Cuba
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Cuba’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Travel insurance is compulsory for travel to Cuba. It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
The British Embassy in Havana is open to the public by appointment only. If you need emergency consular assistance you should telephone the Embassy +53 7 214 2200 and select the option for emergency consular assistance.assistance There(note maythere beis a short time delay to connect to the officer). It may take some time to be connected.
The hurricane season in Cuba normally runs from June to November. Tropical Storm Idalia passed over Western Cuba on 28 August. In the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm in Cuba, power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted. Even in holiday resorts, utility services may not be guaranteed. See our our Tropical Cyclones page page for further advice on what to expect in the aftermath of a hurricane. You should monitor weather updates and track the progress of approaching storms. See See Natural disasters.
Electricity and fuel supplies can be affected at short notice. Government measures may include prioritising supplies for essential services, and reducing transport services. Crime levels are rising but remain low and mainly in the form of opportunistic theft. See Crime
Be cautious when travelling in Cuba. Driving standards are variable. See Road travel
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cuba, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
Most visits to Cuba are trouble free.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-10-28 16:58
New information about the power outage in Cuba (‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-10-22 18:37
Information added on the power outage in Cuba (See ‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-10-20 18:01
Information added on Hurricane Oscar (See ‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-10-19 00:44
Update on power outage in Cuba (See ‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-08-21 16:34
Information on the Oropouche virus disease (See ‘Health’ page)
2024-01-19 14:53
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-11-20 12:15
Removal of information about possible tropical storm conditions from 17 November.
2023-11-17 12:00
Tropical storm conditions are possible from Friday 17 November which could affect southeastern Cuba bringing heavy rainfall (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2023-09-01 11:09
New information about car hire, and updated information on dengue and Zika virus (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2023-08-29 10:52
Information on Tropical Storm Idalia (‘Summary’ page) and the removal of information on the compulsory use of face masks on public transport (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-06-22 10:47
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-01-17 12:29
Updated Cuban customs website and email (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-15 11:18
Updated information on passport validity and changing money (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Money’ pages).
2022-09-28 22:34
Updated information on Hurricane Ian which passed over Cuba on 27 September (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-09-25 16:47
Updated information on Tropical Storm Ian (which is expected to be declared a Hurricane in the next 24 hours) expected to reach Cuba on evening of 26 September (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-07-22 17:43
On 19 July 2022, the Government made face masks “mandatory” again on public transport and in healthcare settings and medical facilities, as well as for people with respiratory symptoms. Using face masks in all other settings is “recommended”. (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-07-07 11:54
Updated information on Coronavirus related measures – guidance and requirement on wearing facemasks moves from mandatory to recommended (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-04-05 16:15
Update to information on COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Entry Requirements’ page)