stuck in Cuba for many weeks whilst it is investigated.
Unless you really love driving, I would recommend using organised yours or public transport.
Arriving
There are some drivers at some of the airports using their own vehicles to try and lure tourists into expensive journeys.
The best option is to book transport through your tour operator or to ensure you use one of the officially registered cabs.
Useful Security and Safety Tips
Visit Your Doctor before Leaving
Four to six weeks before your departure, consult a travel health professional for the latest and necessary immunization, recommendation and consultation.
If possible, ask for recent medical certificates and take them on your trip in case you should need them.
Ensuring that you also have an appropriate supply of any medications you may need before leaving, can also be a good idea.
Do not rely on the availability of specific medication on the islands.
Cuba does have an excellent health care system, but you are advised to bring any medications you need.
Do not Leave without Travel Insurance
Holidays can be disrupted for many reasons and although petty crimes such as the theft of a bag of the possibility of getting caught up in a hurricane (in the summer months) whilst in Cuba are quite unlikely it is still best to be insured.
Stay on the safe side and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers airline cancellations, flight delays, lost luggage and has a decent level of medical cover and repatriation.
Cuba is a very popular country for trying water sports because of its long coastline and great weather.
If you plan to participate in any water sports or any other sport which can be classified as a dangerous sport, ensure you have a policy that specifically includes cover for these activities.
You may need add-on extras to your standard policy to cover these activities.
Belly Ache
Consider medications for travellers’ diarrhoea because, whilst the food should not be an issue given the high standards in Cuba, you might be trying foods with which your body is unfamiliar.
You may or may not wish to bring a basic first aid kit such as scissors, bandage, and antiseptic, and include medications for pain relief, minor skin wounds, and allergic reactions.
Consider Hurricane Season
Hurricanes swirl into the Caribbean region from the start of June and through to the end of November each year.
Some Caribbean destinations, however, do get fewer hits, thanks to their geographical location.
These islands include Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, Trinidad, and Tobago i.e. islands in the southernmost region.
It is up to you if you wish to plan your trip to avoid the hurricane season or whether you feel that the potential risk is too small to worry about.
Drink Only Purified Water
It is better in Cuba to avoid drinking tap water, including for brushing your teeth.
After storms and hurricanes, the chances of water contamination is high.
To be on the safe side, make sure your water is purified. Most Caribbean resorts have bottled water these days, so use them.
Protect Your Skin
Make sure to protect against the sun! To prevent blistering sunburn, make sure to apply sunblock and sunscreen before going outdoors.
In the same way, protect your skin from bugs and flies by using products containing insect repellents, especially in the early morning or at dusk.
Also, keep your balcony door closed after sundown.
Cuban temperatures are in the twenties (Celsius) for much of the day and even when the clouds create a haze and block the sun, the suns rays can still be very strong and potentially damaging.
Make sure you are protected.
Protect Valuables
Do not take valuables to the beach or leave them in the car.
When you go for a swim, do not leave your purse, wallet or jewellery unattended.
Instead, just take cash or a single credit card. Leave the rest in the room safe.
In the same light, do not leave valuables in the car as car break-ins are common in the Caribbean.
If you must leave them, lock them in the trunk or put them in the glove compartment.
Swim Safe
When you travel to the Caribbean, one of the first things you very likely will want to do is to swim. Whether in a hotel pool or in the sea, make sure to swim sober.
Alcohol impairs your judgement and might cause drowning.
Swim only in the designated areas and do not swim alone. Make sure to obey instructions and orders from lifeguards.
Swimming without drinking may seem very obvious to you but it is quite amazing how many incidents occur this way.
Consider also how alcohol could be a cause of invalidation for your holiday insurance policy.
Hire a Local Guide
When going sightseeing, hire a reputable local guide.
Not only will he steer you out of troubled neighbourhoods, he can also act as a buffer when you encounter pushy street vendors, potential con artists, and sketchy characters. Some resorts can recommend the right guide.
Safety at Local Events
Pickpockets can thrive in events such as local street parties or in any situation which is conducive to large crowds.
If you are in any situation which involves large crowds, show a greater level of awareness with your personal belongings.
I often keep my money in my sock and avoid carrying a wallet in such situations.
If you plan to drink alcohol maybe also ensure that you are only carrying as much money as you need and not too much more.
Walking Alone at Night
As with any city, it is not recommended to walk alone downside or small streets at night.
You should always make an effort to stay with others and, where possible, stay near crowds of people.
Exposure of Money
Flashing cash in public not only goes against the Cuban ideal of not conducting business in public, but it can also draw the attention of the wrong people.
It is recommended to remain modest and, as with any travel, carry minimal amounts of cash.
Further Information and Resources
- For the latest British advice on safety and security in Cuba, you can visit the State travel page.
